The answer is no, and that has serious implications for motorcycle riders and others who share Hawaii’s roads. Unlike California, where lane splitting is legal under defined conditions, Hawaii’s laws prohibit it entirely. This difference matters when it comes to accident liability, insurance coverage, and overall road safety.
At Recovery Law Center, our team specializes in helping motorcyclists who’ve been injured in lane-splitting or motorcycle crash cases. We know that many riders are unaware that what might feel like a harmless traffic move can result in citations or reduced claim compensation.
In this article, we walk you through everything from Hawaii’s motorcycle laws to how an expired instruction permit or missing DOT-approved helmet can impact your case. Whether you ride a motor scooter, a two-wheeled motorcycle, or a moped, this is the definitive guide for staying legal and safe on Hawaii’s roads.
And if you’re ever in a crash, our legal team at Recovery Law Center is ready to help you with your claim and protect your rights.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting, also known as white-lining or stripe-riding, is when a motorcycle or scooter rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. It usually occurs on highways or in dense urban traffic, where vehicles are barely moving forward.
To motorcyclists, lane splitting can feel like a lifesaver. But to the average driver, it might seem like rule-breaking behavior.
What Does Hawaii Law Say? Lane Splitting Legal Explained
Under Hawaii law, lane splitting is clearly illegal. According to HRS 291C-153(c), two-wheeled motorcycles and motor scooters must not be operated between lanes of moving or stationary traffic. The law further specifies that these vehicles must be afforded the full use of a lane.
This means that even if motorcyclists are trying to navigate congested traffic, splitting lanes, filtering, or using the shoulder is not permitted. If you do, you could receive a traffic citation for unsafe driving or even reckless driving, depending on the situation.
Furthermore, unlike states such as California, Utah, or Montana, Hawaii has not adopted filtering laws. And while the Hawaii Department of Transportation temporarily permitted shoulder surfing, that law ended in 2020. No new legislation has taken its place, leaving all forms of lane splitting and shoulder riding illegal under current rules.
If you’re involved in a crash while splitting lanes, it could negatively affect your injury claim or insurance payout. This is why contacting a law firm like Recovery Law Center is critical to protect your rights.
Lane Splitting, Filtering, and Shoulder Surfing
Motorcyclists often use the terms lane splitting, filtering, and shoulder surfing interchangeably—but in the eyes of the law, they mean different things.
- Lane splitting, also known as splitting lanes or white lining, is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic that are occupied.
- Lane filtering refers to slowly moving between vehicles that are stopped, typically at traffic lights.
- Shoulder surfing is riding along the paved shoulder to bypass congestion.
These maneuvers are commonly referred to as techniques to avoid gridlock and maintain smooth traffic flow. In California, they’re legal under specific rules. However, in Hawaii, all three are considered illegal, except for a brief period when shoulder surfing was permitted under a limited-time law. From 2018 to 2020, the Hawaii Legislature passed a bill allowing motorcycles to use the shoulder in designated areas. That law expired, and shoulder use is now again illegal.
If you’ve been injured during one of these actions, it’s essential to speak with an attorney, especially if the accident involves other vehicles, confusing liability, or complex insurance rules.
Why Do Riders Lane Split?
Motorcyclists lane split for a few key reasons:
1. Beating Traffic
Lane splitting enables riders to navigate through congested areas without getting stuck in traffic. One of the biggest reasons riders choose motorcycles is their ability to move easily through tight traffic.
2. Safety from Rear-End Collisions
Unlike cars, motorcycles are at a higher risk of being rear-ended, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Lane splitting helps riders stay in motion and avoid being pinned between vehicles.
3. Cooling the Engine (and Themselves)
In warm weather, especially on air-cooled bikes, overheating can become a significant problem if the rider is forced to idle. Lane splitting allows better airflow for both the bike and the rider.
Why Is Lane Splitting Illegal in Most Places?
Despite its potential benefits, many governments and transportation authorities have serious concerns about lane splitting. Here’s why it’s banned in most U.S. states and many other regions:
- Safety Risks: One of the main reasons is safety. Drivers often don’t expect a vehicle to pass between lanes, and a sudden lane change can easily lead to a crash with a motorcycle that’s lane splitting.
- Limited Visibility: Cars have blind spots, and distracted or unaware drivers may not see a motorcycle approaching between lanes until it’s too late.
- Inconsistent Laws and Liability: Determining fault in the event of an accident can be a challenging task. Many states prefer to have clear, uniform traffic rules to avoid legal gray areas.
