When it comes to navigating New Mexico’s sunny open roads, it’s crucial to know the rules and regulations to ensure both safety and legality.
Unfortunately, based on 2021 crash data from the University of New Mexico, motorcycle accidents accounted for 13.1% of fatal road accidents. On an average day, a motorcycle was involved in a crash every nine hours.
One question that often arises among motorcyclists regarding safe riding practices is whether lane splitting is permitted. Lane splitting is a contentious issue in many states, with laws varying widely across the country.
In this post, we’ll explain this motorbike riding practice, answer the question, “Is lane splitting legal in New Mexico?” and discuss other practicalities and legalities surrounding it.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Also known as white-lining or filtering, lane splitting is a practice used by motorcyclists where they ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Instead of remaining within a single lane behind other vehicles, motorcyclists maneuver their bikes between cars, typically in situations where traffic is congested or at a standstill.
This allows them to move through traffic more efficiently, potentially reducing their exposure to rear-end collisions and overheating.
Lane splitting is a hotly divided subject in many regions, with proponents arguing for its benefits in easing traffic congestion and reducing motorcycle accidents, while opponents raise concerns about safety and visibility for both motorcyclists and other road users.
Let’s look at some of the commonly argued pros and cons:
Pros of Lane Splitting
The following are benefits associated with the practice of lane splitting:
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Lane splitting can help alleviate congestion by allowing motorcycles to move between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. This can help improve overall traffic flow and reduce gridlock, benefiting all road users.
- Time Savings: For motorcyclists, lane splitting can significantly reduce travel time, especially during peak traffic hours. By navigating between lanes, riders can bypass long lines of stationary vehicles and reach their destinations more quickly.
- Reduced Risk of Rear-End Collisions: When traffic is at a standstill, motorcyclists are at risk of being rear-ended by inattentive drivers. Lane splitting can mitigate this risk by allowing riders to position themselves away from the rear of vehicles, potentially reducing the likelihood of accidents. However, some studies suggest that, while it reduces the risk of being read-ended, it may actually more than double the risk of motorcycles rear-ending vehicles in front of them, according to MotorcyclesData.
- Improved Rider Comfort: Riding a motorcycle in heavy traffic can be physically demanding, especially in hot weather. Lane splitting allows riders to maintain airflow and prevent overheating, enhancing overall comfort during extended periods of congestion.
Cons of Lane Splitting
The following are downsides associated with this motorcycle operation behavior:
- Safety Concerns: One of the most significant drawbacks of lane splitting is the potential for catastrophic motorcycle accidents. Maneuvering between lanes of traffic can be hazardous, particularly if other motorists are not expecting a motorcycle to pass by. This can lead to collisions, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Limited Visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, making them harder to spot, especially in heavy traffic. Lane splitting further reduces visibility, increasing the risk of collisions with drivers who may not see the motorcycle approaching.
- Legal Ambiguity: In regions where lane splitting is not explicitly permitted or prohibited by law, riders may face uncertainty about its legality. This can lead to confusion and conflict between motorcyclists and other road users, as well as potential legal consequences for riders who engage in the practice.
- Potential for Road Rage: Lane splitting can be perceived as aggressive or unsafe by other motorists, leading to instances of road rage or hostility towards motorcyclists. This can create tense and dangerous situations on the road, further exacerbating safety concerns.
The Legal Status of This Motorcycle Riding Practice in New Mexico
Lane splitting is illegal in New Mexico. This practice is prohibited in almost every state except California (and then only when surrounding traffic is moving at 30 mph or less.)
New Mexico’s Code of Ordinances Section 10.04.086B prohibits motorcyclists from passing in the same lane or operating a motorcycle between rows of stopped vehicles or lanes of traffic. There is one exception to this rule, which applies to New Mexico motorcycle police officers, who often must ride between lanes of traffic in order to perform their job.
Those who are seen lane splitting will be cited in the form of a hefty fine.
Factors To Consider
Even in areas that do not have specific laws addressing lane splitting, several factors should be taken into account before engaging in this practice.
Firstly, motorcyclists should consider the flow of traffic and the surrounding conditions. As suggested by a study from the UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), lane splitting is generally safer at lower speeds and when traffic is moving slowly or is stopped.
Riders should also be mindful of the width of lanes and the size of their motorcycles, ensuring that they can navigate safely without endangering themselves or others.
Safety First
Safety should always be the top priority. While the practice may offer some advantages in certain situations, it also carries inherent risks. Motorcyclists should undergo proper training and adhere to safe riding practices at all times.
This includes wearing appropriate safety gear, maintaining a safe following distance, and remaining vigilant of surrounding vehicles.
Advocating for Change
Continuing lane-splitting-related accidents in New Mexico underscores the need for advocacy and awareness within the motorcycling community.
As the popularity of motorcycling continues to grow, there is an opportunity for riders to engage with policymakers and advocate for clearer regulations and more aggressive enforcement to prioritize both safety and motorcyclist rights.
The legal status of lane splitting in New Mexico is clear, with specific legislation addressing the practice.
While lane-splitting may offer some degree of freedom for motorcyclists, local laws and public safety should always be the primary concern, and motorcyclists should prioritize responsible riding practices at all times. Moving forward, there is an opportunity for advocacy and collaboration within the motorcycling community to promote clearer regulations that balance the interests of riders and ensure road safety for all.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in New Mexico, Barrera Law Group LLC is eager to review your case to see if you may qualify for compensation for your losses.