No. Lane splitting is not explicitly legal in Peru. The Reglamento Nacional de Tránsito (Decreto Supremo 016-2009-MTC) lacks provisions permitting motorcyclists to overtake between vehicles. Traffic authorities, including the Policía Nacional del Perú, enforce this as a violation under Articles 87 and 144, citing safety risks.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Peru
- Prohibited under Article 87: Motorcyclists must maintain a safe distance and avoid overtaking between vehicles, classified as reckless maneuvering.
- Local enforcement by PNP: Traffic police issue fines (S/ 200–500) for lane splitting, treating it as a traffic infraction under municipal codes.
- 2026 compliance shifts: Lima’s Gerencia de Transporte Urbano proposes stricter penalties, aligning with regional models like Bogotá’s ban, to reduce motorcycle fatalities.
Peruvian law prioritizes structured traffic flow, with lane splitting deemed hazardous due to narrow road infrastructure and high pedestrian density in urban areas. Riders violating these rules face immediate citation and potential license suspension.