No. Lane splitting is not explicitly legal in New Zealand under current Road Code provisions. While motorcyclists may filter between stationary or slow-moving traffic, the NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) does not endorse lane splitting as a defined manoeuvre, leaving riders vulnerable to liability in collisions.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in New Zealand
- NZ Road Code (Rule 12-10): Requires motorcyclists to maintain a safe following distance and prohibits overtaking vehicles by moving between lanes unless traffic is stationary. Filtering at speeds under 30 km/h is tolerated but not codified as lane splitting.
- Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (Rule 3.2): Mandates that lane changes must be made safely and without impeding other road users. Authorities interpret lane splitting as a high-risk lane change, subject to prosecution if deemed reckless.
- Local Bylaws (e.g., Auckland Transport’s 2024 Safety Framework): Emphasise motorcycle conspicuity and speed differentials. Riders filtering must not exceed 10 km/h above adjacent traffic speeds, per Waka Kotahi’s 2026 draft guidelines.
Enforcement and Liability Risks Police may issue infringement notices for careless or dangerous driving if lane splitting contributes to a crash. Insurers often deny claims where filtering is deemed contributory negligence. The 2026 Transport (Safer Roads) Amendment Bill proposes clearer definitions, but until enacted, riders operate in a grey zone.