Is Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) Legal in Vermont? (2026)

ILLEGAL
Confidence: High

No — Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in Vermont as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Possession and use prohibited
Penalty
Civil infraction
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Quick Answer

Vermont law requires vehicles to be operated within a single lane and prohibits lane splitting. 23 V.S.A. § 1043 mandates that motor vehicles, including motorcycles, remain within a single lane except when overtaking or turning.

What the Law Says

Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 23, § 1037 requires vehicles to be driven within a single lane, which prohibits lane splitting.

Vermont Statutes Annotated
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 may result in fines under 23 V.S.A. § 1043.
License Requirements None
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant changes since 2023.

Enforcement Reality

Enforcement of lane splitting laws in Vermont is strict, with officers often citing general traffic safety statutes.

Charge Level
Civil infraction
Enforcement Likelihood
High
Common Triggers
Traffic stop for improper lane usage.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake in Vermont 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 Vermont. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Bottom Line

Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in Vermont. 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.

Vermont 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. Vermont falls in the ILLEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →
EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 23, § 1037 requires vehicles to be driven within a single lane, which prohibits lane splitting.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

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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