Lane splitting, passengers and group riding

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the difference between lane splitting and lane filtering.
• You can say whether lane splitting or filtering is allowed where you ride.
• You can prepare yourself, your motorcycle and a passenger for riding two-up.
• You can ride in a staggered group formation and know when to switch to single file.

What you need to know and understand

• Lane splitting means riding between lanes of moving traffic; lane filtering means moving between stopped vehicles, usually at low speed.
• California allows lane splitting, and since July 2025 Minnesota allows it at low traffic speeds.
• Utah, Montana, Arizona and Colorado allow limited lane filtering under set conditions.
• In most other states riding between lanes is illegal.
• Many states bar learner permit holders from carrying passengers.
• Passengers usually need their own seat and footrests; passenger age and equipment rules vary by state.
• Staggered formation is the usual layout for group riding on straight roads.

Splitting versus filtering

California's Vehicle Code defines lane splitting and allows the California Highway Patrol to publish safety guidelines for it. Those guidelines advise riders to keep their speed close to that of surrounding traffic and to avoid splitting when traffic is moving fast.

Minnesota's law, in force since July 2025, allows splitting and filtering only when traffic is moving slowly, with a cap on how much faster the rider may go. Utah, Montana, Arizona and Colorado allow a narrower practice: filtering past stopped or very slow traffic, only under conditions written into each law, such as low speed limits and the rider's own speed. Other states have debated or passed similar laws recently, so check current rules in your state. Where it is not allowed, stay in your lane and wait like any other vehicle.

Carrying a passenger

1. Make sure your license allows passengers; most permits do not.
2. Check that the motorcycle has a passenger seat and footrests, and adjust tire pressure and suspension per the owner's manual.
3. Give your passenger the same protective gear you wear, including a helmet where required.
4. Tell them to mount only when you are ready, hold your waist or the grab handles, keep feet on the footrests and lean with you, not against you.
5. Ride more gently: brake earlier, allow more following distance and expect slower acceleration.

Riding in a group

• Keep groups small, or split a big group into smaller ones.
• Put less experienced riders near the front, behind the leader, and an experienced rider at the back.
• Use a staggered formation on straight roads: the leader on the left of the lane, the next rider on the right, about one second behind.
• Switch to single file in curves, on poor surfaces and when entering or leaving a freeway.
• Never ride side by side in the same part of the lane: there is no room to swerve.

Common mistakes

• Assuming lane splitting is legal everywhere because it is legal in California: in most states it is not.
• Filtering at high speed past moving traffic: where filtering is legal, the conditions are strict.
• Carrying a passenger on a permit: check your permit conditions first.
• Tailgating the rider ahead in a group: keep a safe gap so you can stop.

Test yourself: Lane splitting, passengers and group riding

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.