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- Lane splitting is illegal in Tennessee, unlike some states where it is permitted under specific conditions.
- Lane filtering—moving between stopped vehicles—is also prohibited, while lane sharing—two motorcycles riding side-by-side in one lane—is allowed under state law.
- Violating Tennessee’s motorcycle traffic laws can result in fines, license points, or reckless driving charges.
- Riding between lanes can complicate accident claims due to Tennessee’s comparative fault system, potentially reducing compensation.
- NST Law offers experienced legal support and representation for motorcycle accident victims in Tennessee, pushing for maximum recovery.
A motorcyclist may be tempted to ride between lanes of slow-moving traffic to beat congestion. But is lane splitting legal in Tennessee? The answer is no. Tennessee law prohibits riding a motorcycle between lanes, regardless of traffic conditions.
Whether you are riding a motorcycle or driving a car, all motorists should know the traffic laws in Tennessee. If you’ve sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, the skilled Memphis personal injury lawyers at NST Law are here to help you understand the implications of these laws when seeking compensation.
Understanding Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering vs. Lane Sharing
Motorists in Tennessee often confuse lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. Each term represents distinct motorcycle maneuvers with different legal consequences under Tennessee law.
Lane Splitting
Splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, typically at higher speeds. This practice is illegal in Tennessee due to safety concerns related to close vehicle proximity and reaction times. It is considered dangerous because of the increased risk of accidents.
Lane Filtering
This involves a motorcyclist moving between stationary cars, usually at intersections, to position themselves at the front of the line of traffic. While this maneuver is allowed in some states, lane filtering is illegal in Tennessee. Riders caught filtering may face the same penalties as those caught splitting lanes.
Lane Sharing
Lane sharing occurs when two motorcycles ride side-by-side in the same lane. It differs from other practices as it doesn’t involve riding between stationary or moving vehicles. Unlike lane filtering and splitting, Tennessee law permits lane sharing, but only two motorcycles can share a lane at a time.
Lane filtering and splitting in Tennessee can result in penalties, while lane sharing offers a lawful alternative for riders.
Tennessee Lane Splitting Laws
Tennessee has clear motorcycle traffic laws regarding lane usage. Under Tennessee Code § 55-8-182, motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle shall deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane.
More importantly, the law explicitly states that motorcycles cannot pass vehicles in the same lane and cannot operate between traffic lanes or between adjacent rows of vehicles. These provisions make lane splitting illegal in Tennessee. However, under Tennessee law, lane sharing is legal as long as no more than two motorcycles ride abreast in a single lane.
Penalties for Lane Splitting in Tennessee
Violating traffic laws in Tennessee can result in serious penalties. If caught lane splitting in Tennessee, motorcyclists may face:
- Fines and court costs: Officers can issue citations for improper lane usage, which typically results in fines plus court costs.
- Points on your driver’s license: Under Tennessee’s point system, riding between lanes can add points to your driver’s license, which may lead to higher insurance premiums. Accumulating too many points may also lead to license suspension.
- Reckless driving charges: In some cases, weaving through traffic can be classified as reckless driving, which carries harsher penalties, including higher fines and potential jail time.
Given these potential penalties, motorcyclists should follow Tennessee’s traffic laws and avoid riding between lanes, regardless of traffic conditions.
How Lane Splitting Affects Motorcycle Accident Claims in TN
Tennessee’s modified comparative fault system may apply if a motorcyclist crashes while lane filtering or splitting. Tennessee’s comparative fault rules reduce compensation based on the rider’s share of fault, and if a motorcyclist is 50% or more at fault, Tennessee’s comparative fault rules would bar them from recovery entirely.
Comparative fault rules can complicate accident claims as insurers often argue that motorcyclists are partly responsible for accidents as a tactic to minimize compensation. For instance, a motorcyclist who illegally rides between lanes at the time of an accident might be deemed partially at fault. If damages total $50,000 and the motorcyclist is assigned 30% fault, their award would drop to $35,000.
What To Do If You’re in a Lane Splitting Accident in Tennessee
Act swiftly to protect your rights if you’re a motorcyclist or car driver involved in a lane splitting accident in Tennessee. Common steps to take include:
For Motorcyclists
- Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor. The symptoms of some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may take time to manifest. Medical treatment also creates a record that can strengthen your claim later.
- Document everything at the scene by taking photos of vehicle positions, damage, and road conditions, collecting contact information from witnesses, and noting any relevant traffic or road factors.
- Be careful what you say to others at the scene or to insurance adjusters. Avoid admitting fault or discussing details of the accident.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Even though riding between lanes is illegal, other factors may have led to the crash, and you may still be entitled to partial compensation. A lawyer can build a case to maximize your recovery under Tennessee’s fault rules.
For Car Drivers
- Prioritize safety by moving to a safe location, if possible, and checking for injuries. If the accident occurs on a busy road, turn on your emergency flashers and use cones or flares to alert other drivers.
- Document the accident scene thoroughly, taking photos showing the motorcycle’s position relative to traffic lanes, noting if the motorcycle was between lanes when the collision occurred, and gathering witness statements about the motorcycle’s movements.
- Report the accident to the police and your insurance company. A police report provides an official account that can support your version of events in a claim.
- Consult with an attorney who handles motor vehicle accidents. Even though the motorcyclist was lane filtering or splitting, Tennessee’s comparative negligence laws require a detailed examination of all factors that contributed to the accident.
Whether you’re a motorcyclist who made a mistake or a car driver injured in an accident, seek legal guidance as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand Tennessee’s comparative fault system and uninsured motorist laws, protecting your rights and interests throughout the claims process.
At NST Law, our team of skilled attorneys brings over 30 years of experience handling motorcycle and car accident cases throughout Tennessee. We understand how Tennessee lane splitting laws affect accident claims and can help determine your eligibility for compensation.
Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so act quickly to avoid the consequences of missing the deadline to file your claim.
Contact Our Tennessee Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Today!
Our skilled attorneys are passionate about our clients and the communities we serve. We base our approach on six pillars (compassionate care, accessibility, resourcefulness, trust and transparency, personalized care, and maximized pursuit), making sure every client receives the attention and representation they deserve.
Don’t just take our word for it—read our client reviews. We have recovered over $2 billion in judgments, verdicts, and settlements on behalf of thousands of injured clients and their loved ones.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash or other accident, Contact us at 800-529-4004 to schedule your free consultation. We have seasoned personal injury lawyers at our locations in Memphis and throughout Tennessee, and we are ready to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
