Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? What Every Rider Should Know

By Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC — Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties

If you ride a motorcycle in Michigan, you’ve probably found yourself stuck in heavy traffic, watching open space between cars and wondering — can I ride through? It’s a common question, especially among newer riders who’ve seen lane splitting allowed in other states.

However, in Michigan, lane splitting is not legal. And when a crash happens, this one detail can affect how insurance companies and police treat your claim.

At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we know how quickly a motorcycle ride can turn into a life-changing event. We help injured riders understand their rights, deal with insurers, and recover the full compensation they deserve.

We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.

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Michigan’s Law on Lane Splitting

Michigan traffic law is clear: motorcyclists must use a full lane of traffic and riders are not permitted to drive between rows of stopped or moving vehicles — the act known as lane splitting.

However, the law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in the same lane if both agree. That’s called lane sharing, and it’s perfectly legal.

If you’re injured while lane splitting, insurance companies may try to blame you for the crash. Don’t assume you have no case — liability in motorcycle accidents is rarely black and white. A skilled Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand where fault really lies.

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Lane Splitting Remains Illegal in Michigan

While some states are reconsidering their motorcycle laws, the fact remains that lane splitting is against Michigan law. If a police officer determines that a rider was lane splitting at the time of an accident, they may issue a citation right at the scene.

Traffic violations can also impact your insurance claim. Insurers routinely consider citations when determining fault, and courts are often unsympathetic when injuries result from actions that violate state law.

Understanding Michigan’s motorcycle laws before an accident happens can help you protect both your safety and your rights on the road.

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Lane Splitting, Lane Filtering, and Lane Sharing: What’s the Difference?

These terms sound similar but have very different meanings under Michigan law:

• Lane splitting means riding between lanes of stopped or moving traffic. This is illegal in Michigan.
• Lane filtering involves frequent lane changes when traffic slows or stops. While not expressly prohibited, it’s not advisable, since most drivers in heavy traffic follow closely and may not expect a motorcycle weaving between lanes.
• Lane sharing refers to two motorcyclists riding side by side in a single lane. This practice is legal in Michigan when both riders consent.

Knowing these distinctions helps riders stay safe — and helps prevent legal and insurance complications after a crash.

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Why Lane Splitting Is So Dangerous

There’s a clear reason why Michigan law prohibits lane splitting: it’s dangerous for everyone on the road.

Motorcyclists are already more exposed and less protected than drivers of enclosed vehicles. When lane splitting, riders travel in extremely tight spaces, often just inches from moving cars and trucks. Even a small mistake or unexpected move can cause a serious collision.

Drivers in slow or stopped traffic don’t expect motorcycles to pass between lanes. They may drift, pull out, or change lanes suddenly — leaving the motorcyclist nowhere to go.

Lane splitting also endangers pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists, since limited visibility and close proximity make it much harder for anyone to react in time.

At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we’ve seen how devastating motorcycle crashes can be. If you or someone you love was hurt on a Michigan roadway, our team is here to help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and guide you toward recovery.

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Can You Recover Compensation After a Lane Splitting Accident?

Even if you were lane splitting when the crash occurred, you may still have legal options. Michigan follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can seek compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident.

Depending on your case, you may be eligible to recover for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Damage to your motorcycle and personal property

At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, our attorneys carefully analyze every detail — from traffic camera footage and police reports to witness statements — to determine the real cause of your accident. Many motorcycle crashes involve negligent drivers who were texting, tailgating, or changing lanes without checking for bikes.

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Why Prompt Medical Care Protects Both Your Health and Your Case

After any motorcycle crash, seek medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions — like concussions or internal injuries — can develop hours or days later.

Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal claim. Insurance companies often argue that delays in care mean your injuries aren’t serious or related to the accident. Documented medical evaluations provide powerful evidence to support your case.

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What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan

If you’ve been in a crash — whether lane splitting was involved or not — follow these steps to protect yourself and your rights:

• Move to safety and call 911 immediately.
• Exchange information with all involved drivers and take photos of the scene.
• Seek medical care right away, even for minor pain or dizziness.
• Avoid admitting fault to police or insurance adjusters.
• Call a Michigan personal injury lawyer before speaking to an insurance representative.

The right legal guidance can make all the difference in how your claim is handled — and in how much you recover.

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How Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC Helps Michigan Riders

At Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC, we’re proud to serve injured riders across Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw Counties. We understand the risks motorcyclists face and the unfair assumptions they often encounter after a crash.

Our attorneys take an active, personal approach — investigating every detail, pushing back against lowball insurance offers, and making sure our clients receive the care and compensation they deserve.

Call (248) 538-1494 or visit www.steinberg-goodmanlaw.com for a free, no-pressure consultation today.

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a crash alone. Let our team help you protect your rights, rebuild your life, and move forward with confidence.

Steinberg Goodman Law PLLC — We Tip the Scales and Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve.