[[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","name":"Concept of Lane Splitting","text":"In lane splitting, a motorcyclist drives between established lanes of moving traffic. Lane filtering is similar to lane splitting. A lane-filtering motorcycle waits for traffic to stop then weaves between the stopped cars. Lane filtering commonly happens at stop signs and red lights. ","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","text":"No. Both lane splitting and lane filtering are banned in Alabama. Police ticket motorcyclists who engage in these practices. Traffic judges can give violators substantial fines or add points to their licenses. ","name":"Legal implications of lane splitting in Alabama","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer1"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","text":"Lane splitting might not seem like a big deal, but it is quite dangerous. Lanes provide every vehicle with a buffer against vehicles in the next lane. When motorcycles drive between lines, this buffer zone disappears. The absence of this barrier greatly increases the risk of an accident, particularly side-swipe collisions. Additionally, lane splitting reduces reaction times for both drivers and motorcyclists, puts the motorcycle into the driver\u2019s \u201cblind spot,\u201d exposes motorcyclists to road hazards that may not be present in the actual driving lane (e.g., potholes, uneven pavement), and startles drivers.","name":"Dangers of Lane Splitting","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer2"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Section 32-5A-245 of the Alabama Code makes riding a motorcycle without a helmet a crime. The punishment is a $100 fine and up to 180 days in jail. Section 32-5A-245 also says that the helmet must meet the safety standards outlined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218. This standard, which is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, requires that helmets have safeguards such as chin straps.","name":"Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Alabama","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer3"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Alabama follows a rule called contributory negligence. Under this rule, if the other driver can prove that you were even one percent responsible for your injuries, you get nothing. Failure to follow Alabama motorcycle safety laws means that you might have played a role in causing the accident or made your injuries worse. ","name":"Failure to Follow Alabama\u2019s Motorcycle Safety Laws Hurt My Personal Injury Case","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer5"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Question","acceptedAnswer":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer","name":"What Is Lane Splitting?","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Question"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Question","name":"Is Lane Splitting Legal in Alabama?","acceptedAnswer":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer1","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Question1"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Question","acceptedAnswer":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer2","name":"Is lane splitting dangerous?","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Question2"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Question","acceptedAnswer":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer3","name":"Do I Have to Wear a Helmet While Riding a Motorcycle in Alabama?","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Question3"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Question","name":"Can a Failure to Follow Alabama\u2019s Motorcycle Safety Laws Hurt My Personal Injury Case?","acceptedAnswer":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Answer5","@id":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#Question4"}],{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Is Lane Splitting Legal in Alabama? Understanding Alabama\u2019s Motorcycle Safety and Helmet Laws","item":"https:\/\/www.acollinslaw.com\/blog\/is-lane-splitting-legal-in-alabama\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]