# Is Lane Splitting Legal in Texas? | Attorney Brian White ![Is Lane Splitting Legal in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Is-Lane-Splitting-Legal-in-Texas-300x200.jpg) “Lane splitting” is the action of [driving a motorcycle](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/) in between lanes on at least a two-lane highway or urban road. Lane splitting, or lane filtering, has been a long-standing practice by many motorcyclists in [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/), [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). Those for [lane splitting](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/lane-splitting/) as a legal driving technique believe it increases the safety of motorcyclists by preventing rear-end collisions. They also vouch for its ability to reduce traffic congestion on Houston’s busy highways. Those against the method say it’s dangerous for the rider and other motor vehicle drivers. The laws in the Lone Star State don’t technically fall on either side of the argument, leaving many confused about its legality. ## Texas Transportation Code Section 545.060 The [law in Texas](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm) does not directly address lane-splitting one way or the other. One section called “Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic” simply states that vehicle operators (including motorcyclists) must “drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane.” The law states that motorists may only move from the lane when it’s safe to do so. Several other roadway statutes may come into play when considering lane splitting. Signaling, yielding right of way, and obeying other rules may all enter the discussion about lane splitting’s legality in Texas. Texas law considers motorcycles the same as motor vehicles. This presents an issue with lane splitting since typical passenger cars cannot engage in this practice. Many motorcycle enthusiasts and some lawmakers believe that since lane splitting is a unique opportunity to only motorcyclists, there should be exceptions made for these smaller vehicles. So far, however, the state of California is the only one to have passed official laws legalizing lane splitting, within certain limitations. In California, lane-splitting motorcyclists may not surpass speeds of 15 miles per hour faster than surrounding traffic. The law prohibits lane splitting at speeds over 50 miles per hour in the state. If Texas was to take California’s law as an example, Texans could expect similar lane-splitting regulations such as [speed limitations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-many-mph-can-i-go-above-the-speed-limit-in-houston-tx/). There are currently two bills in front of the Texas State Senate regarding lane splitting. As of today, no laws have passed that specifically make lane-splitting legal. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Penalties for Lane Splitting in Texas If caught driving between lanes on Texas roadways, motorcyclists could face traffic penalties and fines. Texas law currently does not permit lane splitting in any form. Therefore, motorcyclists who engage in this practice are guilty of illegal passing. Police may issue traffic tickets for illegal passing and add penalties for reckless driving and other broken laws depending on the circumstances. If a motorcyclist gets into an [accident while lane splitting](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-after-a-lane-splitting-accident/), he or she may face liability for subsequent damages. The other party involved could allege that the motorcyclist was guilty of negligence for breaking Texas’ roadway laws. Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, meaning that the plaintiff may still recover if he/she was partially responsible for the crash. A motorcyclist could receive a reduced compensation award if the courts assign him/her a percentage of fault for lane splitting. If the motorcyclist’s share of fault is more than 51%, he/she loses the opportunity to recover anything. Until and if [Texas legalizes lane splitting](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/is-lane-splitting-filtering-legal-in-texas/), motorcyclists will be better off staying inside their lanes. ## Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. As a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Brian represents clients throughout Houston in cases involving [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), [truck accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), [motorcycle accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), [brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and more. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives across Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BrianWhiteLawFirm/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Motorcycle Accidents Blog Posts: [![Motorcycle Parking Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Motorcycle-Parking-Laws-in-Texas-1-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-parking-laws-in-texas/) [Motorcycle Parking Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-parking-laws-in-texas/) Texas, as the second largest state in the country, offers miles and miles of road for motorcycle riders to enjoy. It [![Motorcycle Roadway Hazards](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Motorcycle-Roadway-Hazards-300x188.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-roadway-hazards/) [Motorcycle Roadway Hazards](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-roadway-hazards/) Every day, Texas roadways carry residents and visitors across our great state. In fact, Texas has more than 683,000 [![The Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/The-Most-Common-Motorcycle-Crash-Injuries-300x197.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-common-motorcycle-crash-injuries/) [The Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-common-motorcycle-crash-injuries/) It is no secret that motorcycles carry an elevated risk of crashes and injuries. Because motorcycles are not equipped [![Houston Citywide Electric Scooter Curfew](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Houston-Citywide-Electric-Scooter-Curfew-300x225.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-citywide-electric-scooter-curfew/) [Houston Citywide Electric Scooter Curfew](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-citywide-electric-scooter-curfew/) Recently, the Houston City Council voted unanimously to implement a citywide curfew on electric scooters and other --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-texas/