Motorcycle Lane Splitting in Eugene, Oregon: Legal or Not?
The short answer? No.
Currently, lane splitting is illegal in Eugene and throughout Oregon. While controlled lane splitting shows potential safety and congestion benefits, the law remains unchanged. Riders should prioritize safety, comply with existing rules, and stay aware of any legal developments.
Motorcycle Lane Splitting in Eugene, Oregon: Legal or Not?
Meta Description: Lane splitting in Eugene, Oregon—is it allowed? This article explains the legal stance under Oregon law, legislative updates, and safety tips riders should know—even before laws change.
What Is Lane Splitting (and Filtering)?
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle moves between two lanes of moving or stopped traffic in the same direction. Lane filtering involves a slower maneuver at stoplights. Both are widely debated for legality and safety. Learn more.
Oregon Law: Lane Splitting Is Illegal
By current Oregon law, motorcycles may only share a lane with another motorcycle. Riding between lanes of other vehicles is strictly illegal, as reinforced in Oregon’s motorcycle laws.
Past Attempts to Legalize
In 2023, Senate Bill SB 422 passed the Oregon Senate and proposed permitting lane splitting under controlled conditions:
- Traffic must be under 10 mph
- Roads must have a posted speed limit of 50 mph or higher
- Riders cannot exceed surrounding traffic by more than 10 mph
However, SB 422 did not become law. It remains inactive.
Eugene adheres to statewide rules. Thus, lane splitting remains illegal locally unless future legislation like SB 422 is enacted statewide.
Safety Considerations
Oregon law enforcement warns that lane splitting leaves riders vulnerable—cars can shift lanes, open doors, or turn unexpectedly. Though some studies suggest controlled lane splitting can reduce rear-end collisions, the legal and safety risks currently outweigh benefits.
What Riders Should Do
- Don’t lane split or filter—it’s against Oregon law.
- Ride defensively, maintain full lane presence, and stay visible.
- Use bright gear and ensure all lights and signals are functioning.
- Stay informed—watch for legislative updates like SB 422.
FAQs
- Is lane splitting legal in Eugene, Oregon?
No. Lane splitting is explicitly illegal under Oregon law. - Can I filter forward at stoplights?
No. Filtering is also illegal. - What happened to SB 422?
It passed the Senate in 2023 but was never enacted. - Why do some riders support lane splitting?
Controlled studies indicate it may reduce congestion and rear-end collisions, but Oregon has not legalized it due to safety concerns. - How should I ride in traffic-heavy Eugene?
Stay centered, visible, and avoid risky maneuvers such as lane splitting. - How can I track updates on lane splitting laws?
Monitor Oregon DMV and legislative resources for official news.