RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia State Police is warning motorcyclists in the commonwealth that the practice of “lane-splitting” is not only illegal, but dangerous to both them and other drivers.
According to a Virginia State Police spokesperson, the practices of “lane splitting” and “lane filtering” are both illegal in the Commonwealth, with motorcyclists who get caught lane splitting likely being subject to reckless driving charges.
The department defines lane splitting as when motorcyclists use the white lines that divide lanes to move between cars in slow-moving or stopped traffic. Lane filtering is when motorcyclists frequently switch lanes in slow or stopped traffic to move ahead of other motorists.
The department says these practices pose risks to both motorcyclists and drivers. While lane splitting, a motorcyclist could hit a car’s mirror, leading to a crash. Also, a driver could suddenly try to change lanes, striking a motorcyclist if they are too close.
Additionally, if traffic is completely stopped, a driver could open their door to get out of their car, which a motorcyclist could run into, causing injury.