No, lane splitting remains illegal in New York under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1252, which prohibits motorcycles from overtaking vehicles within the same lane. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces this statute strictly, with no exceptions for low-speed filtering. Recent 2026 legislative proposals to legalize lane filtering have stalled in the Assembly Transportation Committee, leaving the ban intact.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in New York
- Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1252: Explicitly bans lane splitting, defining it as operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows of vehicles.
- NYC Traffic Rules § 4-08(c): Reinforces § 1252 by prohibiting motorcycles from occupying space not designated for their lane, including shoulder use.
- DMV Enforcement Priorities: The DMV’s 2025-2026 compliance directives prioritize citations for lane splitting during high-incident periods, particularly in Manhattan and Brooklyn corridors.
Local advocacy groups, such as the New York Motorcycle Riders Association (NYMRA), continue lobbying for reform, citing safety benefits observed in states like California. However, the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad (CIS) reports that lane splitting contributes to 12% of motorcycle accidents annually, citing unpredictable vehicle movements. Until legislative changes occur, riders face fines up to $150 and potential license penalties for violations.