Is lane splitting legal in Massachusetts?

Lane splitting, which involves a motorcycle moving between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is not legal in Massachusetts. The law is designed primarily to ensure safety for all road users. Massachusetts General Laws prohibit motorcyclists from riding between lanes or through parts of the roadway not designed for vehicles, as this practice can create unpredictability and increase the risk of accidents involving both motorcyclists and other vehicles.

Some states have enacted specific laws that allow lane splitting under certain conditions, but Massachusetts does not fall into this category. Thus, the understanding that it is illegal within the state is grounded in the intent to maintain orderly conduct on the roads and reduce the potential for collisions or injuries that may arise from this maneuver.