PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM) — We all have at least one family member or a friend who enjoys exploring the open road on their motorcycle. With spring in full swing, some riders may be tempted to engage in ‘Lane Splitting’.

So what is lane splitting and is it legal in the state of Pennsylvania?

Lane Splitting: legal or illegal?

According to KGB Injury Law, lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives in between two vehicles on the road while following the white dotted lines between two lanes. This maneuver is used to pass another slow-moving or stopped vehicle, whether it be caused by a traffic jam or a stop light.

Though legal in states such as California, the act of Lane Splitting is illegal in Pennsylvania and is also outlawed in 38 other states.

Even though lane splitting is illegal here in the Keystone state, motorcyclists are still legally allowed to ‘lane share’, which is when two motorcyclists ride side by side while they are in the same lane of traffic.

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Staying safe while on the ‘Hog’

According to PennDOT, there are nearly 850,000 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania. Back in 2022, there were 3,475 accidents involving motorcyclists and there were 217 occupant fatalities, which decreased from 226 deaths in 2021.

If you are a motorcyclist, PennDOT provides the several tips so that you can stay safe while riding on the open road:

• Be sure to wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet, face or eye protection, as well as protective clothing.

• Know your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check before hitting the road.

• Wear reflective clothing and put reflective tape on your riding gear and your motorcycle.

• Use common sense by riding sober, obey all speed limits, and allow enough time to react to dangerous situations.

• Practice safe-riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle in various road and weather conditions. Things such as potholes, gravel, and wet or slippery surfaces are major hazards for motorcyclists.

• Consider attending free training at PennDOT’s Motorcycle Safety Program.

• During spring riding, be cautious of gravel buildup from winter road maintenance on the edges of roadways and near the intersections. Riders are able to report hazardous conditions due to gravel along the road by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

Although it is important for motorcyclists to know all the ways to stay safe while cruising down the road, it is equally as important for motorists to know how to share the road with motorcycles.

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PennDOT recommends motorists follow these safety tips to keep themselves and motorcyclists safe:

• Be on the lookout for motorcyclists. Check your mirrors and blind spots at intersections and before changing lanes.

• Allow more following distance when riding behind a motorcycle. PennDOT says leave at least four seconds while following a motorcycle on the road.

• Always signal before changing lanes or before merging with traffic.

• Respect motorcycles as much as you do a full-sized vehicle on the roadway. Allow a motorcycle a fill lane width so that the rider is able to maneuver safely in all types of roadway conditions.

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