If you ride a motorcycle in Atlanta, you know how frustrating the traffic can be. You may be tempted to ride between cars to avoid traffic or get to the front of a red light. This is a practice known as lane splitting, which is illegal in Georgia.
Then, there’s lane filtering, where you move slowly between stopped cars. You might think it is different enough to be legal. However, the state does not see it that way.
Georgia law bans riding between lanes
State policy treats lane splitting and lane filtering as the exact same illegal action. Under Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 40-6-312, you cannot travel between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows of vehicles. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) reiterates this specific rule regularly.
You have the right to use a full traffic lane, and you and another rider can travel side by side in a single lane. However, you cannot pass a car within that same lane because the law requires you to stay behind or in front of other vehicles.
Traveling between cars is a safety and insurance risk
Splitting or filtering through traffic places you at serious safety risks. A driver unaware of your presence may suddenly veer towards your direction or open a door, pinning you between vehicles.
Furthermore, traveling between rows of cars can complicate your case if a crash occurs. An insurance provider or another driver may argue that your lane position caused the crash, which might lower your chances of recovering damages.
Georgia riders must follow standard lane rules
Treat lane splitting and filtering as off-limits. As much as possible, stay within your full lane and use standard lane changing to pass other cars. Knowing these rules may become vital if you get a ticket or experience a collision. The traffic patterns, your lane position and the official police report often influence your available legal options.