Is Lane Splitting Legal in Arizona? Lane Filtering Rules (2026)

Only in a narrow form. Arizona's general rule, A.R.S. 28-903(C), says a person "shall not operate a motorcycle between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles," but subsection F, added in 2022, lets the rider of a two-wheeled motorcycle pass stopped vehicles and ride between lanes when it can be done safely, on a street with at least two same-direction lanes and a speed limit of 45 mph or less, at no more than 15 mph. Splitting lanes on a faster road, or at a higher speed, stays illegal, and since September 12, 2026, it is the crime of reckless driving under A.R.S. 28-693(B). For how other states treat the same maneuvers, see our guide to lane splitting laws by state.

Information last verified on 2026-10-09. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Arizona state law: the motorcycle lane rules in A.R.S. 28-903 (including the exception in subsection F), the 2022 act that added that exception (Laws 2022, chapter 42, SB 1273), the single-lane rule in A.R.S. 28-729, the passing-on-the-right rule in A.R.S. 28-724, the motorcycle definition in A.R.S. 28-101, the reckless driving statute in A.R.S. 28-693 as amended by Laws 2026, chapter 261 (HB 2941), and the default violation classification in A.R.S. 28-121. It does not cover city ordinances, license points, insurance consequences, or the law of other states.

Splitting, filtering, shoulders and riding two abreast

Arizona's statute does not use the words "splitting" or "filtering." It sets a general ban and then describes, in subsection F, the one situation in which a motorcycle may pass in the same lane or ride between lanes.

The general ban on riding between lanes

Two subsections of A.R.S. 28-903 set the default rule:

"B. Except as provided in subsection F of this section, the operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. C. Except as provided in subsection F of this section, a person shall not operate a motorcycle between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles."

Subsection A protects the rider's space: "All motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane. A person shall not drive a motor vehicle in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane."

Under 28-903(E), subsections B and C "do not apply to peace officers in the performance of their official duties."

When Arizona allows lane filtering

Subsection F is the exception. Its full text reads:

"F. The operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle may overtake and pass another vehicle that is stopped in the same direction of travel and in the same lane as the operator and may operate the motorcycle between lanes of traffic if the movement may be made safely and if the operator does both of the following: 1. Operates the motorcycle on a street that both: (a) Is divided into at least two adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel. (b) Has a speed limit that does not exceed forty-five miles per hour. 2. Travels at a speed that does not exceed fifteen miles per hour."

Read closely, the subsection permits two things: passing a vehicle that is stopped in the rider's own lane, and riding between lanes of traffic. Both are allowed only if all of these are true:

• The motorcycle is a two-wheeled motorcycle.
• The movement may be made safely.
• The street has at least two adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel.
• The street's speed limit does not exceed 45 miles per hour.
• The motorcycle travels at no more than 15 miles per hour.

The word "stopped" appears in the same-lane passing clause. The between-lanes clause is tied instead to the safety condition, the street type, the 45 mph speed limit and the 15 mph cap. Whether a particular movement "may be made safely" is a judgment an officer and, if contested, a court will make on the facts.

Two-wheeled motorcycles only

Arizona's general definition of a motorcycle in A.R.S. 28-101 covers a motor vehicle "designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground," and excludes electric bicycles, electric miniature scooters, electric standup scooters and mopeds. Subsection F is narrower: it applies to "the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle." A three-wheeled motorcycle is still a motorcycle under the definition, so it remains subject to the ban in 28-903(C) without the benefit of the exception.

Where the exception came from

The Legislature added subsection F through Senate Bill 1273, enacted as Laws 2022, chapter 42, "AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 28-729 AND 28-903, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES; RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF MOTORCYCLES." The governor approved it on March 23, 2022, and it took effect on September 24, 2022, the general effective date for that session.

The same act also amended the general single-lane rule, which now carves out 28-903. A.R.S. 28-729(1) reads: "Except as provided in sections 28-778 and 28-903, a person shall drive a vehicle as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not move the vehicle from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety."

Can motorcycles use the shoulder in Arizona?

Subsection F does not mention shoulders. The rule on passing on the right applies to every vehicle, including motorcycles. A.R.S. 28-724(B) says: "The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting the movement in safety. The driver shall not make the movement by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway."

Riding two abreast

Two motorcycles may share a lane side by side. Under 28-903(D), "A person shall not operate a motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane." As noted above, the full-use-of-a-lane protection in 28-903(A) does not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast.

