Is Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) Legal in Louisiana? (2026)
No — Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in Louisiana as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:81 prohibits motorcycles from lane splitting or lane sharing. Motorcycles must remain in a single lane and may not pass between lanes of traffic.
What the Law Says
Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:191.1 prohibits lane splitting, stating that the operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
— Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:81
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lane Splitting Rules | No specific rules related to lane splitting possession. |
| Lane Filtering Rules | No specific rules related to lane splitting sale or purchase. |
| Traffic Penalties | Violations are punishable by fines and may be considered a moving violation. |
| License Requirements | None |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
No significant changes since 2023.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement of lane splitting laws in Louisiana is strict, with officers often citing general traffic safety statutes.
A common mistake in Louisiana is riders assuming that filtering in slow or stopped traffic is permissible, which is generally not the case.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Louisiana. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in Louisiana. This activity can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.
Louisiana vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, lane splitting on a motorcycle is fully legal in 1 states, restricted in 3, and illegal in 46. Louisiana falls in the ILLEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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