Arizona’s new motorcycle law targets lane splitting, exposing repeat offenders to steep fines, possible jail time, and license suspensions.
Harley-Davidson riders and other motorcyclists in Arizona face tougher penalties for weaving between moving vehicles under a new state law. Repeat offenders can face fines of up to $2,500, jail time, and a suspended license.
Arizona House Bill 2941, signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on June 22, took effect September 12. The law classifies riding between lanes of moving traffic or passing another vehicle within the same lane as reckless driving.
Known as lane splitting, the practice allows motorcyclists to move through traffic congestion rather than wait behind other vehicles. Under HB 2941, a first offense is now a class 2 misdemeanor rather than a simple traffic ticket.
The penalties include a fine of up to $750 and/or up to four months in jail. Judges may also order offenders to surrender their licenses.
Repeat violations carry harsher consequences. A class 1 misdemeanor can bring fines of up to $2,500 and/or up to six months in jail, along with a one-year license suspension.
Motorcyclists can face the increased penalties if they are caught lane splitting twice within 24 months or have prior convictions for offenses such as DUI, racing, or aggressive driving.
The law still permits lane filtering under specific conditions. Motorcyclists on two-wheeled bikes may move between stopped vehicles where the speed limit is 45 mph or lower, provided they travel at 15 mph or less.
Both experienced motorcyclists and other drivers have supported the change, describing it as a necessary road safety measure.