No, lane splitting remains illegal in Massachusetts under current statutes, with no legislative changes anticipated before 2026. The state’s traffic laws, enforced by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and codified in Chapter 90, Section 2, prohibit motorcyclists from overtaking vehicles within the same lane. While neighboring states like Vermont and New Hampshire permit lane filtering, Massachusetts maintains a strict prohibition, citing safety concerns and lack of infrastructure to accommodate such maneuvers. Advocacy groups, including the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association, continue lobbying for reform, but no bills have advanced beyond committee review. Riders violating this statute face fines up to $100 and potential license penalties.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Massachusetts
- Statutory Prohibition: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 2 explicitly bans lane splitting, defining it as operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows of vehicles. Violations are treated as moving offenses under RMV guidelines.
- Enforcement Priorities: The Massachusetts State Police and local law enforcement prioritize lane splitting enforcement in high-traffic corridors, particularly in Boston, Worcester, and the I-90 corridor, where motorcycle density is highest.
- Alternative Compliance: Riders may legally use the full lane width (per Chapter 90, Section 1) but are prohibited from occupying space between vehicles. The RMV’s 2024 Motorcycle Operator Manual reiterates this distinction, emphasizing lane sharing as the only permitted lateral movement.