- Public Perception: Even if it’s technically safe or legal, many drivers see lane splitting as unfair or even reckless. This negative perception can influence laws and enforcement.
Other States vs. Hawaii: Lane Splitting Laws Compared
While Hawaii maintains a strict ban on lane splitting, several states have adopted progressive stances on the issue. California remains the only state that fully legalizes lane splitting, with safety guidelines provided by the California Highway Patrol.
Other states have enacted lane filtering laws, allowing motorcyclists to pass stopped vehicles under specific conditions, including low-speed limits (under 15 mph) or at traffic lights.
These laws are designed to improve traffic flow, prevent rear-end collisions, and reduce the incidence of motorcycle crashes. Hawaii, however, has not followed suit. The Hawaii legislature ultimately allowed a brief trial of shoulder surfing, but it expired at the end of 2020.
While some advocates push for change, others argue Hawaii’s narrow roads and heavy congestion make lane splitting risky. Until a new law is passed, motorcyclists should avoid lane-sharing maneuvers, as they risk citations and reduced legal protection in the event of an accident.
Always check your local laws. And if you’re unsure, speak to a legal professional to understand your responsibilities as a rider.
Involved in a Lane-Splitting Crash? What to Do Next
If you’ve been injured while splitting lanes or riding between cars, you may feel uncertain about your legal rights. While the act itself may be illegal, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re 100% at fault.
At Recovery Law Center, we assist victims of motorcycle accidents, even if they were partially at fault for violating traffic rules. Hawaii uses a “comparative negligence” standard, meaning you can still recover damages if you are not entirely responsible. Here’s what to do after a crash:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the scene and gather witness information.
- Do not admit fault.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in Hawaii’s motorcycle laws.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by blaming the rider. We fight back by gathering evidence, hiring expert witnesses, and negotiating with adjusters to ensure you receive full compensation. If you’re dealing with injuries after a lane-splitting accident, Recovery Law Center is here to help.
Does Hawaii Participate in New Motorcycle Laws?
In 2018, the Hawaii legislature passed Act 218, which briefly allowed motorcycles to use shoulders in specific areas to ease traffic congestion. This bill expired in 2020 and was never renewed.
Although advocacy groups have pushed for more modern laws, such as lane filtering, the legislature has ultimately not moved forward. This leaves Hawaii behind other states when it comes to traffic solutions for motorcyclists.
As of 2025, there are no active bills allowing lane splitting or filtering. The Department of Transportation has not issued new guidelines either.
This legislative silence leaves many riders wondering if change will ever come. For now, lane splitting remains illegal, and all riders must follow existing traffic rules. Until Hawaii passes new laws, attempting to pass cars between lanes or using the shoulder could result in fines or worse.
Keeping up with new legislation is essential. If you’re ever unsure, our team at Recovery Law Center can provide up-to-date legal advice and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Hawaii’s Motorcycle Laws: Safety, Traffic, and Road Rules
Hawaii’s heavy traffic demands strict adherence to motorcycle laws designed to promote road safety and improve traffic flow. Riders are entitled to use a full lane, just like cars or other vehicles, but that also means they must follow all the rules of the road.
To ride legally, a valid motorcycle license is required. Many motorcyclists in Hawaii obtain their motorcycle license through a written test and skills exam.
Riders are not permitted to weave between lanes, share lanes side-by-side with other vehicles, or ride on bicycle paths or shoulders unless explicitly designated. This makes splitting lanes and filtering illegal activities under the current law.
The law also specifies restrictions on who can carry passengers. No one under the age of seven is allowed to ride as a passenger, and the bike must be equipped with proper seating and footrests for the second rider.
Speed limits also apply. Motorcycles must adhere to the posted speed limit, even if traffic is at a standstill. Choosing to pass between cars by white lining or shoulder riding is a violation.
Whether you’re commuting or riding recreationally, obeying these rules ensures safer roads for everyone and helps protect your legal standing in case of an accident.
Protect Your Rights as a Hawaii Rider
With Hawaii’s current laws being more restrictive than those of most states, it’s essential for motorcycle riders to ride defensively, wear proper gear, and understand their legal limits. Still, even the most cautious rider can be injured by a careless driver. If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash—regardless of whether lane splitting was involved—you may be entitled to compensation.
At Recovery Law Center, we advocate for injured motorcyclists throughout the state of Hawaii. Our legal team helps you understand local laws, insurance policies, and the determination of fault in lane-splitting situations. We are here to guide you through every step of your recovery. Both legal and physical.
Don’t face this alone. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, call us at (808) 515-2107 or schedule a free consultation online.
