Is lane splitting legal in NYC?

In New York City, lane splitting—riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles—is strictly prohibited. This is a common maneuver used by motorcyclists everywhere, however, it is illegal in New York.

According to New York Vehicle & Traffic Law (VTL) § 1252:

• Motorcyclists cannot pass other vehicles while sharing the same lane.
• Riding more than two motorcycles side by side in a single lane is not allowed.

Lane splitting poses significant safety risks, particularly in high-speed traffic. It can also infringe on other vehicles’ right to full use of their lane, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Why Lane Splitting is Illegal in New York

Lane splitting poses significant safety risks, particularly in high-speed traffic. It can also infringe on other vehicles’ right to full use of their lane, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

New York isn’t the only place on the East Coast, or in the country, to outlaw lane splitting. As a matter of fact, lane splitting is illegal in every state, except California. It is an incredibly dangerous practice that can lead to serious accidents. Lane splitting is illegal in New York because of the following dangers:

• A driver changes lanes into a motorcycle who is lane splitting and operating in the vehicle’s blind spot
• Another driver does not see or does not expect to see a motorcyclist in the middle of a lane
• A driver changes lanes in front of a motorcyclist who is lane splitting, which can lead to a crash

Common Injuries Caused by Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is such a dangerous practice because of the additional risks it places on the motorcyclist. The most common injuries caused by lane splitting motorcycle accidents in NY include the following:

• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputation
• Death

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcycle safety is critical for riders to enjoy the open road and avoid accidents and injuries whenever possible. Below are important tips for a safe motorcycle journey.

Wear protective gear – Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, protective eyewear, gloves, sturdy jacket, pants, and boots. This gear provides crucial protection in case of a fall or collision.

Perform pre-ride checks – Ensure your motorcycle is in good working condition. Check tire pressure, brakes, lights, and fluid levels before hitting the road.

Stay visible – Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to enhance visibility, especially in low light conditions. Use your motorcycle’s lights, and consider adding reflective tape to increase visibility.

Obey traffic laws – Adhere to speed limits, follow traffic signals, and obey all traffic rules. Respect other road users to ensure a safe and harmonious travel experience.

Stay sober – Never operate a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired riding significantly increases the risk of accidents.

Maintain safe following distances – Keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead. Motorcycles have shorter stopping distances, so allow ample space to react to sudden stops.

Be mindful of road conditions – Watch for hazards like potholes, gravel, wet leaves, and uneven surfaces. These can be particularly treacherous for motorcycles.

Stay alert and focused – Avoid distractions and stay vigilant. Constantly scan the road for potential hazards, and be aware of your surroundings.

New York Helmet Laws in 2023

In New York, motorcycle safety is taken seriously, and one of the key aspects of ensuring rider safety is through helmet laws. Wearing a helmet is not just highly recommended, it is also the law. As of 2023, New York has implemented stricter helmet laws to further protect riders and reduce the risk of severe head injuries in motorcycle accidents.

Under the updated helmet laws, all motorcycle riders, regardless of age or experience, are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet. This means that every rider must wear a helmet that meets the safety standards set by the Department of Transportation. These helmets are designed and tested to provide optimum protection in the event of an accident.

Failure to comply with the helmet law can result in hefty fines, as well as potential consequences in the event of an accident. If a motorcyclist is involved in a crash and found to be not wearing a helmet, it can impact their ability to recover compensation for their injuries. In such cases, insurance companies may argue that the rider’s negligence in not wearing a helmet contributed to the severity of their injuries.

Understand that wearing a helmet is not just a legal requirement, but it is also a crucial safety measure. Regardless of your riding skills or experience, accidents can happen unexpectedly and having a helmet on can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries.

Wearing a helmet not only protects the rider’s head, but it also improves their visibility on the road by providing a clear line of sight. Additionally, helmets offer protection against debris, wind, and other elements that can be distracting and potentially hazardous while riding.

The updated helmet laws in New York emphasize the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Wearing a DOT-approved helmet not only keeps you in compliance with the law but also provides vital protection in the event of an accident. As a responsible rider, it is essential to prioritize your safety by wearing a helmet and ensuring it meets the necessary safety standards. When it comes to motorcycle safety, don’t compromise – protect yourself, protect your head, and wear a helmet.

Motorcycle Helmets Do Not Always Prevent Head Injuries

Motorcycle helmets are a crucial safety gear for riders, but always understand their limitations. While helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, they do not guarantee complete protection. Factors such as the severity of the impact, the speed of the collision, and the type of accident can still result in head injuries, even when wearing a helmet.

Helmets are designed to absorb and redistribute the impact of a crash, reducing the force exerted on the skull and brain. However, they cannot completely eliminate the risk of head trauma. In some cases, the impact may be too severe for the helmet to fully mitigate the injury.

At The Barnes Firm, our team of skilled attorneys is committed to providing legal guidance and support to motorcycle accident victims with head injuries. Even with a helmet, you might have a serious injury claim, and we’re ready to help.

Call a New York Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, you deserve to be compensated for your losses if the crash was caused by someone else. Our team of motorcycle accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm will hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries. Call our office today at (800) 800-0000 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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