No. Lane splitting remains illegal in Washington, D.C., as the District’s traffic code lacks explicit authorization for motorcyclists to maneuver between lanes. The D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces Title 18 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations, which mirrors Maryland’s and Virginia’s prohibitions, leaving no legal pathway for lane splitting. While neighboring jurisdictions like Virginia have debated lane filtering in 2026, D.C. has not introduced comparable legislation, maintaining a strict no-splitting stance.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Washington D.C.
- Prohibited Maneuver: D.C. Code § 50-2201.04(b) requires motorcyclists to occupy a full lane, with no allowance for lane splitting or filtering. Violations result in citations under reckless driving statutes.
- Enforcement by DMV: The D.C. DMV, under the authority of the Department of Transportation (DDOT), actively penalizes lane splitting as a form of unsafe lane changes, per § 18-2200.1.
- No Local Exemptions: Unlike California or Utah, D.C. has no pilot programs or local ordinances permitting lane splitting, despite periodic advocacy from motorcycle safety groups.