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Arizona changed its motorcycle lane laws in 2022 to allow limited lane filtering — riding between stopped cars at red lights. The rules are specific. Misunderstanding them can affect a crash case, particularly when the insurer argues the rider was outside the legal limits when the crash happened.
What Arizona Lane Filtering Law Allows
Under ARS §28-903 (effective 2022), motorcycles may filter between stopped vehicles at a red light if the road is divided into at least two adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction, the speed limit is 45 mph or less, and the motorcycle travels no more than 15 mph while filtering. The motorcyclist also has to be on a roadway with two or more lanes going the same direction.
What Arizona Does NOT Allow
Lane splitting at speed (riding between moving cars in adjacent lanes when traffic is flowing) is not legal in Arizona. Arizona allows only the narrow lane-filtering at red lights described above.
Why This Matters in Crash Cases
When a motorcyclist is hit while filtering or riding between lanes, the insurer will scrutinize whether the conduct was within the legal scope. If the rider was filtering at over 15 mph or in a higher-speed-limit zone, the insurer will argue comparative fault.
Common Crash Scenarios
A driver changes lanes without seeing a filtering motorcycle. A driver opens a door into a filtering motorcycle. A driver pulls forward at a green light into a filtering motorcycle. Each of these has different liability dynamics.
How We Build These Cases
Speed analysis from witnesses, dash cams, and reconstruction. Driver fault from cell phone records, dash cam footage, and traffic camera footage. Arizona-specific legal arguments tailored to ARS §28-903.
Practical Advice for Riders
Filtering at red lights under 15 mph in 45-mph-or-less zones is legal. Faster speeds or higher-limit roads put you outside the statute. If you are hit while filtering, document everything immediately — including the speed limit posted on the road.
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📞 Call 623-632-0959Frequently Asked Questions
Is lane splitting legal in Arizona?
Limited lane filtering is legal at red lights only, under ARS §28-903. Lane splitting between moving traffic is not legal in Arizona.
What is the speed limit for lane filtering in Arizona?
Under ARS §28-903, the motorcycle must travel no more than 15 mph while filtering, on a road with a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less.
What happens if I was lane splitting outside the legal limits when I crashed?
Comparative fault applies. Under ARS §12-2505, you can still recover but your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Whether and how the limits affect your case is fact-specific — call us for a review.
Related guides
- Arizona Motorcycle Helmet Law and Crash Cases →
- Why Left-Turn Crashes Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident in Arizona →
This article provides general information about Arizona law and is not legal advice. Every case is fact-specific.
