Yes, lane splitting is not explicitly prohibited in India, but its legality remains ambiguous under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and state-specific rules.
Lane splitting occupies a legal gray area where motorcyclists navigate between stationary or slow-moving traffic. While the central act does not criminalize the practice, state transport authorities—such as the Delhi Transport Department and Maharashtra Regional Transport Office—have issued advisories cautioning against it due to safety risks. The 2026 draft amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act propose stricter penalties for “dangerous lane usage,” which could indirectly criminalize lane splitting if enacted. Courts have not yet ruled definitively on its legality, leaving enforcement discretionary to local police.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in India
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Section 129): Mandates helmets and prohibits “dangerous driving,” which courts may interpret to include lane splitting if deemed reckless.
- State Transport Rules: Delhi’s Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993 and Karnataka’s Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 do not explicitly permit lane splitting, leaving it subject to police discretion.
- 2026 Draft Amendments: Proposed Section 112A introduces fines up to ₹10,000 for “unsafe lane changes,” potentially encompassing lane splitting under broader traffic violations.