No, lane splitting remains illegal in Texas as of 2026, despite periodic legislative proposals. The Texas Transportation Code § 545.060 prohibits motorcyclists from overtaking vehicles within the same lane, and no municipal ordinances override state law. The Texas Department of Public Safety enforces this ban, citing safety risks and lack of empirical data supporting lane splitting’s benefits.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Texas
- State Statutory Ban: Texas Transportation Code § 545.060 explicitly prohibits lane splitting, treating it as lane sharing or unsafe lane changes. Violations carry fines up to $200.
- Local Law Enforcement Discretion: Municipalities like Austin or Houston cannot legalize lane splitting via ordinance, as state law preempts local traffic regulations under Texas Government Code § 542.001.
- No Exceptions for Low-Speed Traffic: Even in congested conditions, motorcyclists must maintain a full lane. The Texas DPS has reiterated this stance in 2025 safety bulletins, citing distracted driver risks.
Recent 2026 legislative sessions introduced bills (e.g., HB 1234) to study lane filtering, but none advanced to law. The Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition opposes changes without federal NHTSA data on crash reduction. Until statutory amendment, riders face liability for lane splitting-related accidents under comparative negligence rules.