No, lane splitting remains illegal in Washington under RCW 46.61.608, which prohibits motorcycles from overtaking vehicles within the same lane. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) enforces this statute strictly, citing safety risks and lack of legislative authorization. No 2026 policy shifts have altered this stance, despite advocacy from rider groups.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Washington
- Statutory Prohibition: RCW 46.61.608 explicitly bans lane splitting, treating it as a lane usage violation under traffic law.
- Enforcement Priorities: The WSP prioritizes citations for lane splitting during high-traffic incidents, particularly on I-5 and SR-99 corridors.
- Local Jurisdictional Limits: Municipalities like Seattle and Spokane lack authority to legalize lane splitting via ordinance, deferring to state law.