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Lane splittingThailand

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Thailand. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Thailand

28. Lane splitting

Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle or another permitted two-wheeled vehicle between two lanes or queues of traffic travelling in the same direction. When it is done through stationary or slow-moving traffic, it is also commonly called lane filtering.

Lane splitting can reduce the time motorcycles spend in congestion but requires particular care because vehicles may change lanes, open gaps or move unexpectedly. Whether lane splitting is permitted, which vehicles may do it and any applicable speed limits depend on the local traffic laws.

Lane splitting
Many motorcycle lane splitting at a crossroad. (Bangkok, Thailand)
Wikimedia.org • Roland Dobbins • CC BY
What is lane splitting?

Lane splitting means riding a motorcycle between rows of vehicles travelling in the same direction, including stopped queues where the local definition permits it. For example, California’s definition covers both stopped and moving vehicles; it does not include riding on the shoulder.

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, Vehicle Code 21658.1 and lane-splitting safety guidance; California example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Article 16.2bis, motorcycle filtering; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 88, filtering; national guidance example

Can motorcycles lane split at any speed?

No. Where lane splitting is permitted, local rules may impose a maximum motorcycle speed, a maximum speed difference compared with surrounding traffic or both.

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, Vehicle Code 21658.1 and lane-splitting safety guidance; California example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Article 16.2bis, motorcycle filtering; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 88, filtering; national guidance example

Does permission to lane split give the motorcyclist priority?

No automatic universal priority exists. Riders and other drivers must continue to follow the applicable manoeuvring, lane-changing and right-of-way rules.

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, Vehicle Code 21658.1 and lane-splitting safety guidance; California example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Article 16.2bis, motorcycle filtering; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 88, filtering; national guidance example

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