Driving in Florida, especially on the highway, can be a risky experience. With the large number of tourists on the roads, reckless drivers, and motorcyclists, it’s best to stay alert.
But what if a motorcyclist speeds between you and another car? Is this allowed?
In some states, it’s not unusual for motorcyclists to drive between cars or “lane split,” but in the Sunshine State, this action is illegal.
Florida Statute 316.209 prohibits motorcyclists from lane splitting and states: “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.”
| 2023 Florida Statutes (Including Special Session C) | |
| Title XXIII MOTOR VEHICLESChapter 316 STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROLView Full Chapter316.209 Operation of motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. —(1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.(2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.(3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.(4) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.(5) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to police officers or firefighters in the performance of their official duties.(6) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.History. – s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 165, ch. 99-248; s. 1, ch. 2003-92.Note. — Former s. 316.109. |
Click Orlando’s traffic safety expert and former Florida Highway Patrol trooper, Steve Montiero, said that no motorcyclist can “lane split in any way unless directed to do so by a police officer.”
However, motorcyclists in California are allowed to drive between vehicles as long as they do not exceed the speed limit.
Any motorcyclist caught lane splitting in Florida can be fined and cited for careless or reckless driving. If the motorcyclist is involved in an accident, the rider may also be liable for any injuries or damages caused, according to the statute.
Image: Wfla
