Is Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) Legal in New York? (2026)
No — Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in New York as of 2026.
Quick Answer
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1123 prohibits motorcycles from passing between lanes of traffic. Lane splitting is not permitted and is treated as an unsafe driving practice.
What the Law Says
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1252 prohibits motorcyclists from riding between lanes of traffic.
— New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1123
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lane Splitting Rules | No specific rules related to lane splitting. |
| Lane Filtering Rules | No specific rules related to lane splitting. |
| Traffic Penalties | Violations can result in fines and points on the motorcycle operator's license. |
| License Requirements | None |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
No significant changes since 2023.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement of lane splitting laws in New York is strict, with officers often citing general traffic safety statutes.
A common mistake in New York 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 New York. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in New York. 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.
New York 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. New York 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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