Many drivers warn motorcyclists against lane splitting or react negatively when they witness it in person. Motorcyclists in traffic may even be singled out by law enforcement in an attempt to catch them breaching the law in Miami.
Whether you ride a motorcycle or know someone who does, it’s essential to know the laws that surround lane splitting in Florida.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lanesplitting involves riding between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. Motorcyclists who ride between cars when the traffic around them is moving are also said to be lane splitting.
When traffic comes to a halt but motorcyclists continue to move between cars, this is referred to as “filtering.”
Some of the common reasons motorcyclists split lanes are:
- They’re running late
- They’re frustrated with traffic patterns
- They have a smaller size than passenger vehicles
People tend to lump lane splitting and filtering together. In reality, they’re comparable practices.
If traffic stops while you’re traveling, stopping and weaving back into a lane might feel unnecessary. You might feel tempted to alternate between “splitting” and “filtering,” according to your own driving habits and the surrounding traffic patterns.
Is It Safe to Split Lanes in Miami?
When a motorcycle lane splits, they tend not to stay in one lane for long. They often drive between two lanes and weave between cars.
Many drivers consider lane splitting to be dangerous, as the sudden appearance of motorcyclists in a blind spot may trigger an accident. Many bikers, on the other hand, feel that lane splitting is safer than driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, since motorcycles frequently become caught between larger cars while stuck in gridlock.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Miami, FL?
Even though lane splitting is prohibited in Miami, many riders still attempt it. If a police officer does stop you for lane splitting in Miami, you might face a fine of up to $100. Fines may vary based on the county where you’re ticketed.
If you were lane splitting and caused a car accident, you might be held accountable for the resulting damages.
Can Lane Splitting Cause Serious Accidents?
Lane splitting can easily cause motorcycle accidents. Other drivers are often caught off-guard by the act.
Lane splitting is currently prohibited in the state of Florida. Therefore, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries if a motorcyclist used this move and caused an accident.
On the other hand, if you were injured as a motorcyclist when another vehicle encroached on your lane, you may be able to pursue compensation for your own injuries. If you were not lane splitting at the time of the accident, but were hit anyway, it is a good idea to reach out to a personal injury attorney.
After a serious accident, you could be faced with mounting medical bills, lost income from time spent in recovery, and damages to your motorcycle or vehicle. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney can help you to review your legal options and pursue any compensation that you might be eligible to receive.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami motorcycle accident lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer
17295 NE 19th Ave
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 257-9464
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