Following two experimental campaigns, lane splitting for two- and three-wheeled motorized vehicles will be officially legalized, informed the Road Safety Delegation of France.
The change came into force on January 11 by a decree, establishing rules governing lane splitting and introducing specific penalties for violations. The practice is now clearly defined and regulated under the Highway Code.
Evaluation
This legalization marks the culmination of years of observation and evaluation. Lane splitting allows motorcyclists to ride between the leftmost lanes when traffic is either stopped or moving at a very slow pace. Two experimental phases, running from 2016 to 2021 and from 2021 to 2024, were assessed by the Center for Studies and Expertise on Risks, the Environment, Mobility, and Urban Planning (CEREMA). The latest report confirmed that lane splitting could be practiced safely and highlights that accident rates remain stable. However, it emphasizes that the main risks arise when motorcyclists do not adhere to speed limits and other safety guidelines. One of the key recommendations from the report was to allow enforcement through video monitoring, enabling authorities to sanction violations without direct police intervention.
Decision
Based on these findings, the government decided to legalize lane splitting under strict conditions to ensure clarity for riders, law enforcement, and driving instructors. The practice is now regulated under the Highway Code. Any failure to comply with the prescribed conditions will result in a fourth-class fine and a deduction of three points from the rider’s driving license. Offenders may be identified and fined through video surveillance.
Scope
Lane splitting will be permitted only for two- and three-wheeled motorized vehicles that are less than one meter wide. It will be allowed when traffic is dense and moving in uninterrupted queues, provided there is enough space between vehicles. However, it is prohibited in cases where the road is under construction or covered with snow or ice. The practice will be restricted to highways and roads with at least two lanes in each direction, separated by a central median, and where the maximum speed limit ranges between 70 km/h and 130 km/h. Local authorities will retain the right to impose lower speed limits, such as on the Paris ring road.
Rules
Motorcyclists must avoid forcing their way through traffic and are prohibited from overtaking other riders who are also lane splitting. The maximum speed permitted while lane splitting is 50 km/h. If one of the adjacent lanes is completely stopped, the speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h. Once traffic begins to flow again at speeds above 50 km/h in at least one of the leftmost lanes, motorcyclists must return to their designated lanes. Any violation of these rules will lead to a fine and a penalty of three points on the rider’s license.
This new regulation aims to enhance road safety while providing motorcyclists with a legal and structured framework for lane splitting. Authorities expect that clear guidelines and proper enforcement will help reduce accidents and improve overall traffic flow, commented the Road Safety Delegation.