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Bill

HB 4972

To expressly prohibit motorcycle lane splitting and lane filtering in West Virginia while preserving a motorcycle’s full use of a lane

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Linville

West Virginia would prohibit motorcycles from lane splitting and filtering while maintaining their standard lane usage rights.

To House Judiciary
#motorvehicles
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4972

Legislative bill overview

HB 4972 would explicitly ban lane splitting and lane filtering for motorcycles in West Virginia. The bill clarifies that while motorcycles retain full rights to use standard traffic lanes, they are prohibited from operating between lanes of traffic or filtering through stopped vehicles.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects motorcycle safety practices and rider behavior on West Virginia roads. Currently, many states lack explicit statutory language on these practices, creating legal ambiguity; this bill removes that ambiguity by establishing a clear prohibition with potential enforcement and safety consequences.

Potential points of contention

  • Safety debate: Lane splitting advocates argue it reduces rear-end collision risk and improves traffic flow, while opponents cite accident risks from reduced visibility and vehicle detection of motorcycles operating outside standard lanes
  • Enforcement challenges: Police may face difficulties distinguishing between legal lane positioning and illegal lane splitting, particularly during congested traffic or at varied speeds
  • Rider rights vs. public safety: Motorcyclists may view restrictions as limiting operational flexibility, while supporters argue the prohibition creates predictable, safer traffic patterns for all vehicles

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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