
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Washington State?
Navigating the Gray Area for Motorcyclists For motorcycle riders in Washington State, navigating congested traffic can be a frustrating experience. Lane splitting, the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, emerges as a tempting time-saving strategy. Riders often wonder where lane splitting is legal, as laws differ widely by state. But is lane splitting legal in Washington? The answer, unlike lane-splitting regulations in some other states, is a bit more nuanced and requires a deeper understanding of local traffic laws and safety concerns. Understanding Lane Splitting Before delving into the legality of lane splitting in Washington, it’s essential to clarify what exactly lane splitting entails. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. This practice is often confused with lane filtering, which involves motorcycles moving between stationary vehicles, typically at intersections or in stop-and-go traffic. Lane