No, Lane splitting is illegal in Tennessee under state statutes. Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-122 explicitly prohibits motorcyclists from overtaking or passing vehicles within the same lane. Local jurisdictions, including Nashville’s Metro Traffic Division, enforce this as a primary offense, citing safety risks and lack of legislative authorization for lane filtering. No 2026 compliance shifts are pending, as legislative attempts to legalize lane splitting have stalled in the General Assembly.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Tennessee
- Statutory Prohibition: T.C.A. § 55-8-122 criminalizes lane splitting, treating it as a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $50.
- Local Enforcement: Metropolitan police departments, such as Memphis Police Traffic Division, issue citations for lane splitting, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses.
- No Exceptions: Tennessee’s Department of Safety & Homeland Security has not issued waivers or pilot programs, contrasting with neighboring states like Virginia, which permits lane filtering under specific conditions.