MERIDIAN, ID – With warmer weather returning and more motorcycles taking to Idaho roads, law enforcement agencies across the state are reportedly seeing an increase in aggressive motorcycle riding—and with it, public confusion over what’s legal. Idaho State Police are reminding all riders and drivers that “lane splitting” is illegal in Idaho.

Lane splitting, the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is not permitted under Idaho law. Neither is “lane filtering” or “lane sharing” with other vehicles. Motorcycles, like all vehicles, are required to remain within a single marked lane unless making a legal lane change.

“We’ve seen an increase in risky motorcycle behavior—pursuits, injury crashes, and even fatalities,” ISP District 3 Captain Michael Winans said. “Motorcyclists must obey the law. They have less protection than other vehicles and face a higher risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Lane splitting puts everyone at risk, and it’s not allowed in Idaho.”

Motorcycles must follow the same lane use rules as cars in Idaho. Violations can result in traffic citations, fines, or liability in a crash.

ISP encourages all motorcyclists to complete safety training through certified programs, such as Idaho STAR (Skills Training Advantage for Riders), and always to wear protective gear. The STAR program emphasizes that lane splitting and filtering are both illegal and unsafe practices.

As motorcycle traffic increases, ISP says troopers and local law enforcement agencies will continue active enforcement patrols to reduce risky behavior and keep roads safe for everyone.