Is Lane Splitting Legal in CT?
s lane splitting legal in Connecticut? Learn what Connecticut law says, who may be at fault in a motorcycle accident, and your legal rights.
September 24, 2022
By McCoy & McCoy
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2022 and was updated in July 2026 to reflect current Connecticut motorcycle laws, recent legislative developments, and the latest information on lane splitting, liability, and riders’ legal rights.
Slow-moving traffic can be incredibly frustrating for Connecticut motorists. Those on motorcycles, in particular, hate getting stuck in traffic, as they appear to have plenty of space to move between cars and make progress towards their end destination. However, in Connecticut, lane splitting remains illegal. Understanding the law can help riders avoid citations and protect their rights if they’re involved in a motorcycle accident.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. It is most commonly seen during traffic jams or slow-moving highway traffic.
Many people confuse lane splitting with:
Lane filtering
Lane sharing
Shoulder riding
Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different riding behaviors and may be treated differently under state law.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Connecticut?
No. Lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut.
Connecticut law generally requires motorcycles to remain within a single lane of traffic. Riders may not pass between vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes or use the space between lanes as a travel lane.
Violating Connecticut’s motorcycle traffic laws may result in a traffic citation and can complicate a motorcycle accident claim if the rider’s actions contributed to the crash.
Connecticut Motorcycle Law Explained
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-289b, motorcycle operators are entitled to the full use of a single traffic lane, meaning other vehicles should not crowd or share that lane with a motorcycle.
The law also limits how motorcycles may share the roadway. While two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in the same lane, a motorcycle cannot pass another vehicle by squeezing through the space between lanes or by overtaking a vehicle within the same lane. These rules are designed to promote predictable traffic patterns and reduce the risk of collisions caused by sudden lane changes or limited visibility. Riders should familiarize themselves with other Connecticut motorcycle laws that may affect their rights after an accident.
What Does This Mean for Motorcycle Riders?
For Connecticut motorcyclists, the safest and most legally sound approach is to stay within your designated lane, even when traffic comes to a stop. While it may seem tempting to ride between rows of vehicles to avoid congestion, doing so can increase the risk of a collision and may result in a traffic citation.
Why Is Lane Splitting Illegal in Connecticut?
Connecticut lawmakers have prohibited lane splitting because it can increase the risk of collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles. Many drivers do not expect a motorcycle to travel between lanes of traffic, especially when vehicles are stopped or moving slowly. As a result, a driver may change lanes, open a door, or move unexpectedly without seeing a nearby rider.
Some of the safety concerns associated with lane splitting include:
Drivers changing lanes without noticing a motorcycle.
Limited space between vehicles, leaving riders with little room to avoid a collision.
Blind spots that make motorcycles difficult for drivers to see.
Sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
Reduced reaction time for both riders and motorists.
Although some states have legalized lane splitting or lane filtering under limited conditions, Connecticut has chosen not to allow the practice. Lawmakers have introduced bills to permit certain forms of lane splitting in recent years, but none have been enacted into law. As a result, motorcyclists must continue to follow the state’s current traffic laws.
Who is at Fault in a Lane Splitting Accident?
There is no automatic answer to who is at fault in a lane splitting accident. Liability depends on the specific facts of the crash, the actions of each driver, and the available evidence.
If a motorcyclist was illegally lane splitting at the time of the collision, that fact may be considered when determining fault. However, it does not automatically prevent the rider from recovering compensation. Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means more than one party can share responsibility for an accident.
For example, a motorcyclist may have been riding between lanes, but a driver could still be negligent if they:
Changed lanes without signaling or checking their blind spot.
Made an unsafe or abrupt lane change.
Was distracted by a cell phone or other device.
Was speeding or driving aggressively.
Failed to yield when required.
Insurance companies will often review evidence such as the police report, witness statements, photographs, dashcam footage, surveillance video, and vehicle damage to determine how the crash occurred. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help gather and preserve this evidence while protecting your rights throughout the claims process.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important not to assume you’re at fault simply because lane splitting was involved. Every collision is unique, and a thorough investigation is often necessary to determine who is legally responsible.
Contact a CT Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a Connecticut motorcycle accident, don’t assume you cannot recover compensation simply because questions have been raised about lane splitting or another traffic violation. The experienced Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyers at McCoy & McCoy can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Talk To an Attorney Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lane filtering legal in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut law does not currently allow lane filtering, which involves a motorcycle moving between stopped vehicles at traffic lights or in congested traffic.
Can two motorcycles ride next to each other in the same lane?
Yes. Connecticut law allows two motorcycles to ride abreast in a single lane when it is safe to do so.
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