Penalty for illegal lane splitting in Arizona

Since September 12, 2026, riding between lanes or passing in the same lane outside the subsection F exception is a crime in Arizona. Laws 2026, chapter 261 (House Bill 2941), approved by the governor on June 22, 2026, amended A.R.S. 28-693, the reckless driving statute, to add this subsection:

"B. A person who operates a motorcycle in violation of section 28-903, subsection B or C is guilty of reckless driving."

The act took effect on September 12, 2026, the general effective date for that legislative session.

Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor under 28-693(C). A class 2 misdemeanor carries up to four months in jail (A.R.S. 13-707) and a fine of up to $750 (A.R.S. 13-802). Under 28-693(D), the judge may also require the rider to surrender their driver license to a police officer and may order the rider's driving privileges suspended for up to 90 days.

A repeat offense is punished more heavily. Under 28-693(E), if the rider was previously convicted of reckless driving, or of one of the other offenses that subsection lists, within 24 months, the new conviction is a class 1 misdemeanor. The rider is not eligible for probation, pardon, suspension of sentence or release on any basis until serving at least 20 days in jail, and the driving privilege is suspended for one year. A class 1 misdemeanor carries up to six months in jail (A.R.S. 13-707) and a fine of up to $2,500 (A.R.S. 13-802). The 24-month period is measured by the dates the offenses were committed (28-693(G)).

The rest of 28-903 is not covered by the new subsection. Riding more than two abreast (28-903(D)) or depriving a motorcycle of the full use of a lane (28-903(A)) falls under Title 28's default classification rule, A.R.S. 28-121(B): "A violation of or failure or refusal to do or perform an act or thing required by chapter 3, 5, 7 or 8 or chapter 9, article 4 of this title is a civil traffic violation unless the statute defining the violation provides for a different classification." Except as otherwise provided, the civil penalty for a civil traffic violation may not exceed $250, and the court adds surcharges (A.R.S. 28-1598).

If a crash happens while filtering or splitting

Whether a rider stayed within 28-903(F) can come up after a collision, but it is one fact among many in a fault and injury claim. For how fault, insurance and filing deadlines work, see our guide to Arizona motorcycle accident laws. For the rules that apply to vehicle crashes generally, see Arizona car accident laws.

Related pages

• Lane splitting laws by state
• Arizona motorcycle accident laws
• Arizona car accident laws

This article provides general legal information about Arizona law, not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Arizona.

Last updated: 2026-10-09.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lane splitting legal in Arizona?

Only within A.R.S. 28-903(F). A two-wheeled motorcycle may ride between lanes if it can be done safely, on a street with at least two same-direction lanes and a speed limit of 45 mph or less, at 15 mph or less; otherwise 28-903(C) bans it.

Is lane filtering legal in Arizona?

Yes, under conditions. A.R.S. 28-903(F) lets a two-wheeled motorcycle pass a vehicle stopped in the same lane, at 15 mph or less, on a street with two or more same-direction lanes and a speed limit that does not exceed 45 mph, if the movement may be made safely.

How fast can you lane filter in Arizona?

No faster than 15 miles per hour, under A.R.S. 28-903(F)(2), and only on a street whose speed limit does not exceed 45 miles per hour.

Can you lane split on the freeway in Arizona?

Not on a road whose speed limit exceeds 45 mph. The exception in A.R.S. 28-903(F) applies only on a street with a speed limit that does not exceed 45 mph; elsewhere the ban in 28-903(C) applies, and since September 12, 2026, a violation is reckless driving under A.R.S. 28-693(B).

Can a trike lane filter in Arizona?

No. A.R.S. 28-903(F) applies to the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle, so a three-wheeled motorcycle remains under the general ban in 28-903(C).

Can motorcycles ride on the shoulder in Arizona?

A.R.S. 28-903(F) does not authorize it. Under A.R.S. 28-724(B), a driver may not pass another vehicle on the right by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

What is the penalty for illegal lane splitting in Arizona?

Since September 12, 2026, riding between lanes or passing in the same lane outside A.R.S. 28-903(F) is reckless driving under A.R.S. 28-693(B), a class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to four months in jail and a fine of up to $750, and the judge may suspend driving privileges for up to 90 days. A repeat conviction within 24 months is a class 1 misdemeanor with at least 20 days in jail and a one-year license suspension.

When did Arizona legalize lane filtering?

In 2022. Senate Bill 1273, Laws 2022, chapter 42, amended A.R.S. 28-903 and 28-729, was approved by the governor on March 23, 2022, and took effect on September 24, 2022, the general effective date for that session.

Can two motorcycles ride side by side in Arizona?

Yes. A.R.S. 28-903(D) bars operating a motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane, so two abreast is within the rule.