Is Lane Splitting Legal in Mississippi?
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is the motorcycle maneuver of riding in between lanes of traffic to pass a motorist in a larger vehicle. It is sometimes called white-lining or stripe riding in some circles. Some motorcycle riders also use lane splitting to weave through stopped or slow traffic, such as to get to the front of traffic at a stopped red-light intersection. Most motorcyclists agree that lane splitting helps them avoid serious motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers.
Here in Mississippi, lane splitting is not legal, but it has also not been labeled as strictly illegal in all contexts. For the time being, law enforcement officers in Mississippi seem to use their discretion when deciding to ticket a motorcyclist for lane splitting or not. If you want to stay out of trouble, then you should just plan on not lane splitting whenever you’re riding in Mississippi.
Can Motorcyclists Drive on the Shoulder?
While the shoulder may look appealing, especially when there is traffic, no motorist — not even motorcyclists — can legally drive on the shoulder of a roadway in Mississippi. Driving on the shoulder not only risks damage to your bike, but it is also highly dangerous to the rider and their passengers.
Where is Lane Splitting Legal?
Despite the safety of lane splitting, it remains illegal in every state but California. So if you are planning on an out-of-state road trip, make sure you read up on that state's traffic laws to avoid receiving a surprise traffic citation.
