In some states, motorcyclists can navigate around traffic using a technique known as lane splitting. Motorcyclists accomplish lane splitting by driving in the gaps between cars during heavy traffic. It is also known as white lining, stripe riding, lane sharing, or filtering. While many motorcyclists lane split throughout the nation, you might be surprised to find out that the only state that has legalized the practice is California. In 2013, Nevada proposed legislation that would legalize lane splitting. It did not pass.
Lane Splitting Laws in Nevada
Lane splitting is illegal in Nevada. In Nevada, two motorcycles can share one lane. The only laws regarding lane splitting state that vehicles may only move within a single marked lane and leave them only when it is safe. This protects motorcycle riders. Since motorcycles slip by large moving vehicles while lane splitting, traffic officials consider this maneuver unsafe under the current driving laws.
Currently, Nevada gives lane splitters a $190 fine. You could even lose your motorcycle license through repeated violations. However, lane splitting remains widespread in Las Vegas during rush hour traffic near the strip.
The Risks of Lane Splitting
Even if it is legal, lane splitting can be a dangerous practice. A serious motorcycle accident may occur if a car changes lanes in front of a lane-splitting motorcycle without warning. Even if a motorcycle is only traveling at speeds below 20 miles per hour, a motorcyclist's lack of protection could make for a severe accident.
Multiple parties could be liable depending on the situation when a lane-splitting accident occurs. First, the driver of the car that pulled into the motorcycle's path should have prevented the accident by checking if a lane change would be safe. Even if lane splitting is not legal, motorists are responsible for making sure their lane changes are safe. Additionally, motorcyclists might be responsible for an accident if they fail to operate their vehicle safely. While a motorcyclist could receive a fine for causing an accident by lane splitting, the other vehicle may also be partly responsible for the accident. If you've been in a lane splitting accident, call the firm that has won significant settlements for clients. Our attorneys are ready to provide a free consultation when you call (702) 623-3579.
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Chasen Cohan, Esq. is the founder of Cohan PLLC. Mr. Cohan is a licensed attorney who also possesses FINRA Series 7 (Registered Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform State Representative) licenses, state insurance licenses, and State Securities Registrations in Nevada, Missouri, and North Carolina. Mr. Cohan is admitted to practice law before the Nevada Bar, all Nevada State and Federal Courts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Mr. Cohan’s representative clients have included: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Sam’s West, Inc., MGM Grand Resorts International, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Corp., The Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The Mirage Casino-Hotel, South Point Hotel & Casino, American Express, Barclays, US Bank, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and various life insurance companies and service providers.
Mr. Cohan is a Las Vegas native who graduated with honors from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Mr. Cohan received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. During law school, Mr. Cohan served as a clerk for the Office of the Texas Attorney General and a Judicial Extern for United States District Court Judge James R. Nowlin.
Clients from global brands and middle-market companies to innovative startups and individuals trust Cohan PLLC to resolve their trickiest legal disputes. Whether that’s litigation in state or federal trial and appellate courts in Nevada; investigations and enforcement actions before government agencies; or mediation, arbitration, and regulatory agency proceedings. Cohan PLLC has litigated hundreds of millions in dollars of claims on behalf of corporate litigants. As a result of this experience, Cohan PLLC has been afforded the opportunity to selectively act as Plaintiff’s counsel on complex, personal injury matters.