New York City Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

What is the legality of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic?

1. Allowed in all states

2. Only during certain hours

3. Never permitted

4. Only in heavy traffic

The correct answer is: Never permitted

Riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, often referred to as "lane filtering" or "lane splitting," is not legally permitted in many states, including New York. The legality can vary significantly from state to state, but in New York, this practice is specifically disallowed. The primary reason for this restriction is safety; lane splitting can create unpredictable situations for both the motorcyclist and other vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of accidents. In some locations where lane splitting is allowed, specific conditions or guidelines determine when and how it can be performed, but this is not the case in New York, making it clear that the activity is not permitted. While other choices suggest varying conditions for lane splitting, the consensus in areas where laws are enforced emphasizes that it is never allowed in New York, stressing the importance of following local traffic laws to maintain safety for all road users.