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Lane splitting on a motorcycle involves driving between lanes of traffic. In Georgia, lane splitting is illegal. If you received a citation for lane splitting, you must contact a lane splitting defense lawyer at the Hines Law Firm as soon as possible. Our legal team can review the evidence and help you fight the citation and avoid penalties and other consequences.
Our highly experienced lawyers will contact you for a Legal Consultation.
Lane splitting is a practice where a motorcycle rider travels between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, typically in congested urban areas or on highways during traffic congestion. Instead of waiting in traffic behind other vehicles, the motorcyclists ride between the lanes, allowing them to move through traffic more quickly.
Lane splitting is often done at low speeds, and the motorcyclist must carefully maneuver between vehicles to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. While lane splitting is legal in one state, California, it is illegal in Georgia.
The fine for lane splitting begins at $130. This amount can increase depending on additional charges and the specific county in which the motorcyclist received the citation.
Motorcyclists convicted of lane splitting will have three points added to their license, which can result in higher insurance premiums.
If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident when splitting lanes, they are automatically considered to be at fault in the eyes of the law. This means the rider could be held liable for any economic and non-economic damages incurred by the other motorist
If you unjustly received a citation for lane splitting, you must contact a lane-splitting defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney at the Hines Law Firm can investigate the incident, review the citation and notes provided by the officer who issued the citation, and fight to help you win your case.
Officers can make mistakes. If you weren’t splitting lanes and were issued a citation, hiring an attorney at the Hines Law Firm to contest the citation will give your case the best chance of a successful outcome. We’re familiar with the many biases that motorcyclists must face from law enforcement and insurance companies and we will fight to clear your name and have the citation dismissed.
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Dangers associated with lane splitting include:
Lane splitting exposes motorcyclists to a higher risk of collisions with other vehicles. Drivers may not expect a motorcycle to be passing between lanes, leading to sudden lane changes, sideswipes, or merging accidents.
Motorcycles can be difficult for drivers to see, especially in heavy traffic or when surrounded by larger vehicles. Lane splitting reduces the visibility of the motorcyclist to other drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
In urban areas, parked cars may open their doors unexpectedly, creating a hazard for motorcyclists passing between lanes. This can lead to collisions known as “dooring accidents.”
Roads often have uneven surfaces, potholes, or debris between lanes. Lane splitting at high speeds can increase the risk of losing control of the motorcycle and crashing due to encountering these hazards.
Lane splitting requires quick reactions and split-second decision-making by the motorcyclist. Sudden movements by other vehicles or unexpected road conditions may leave little time to avoid a collision.
In multi-lane traffic, motorcyclists may be sandwiched between vehicles, leaving them with limited escape routes in the event of a collision or sudden emergency.
To operate a motorcycle in Georgia, riders must have a Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle learner’s permit. This typically involves passing a written knowledge test and a road skills test.
Georgia law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards while riding on public roads.
In addition to helmets, motorcycle riders in Georgia are required to wear eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or windscreen.
The handlebars on motorcycles must not be higher than the shoulders of the operator when seated on the motorcycle.
Motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane and should generally ride in the center portion of the lane to maximize visibility and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
In Georgia, passengers on motorcycles must be at least 5 years old, and motorcycles must be equipped with passenger footrests.
Motorcycle owners in Georgia are required to carry liability insurance coverage to legally operate their vehicles on public roads.
Motorcycles must comply with noise emission standards set by Georgia law. Excessive noise from modified exhaust systems can lead to fines or other penalties.
Motorcycles must be equipped with certain safety features, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, and a working horn.
If you were unjustly issued a citation for splitting lanes, contact the Hines Law Firm as soon as possible. This will give your lane splitting defense attorney more time to review the evidence and create a defense that can result in the dismissal of the citation or reduced charges. Even if you believe you can handle the case on your own, having an attorney in your corner can ensure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly in court.
Our highly experienced lawyers will contact you for a Legal Consultation.
If you were unfairly issued a citation for lane splitting, let a lane splitting defense lawyer at the Hines Law Firm contest the ticket on your behalf and fight to have your citation dismissed. We understand how frustrating it can be to unlawfully have a citation issued for lane splitting and we want to help you contest your ticket in court. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how the legal team at the Hines Law Firm can help.
We assure clients that we provide knowledgeable, committed legal solutions for them.
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