Matthew Mincone | December 4, 2025 | Florida Law
When traffic is heavy, some motorcycle riders are tempted to engage in lane splitting. According to Florida Statutes § 316.209, lane splitting is prohibited in Florida. This practice has the potential to result in legal consequences, as well as pose serious safety concerns. Keep reading below to learn more about lane splitting in Florida, including what it is and the penalties you can face for it.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rider drives between lanes of stopped or slow-moving vehicles. This tactic is more common when traffic is heavy or vehicles are backed up for long distances.
Motorcycle riders often prefer not to wait in traffic, so they opt to engage in lane splitting to maintain their momentum and save time. You might also hear lane splitting referred to as “white lining” or “striping.”
Lane splitting is quite dangerous, and it requires a rider with advanced riding skills to maneuver successfully. Engaging in lane splitting can quickly result in a motorcycle accident that leads to serious or catastrophic injuries.
Florida Lane Splitting Laws
Some states allow lane splitting, but Florida is not one of them. Florida law expressly prohibits motorcycle riders from engaging in lane splitting. According to the law, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.”
The law goes on to state that riders who break this rule have committed a noncriminal traffic infraction.
Penalties for Lane Splitting in Florida
Motorcycle riders who participate in lane splitting can face a traffic citation for their actions. The penalties for one of these citations may include:
- Fines
- Points on your license
- License suspension or revocation (for subsequent violations)
Because a lane-splitting ticket is a moving violation in Florida, the exact fine and any points depend on your county and driving record.
Compensatory Damages
In addition to traffic-related penalties, riders who cause an accident while lane splitting could be held liable for civil damages.
This includes both economic damages and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Depression
- PTSD
Before you decide to participate in lane splitting, you should make sure you fully understand all the potential consequences. Not only could you face a traffic citation and civil liability, but you might also face higher insurance premiums because of your actions.
Lane Splitting vs. Lane Sharing
It is important to understand the difference between lane splitting and lane sharing. While lane splitting is illegal in Florida, lane sharing is allowed. Lane sharing occurs when two motorcycles ride side by side in the same lane. The motorcycle laws in Florida allow lane sharing, although no more than two riders may share a lane in a side-by-side manner.
Is Lane Splitting Safe?
When not done correctly, lane splitting can be very dangerous. A rider needs advanced riding skills and experience to perform lane splitting properly. Lane splitting accidents can result in serious injuries, such as:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Severe road rash
- Internal bleeding
- Severe bruising or soft tissue damage
The risks associated with lane splitting often outweigh any time saved.
Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation with a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a lane-splitting incident in Tampa, FL, Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. We can explain your rights, even if you were cited or someone is blaming you. Call us today at (813) 723-1910 for a free, no-pressure consultation with a Tampa motorcycle accident attorney.
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers Tampa
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Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 800-0810
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Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Tampa, FL.
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About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
