If you ride a motorcycle in the Tri-State Area, you’ve probably been stuck in traffic and thought about riding between cars to get through. This maneuver is known as lane splitting, and while it may be common in other parts of the country, it’s a different story in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
In this post, we break down whether lane splitting is legal in each state and what you need to know to stay safe and avoid tickets.
Lane Splitting in New York: Illegal
In New York State, lane splitting is strictly prohibited. This applies whether you’re riding in New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or anywhere else in the state.
Even if traffic is completely stopped, it is illegal to ride between lanes or overtake cars in the same lane.
Relevant law: New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1252 specifically states that motorcycles are not allowed to pass within the same lane or between lanes of traffic.
Bottom line: Lane splitting in NYC or anywhere in NY can result in fines, points on your license, and serious safety risks.
Lane Splitting in New Jersey: Also Illegal
In New Jersey, lane splitting is not permitted. While the state’s laws don’t explicitly mention “lane splitting” by name, they require motorcycles to obey the same lane rules as other vehicles.
This applies on busy roads like the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and in cities such as Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken.
Police officers in NJ may cite lane splitting under general unsafe driving or improper passing violations.
Bottom line: Don’t try lane splitting in New Jersey, even if traffic is at a standstill. It’s not legal and could lead to citations or worse.
Lane Splitting in Connecticut: Not Legal
Connecticut does not currently allow lane splitting either. While there’s no direct law banning it, state law treats it as unsafe and illegal.
Whether you’re riding in Stamford, New Haven, Hartford, or on I-95, motorcyclists are expected to remain in their own lane at all times.
Law enforcement can issue tickets under existing safety and passing laws if you’re caught weaving between cars.
Bottom line: Lane splitting is not recognized or protected in Connecticut. Riding between vehicles can be considered reckless.
What About Filtering or Lane Sharing?
Some riders ask about filtering (moving to the front of traffic at a red light) or lane sharing with other motorcycles. These practices are also not explicitly allowed in NY, NJ, or CT.
Unless you’re riding side-by-side with another motorcycle in the same lane — which is allowed — any attempt to pass between vehicles or ride the white lines could land you in legal trouble.
Why Lane Splitting Isn’t Worth It in the Tri-State Area
While California is currently the only state that allows lane splitting statewide, it’s still illegal in the entire Tri-State Area. It might seem tempting when you’re stuck in traffic on the BQE, FDR Drive, Route 17, or Merritt Parkway, but the consequences are real.
Besides the risk of tickets and insurance hikes, riding between lanes is dangerous on roads where drivers don’t expect it and aren’t trained to watch for it.
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