Is lane splitting legal in Washington state? See road rules for motorcycles
You’re driving down the highway in Washington state when a motorcycle suddenly zips past you.
The motorcyclist heads for the nearest exit, threading a path between lines of cars to avoid traffic.
This practice, known as lane splitting, is legal in some states. What about Washington state?
Here’s what to know:
How does lane splitting work on roads?
“Lane splitting involves motorcyclists riding down the white center line of two lanes of traffic going in the same direction, basically creating their own center lane where one does not exist,” Washington Injury Law said on its website.
Doing so can help motorcyclists “avoid road hazards” and “maintain the best possible view of the road,” according to the law firm, which has offices in Tacoma, Seattle and Renton.
In addition, lane splitting can “potentially reduce traffic congestion and decrease a motorcyclist’s risk of being rear-ended in heavy traffic,” The Jones Firm in Bellevue said.
Motorcyclists also engage in lane weaving, “riding between stationary cars in order to get into a safer or better position at the front of stopped traffic, usually at a stoplight,” Washington Injury Law said.
The act of “travelling between rows of vehicles that are stopped at red lights” is also known as lane filtering, according to Russell & Hill Attorneys at Law in Everett.
In 2015, UC Berkeley researchers found that lane-splitting motorcyclists are less likely experience head injuries or die when involved in traffic collisions.
Is lane splitting legal in Washington state?
Although lane splitting is legal in California, it’s against the law in Washington state.
It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle “between lanes of traffic or ... adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” according to the Revised Code of Washington.
In addition, motorcyclists aren’t allowed to “overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken,” state law says.
They can, however, pass pedestrians or bicyclists while maintaining a safe distance of at least 3 feet.
What’s the penalty for lane splitting?
In Washington state, lane splitting is a traffic infraction punishable by fines of up to $136, according to Russell & Hill Attorneys.
If you’re caught driving recklessly, you could face stronger penalties, the law firm said.
“Lawmakers and the Washington State Patrol argue (lane splitting is) simply too risky for accident prevention, thanks to unpredictable driver behavior, narrow lanes and our unpredictable weather,” Martin Law Group, a Bellevue law firm, said. “Violating this law puts you at risk for costly tickets — or far worse, a life-altering accident.”
Can motorcyclists share a lane in Washington state?
In Washington state, motorcyclists are allowed to ride side by side.
“Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane,” the Revised Code of Washington says.
Motorcyclists can also use high-vehicle occupancy lanes in Washington state, as long as they meet occupancy requirements, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Carpool lanes are “designed to maximize the movement of people and encourage commuters to use transit or travel together to save time, reduce traffic volumes and congestion,’ the state Transportation Department said.
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Is lane splitting legal in Washington state? See road rules for motorcycles."