Harlene Labrum | August 13, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
Lane Splitting Laws In Nashville: What Motorcyclists Need To Know
Lane splitting has become a subject of growing debate across the United States as motorcycle advocacy groups push for changes to long-standing traffic laws. Supporters argue that it can reduce congestion and help riders avoid dangerous rear-end collisions, while opponents believe it creates unpredictable traffic patterns and increases the risk of crashes.
In Tennessee, the rules are clear and enforcement is strict, which makes it essential for riders to understand exactly what is and is not allowed on state roads. Staying informed is not only a way to avoid fines or points on your license, it is also an important step toward preventing serious injuries.
This article will break down what lane splitting means, how Tennessee law addresses it, the potential safety risks, and what you should do if an accident happens. At the Labrum Law Firm, our Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to helping motorcyclists know their rights and protecting them when the unexpected occurs.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic traveling in the same direction. Sometimes called “white-lining” or “stripe-riding,” lane splitting is different from lane filtering and lane sharing, which are related but distinct terms.
Lane filtering usually describes moving slowly through stopped traffic, often at intersections, while lane sharing involves two motorcycles sharing a single lane side-by-side safely. Motorcyclists who lane split often do so to avoid heavy traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and sometimes as a safety strategy to prevent being rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic.
However, lane splitting requires careful judgment, as it involves navigating very tight spaces between vehicles, where visibility and reaction time can be limited. While some riders view it as a way to improve traffic flow and personal safety, it also carries inherent risks and is subject to legal restrictions that vary widely by state.
Understanding exactly what lane splitting entails and how it differs from other riding practices is essential for motorcyclists, especially in states like Tennessee where it is prohibited by law.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Nashville, Tennessee?
Here’s the clear answer: Lane splitting is illegal in Tennessee, with or without traffic congestion. Specifically, Tennessee Code Section 55-8-182 forbids operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, overtaking or passing in the same lane, or riding more than two abreast in a single lane.
Violating this law can lead to monetary fines, court costs, and license penalty points, and in some cases even reckless driving charges. Tennessee is among the vast majority of states where lane splitting is prohibited—only a couple, such as California and Utah, permit it under specific conditions.
Safety Concerns and Accident Risks
Lane splitting significantly increases the risk of certain types of accidents. Motorcyclists riding between lanes are at higher risk of sideswipe collisions or being caught in vehicle merges and lane changes that other drivers may not anticipate.
The reduced reaction time for both the motorcyclist and surrounding drivers makes it challenging to avoid collisions. Visibility is also compromised since motorcycles are smaller and can be easily missed by drivers changing lanes. These factors contribute to a higher chance of accidents involving lane splitting compared to normal riding positions in designated lanes.
How Lane Splitting Affects Accident Liability
In Tennessee, a motorcyclist who engages in illegal lane splitting risks being found partially or even fully at fault in the event of an accident. This can have serious consequences for insurance claims and compensation.
Tennessee follows a comparative fault system, meaning that fault—and thus compensation—can be divided between parties based on their degree of responsibility. An illegal lane splitter could face reduced or denied compensation if their behavior substantially contributed to the crash.
Therefore, lane splitting not only endangers the rider but also complicates legal and insurance matters after an accident.
Alternatives to Lane Splitting for Tennessee Riders
Since lane splitting is illegal in Tennessee, motorcyclists should focus on safe and lawful ways to handle heavy traffic. One effective method is maintaining proper lane positioning within your lane to maximize visibility and create space cushions from other vehicles. Regularly adjusting your position helps avoid other drivers’ blind spots and sudden lane changes.
Planning your rides to avoid peak congestion can also reduce the temptation to lane split. Riding during off-peak hours or using less-traveled routes may add some time but greatly improves safety.
Where explicitly allowed, some riders may use designated motorcycle lanes or shoulders carefully, but should always check local rules before doing so.
Improving defensive riding skills and increasing your motorcycle’s visibility with bright gear or lighting are additional ways to stay safe in traffic.
By adopting these alternatives, Tennessee riders can reduce risks and stay completely within the law while navigating busy roads.
What to Do If You’re in a Lane Splitting Accident
If you are involved in an accident where lane splitting is alleged or a factor, ensure to do the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries.
- Document the accident scene thoroughly, including photos and notes of vehicle positions, road conditions, and gather witness statements.
- Contact a knowledgeable motor vehicle accident attorney before speaking to insurance companies or admitting fault.
An experienced lawyer from Labrum Law Firm can help protect your rights, navigate the complexities of fault and comparative negligence laws, and work to secure fair compensation—even if lane splitting is raised as an issue.
Know the Law, Ride Smart—Stay Safe on Tennessee Roads
Understanding the legal landscape surrounding lane splitting in Tennessee is vital for motorcyclists to stay safe and avoid legal troubles. While the practice is common and sometimes advocated in other states, Tennessee’s laws restrict lane splitting due to genuine safety concerns.
By riding smart, following the law, and seeking legal advice promptly if accidents occur, Tennessee motorcyclists can protect their wellbeing and legal rights on the road. For expert guidance regarding motorcycle accidents and lane splitting issues, contact Labrum Law Firm in Nashville at (615) 265-0000 today.
