Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
When you are stopped or slowed in traffic while riding your motorcycle, you may experience a strong temptation to drive between lanes and avoid the congestion. This practice is known as lane splitting, in which a motorcyclist travels down the narrow path separating vehicles. Florida traffic regulations prohibit lane splitting, and the ban on this maneuver was imposed for safety reasons. A motorcycle rider increases the risk of serious crashes by operating the vehicle in what amounts to an unofficial, illegal lane of their own creation.
A motorcyclist could face fines, points on their driving record, an increase in insurance premiums, and many other consequences for lane splitting. In addition, the practice could affect your rights if you were injured in a collision because it could weaken your claim against the at-fault driver. You can overcome challenges with help from a Miami motorcycle accident lawyer, but read on for some important information about lane splitting in Florida.
Specifics of Florida’s Lane Splitting Law
The statute does not use the specific language of lane splitting, but it does forbid motorcycle riders from:
- Overtaking or passing another vehicle in the same lane as the vehicle being passed;
- Riding a motorcycle in between lanes of traffic, including lanes where vehicles are parked in rows; and,
- Operating a motorcycle with more than two riders abreast in a single lane.
The lane-splitting statute does include a provision that protects motorcycle riders, prohibiting other motorists from interfering with your full use of the lane. This means drivers cannot do the equivalent of lane splitting by passing you in the same lane.
Penalties for Violations of Traffic Laws
A violation of Florida’s statute on lane splitting is a noncriminal traffic infraction, so you will not face jail time. However, you could be required to pay fines ranging in the hundreds of dollars, depending on your history of traffic violations. Plus, points will be added to your driving record. If you accumulate too many points through lane splitting and other violations, your driver’s license could be suspended.
Lane Splitting and Legal Consequences
In addition to penalties imposed by the government, there are additional impacts on your rights as the victim of a motorcycle accident. Under Florida’s comparative fault law, your compensation is reduced if your conduct played a role in causing your injuries. By violating the law and engaging in the practice of lane splitting, you may receive less according to the amount of fault attributed to you. You cannot recover any compensation if you are more than half liable.
Our Miami Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Will Assist with Your Claim
Lane splitting and other violations of Florida traffic laws can have a significant impact on your rights, so trust a legal professional to advise you. Gerson & Schwartz, PA, will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation, so please contact our firm at (305) 371-6000 or via our website. We can set up a no-cost case review at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach.
