Motorcycles are small and efficient, which allows them to maneuver in some ways that larger vehicles cannot. In some cases, motorcycle riders can make choices in traffic that appear questionable or even illegal to others.
Indiana does not allow riders to engage in lane splitting or lane filtering. Both of these practices involve a motorcycle sharing a single lane with a larger vehicle. Typically, only one vehicle can occupy a lane at any given time. When two or more riders are out together, however, they may ride side by side in one lane legally. Some people refer to this as riding two abreast.
Are motorcycle operators at risk of traffic tickets or claims of partial fault after a crash if they ride side-by-side – in one lane – in traffic?
The law allows side-by-side riding
State statutes clearly state that motorcycle operators have the right to fully occupy a lane without another vehicle infringing on their space. However, the law also recognizes the potential benefits of allowing for side-by-side riding or lane sharing.
Riders can share lanes with one another whenever they can do so safely. Riding side by side makes motorcycles more readily visible to others in traffic. There is also another person nearby to assist if a collision occurs, as well as a witness who can validate what actually occurred prior to a crash.
Motorcycle riders can share a lane with one another without worrying about traffic citations or a driver who causes a crash blaming them for sharing a lane. A claim of partial fault could reduce the compensation awarded by the courts if a rider must file a lawsuit to cover crash expenses.
If a crash does occur, motorcycle riders often need help pursuing compensation. Reviewing motorcycle crash circumstances with an attorney can help injured riders understand their rights.
