HILL AIR FORCE BASE – Motorcycle lane filtering and lane splitting are not legalt inside the gate at Hill AFB.
Lane splitting and lane filtering are two distinct maneuvers that are often blended in an effort to increase traffic flow and safety. Although motorcyclists use both practices, they are performed in different contexts and are governed by distinct legal frameworks.
Lane splitting is the action of a motorcyclist moving between lanes of traffic that are concurrently in motion, allowing the rider to cautiously navigate through congested areas.
This practice raises safety concerns due to the speeds of the motorcycles maneuvering around vehicles with limited available space.
Lane filtering is when a motorcycle navigates between two lanes of stationary vehicles.
Motorcyclists stopped in traffic often use this procedure to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.
The base boundary where filtering and splitting must stop varies by which gate a motorcyclist enters.
• South Gate: Not allowed after turning off of SR193 onto South Gate Avenue.
• West Gate: Not allowed after the intersection of Falcon Hills Drive and M Avenue. This is the last intersection before the gate guards.
• North Gate: Not allowed after making the left turn at the last intersection before the entry control facility. That intersection is the incomplete intersection that does not have traffic lights right before the gate guards.
The Traffic Safety Working Group and the 75th Air Base Wing Safety Office often receive questions and complaints regarding these motorcycle driving techniques, especially since both practices are legal outside the gate.
The state of Utah approved lane filtering for motorcyclists under the House Bill 0311, when specific conditions occur.
• The motorcyclist's presence is on a divided multi-lane road.
• Adherence to a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour.
• The surrounding vehicles are stationary.
• The motorcycle's speed does not exceed 15 miles per hour.
• The motorcyclist’s execution occurs with safety.
The law emphasizes that any contact made during the filtering process is the liability of the rider, unless a vehicle door is opened in their path, implying that a collision denotes an unsafe filtering attempt. This provision serves to underscore the importance of meticulous judgment and control on the part of the motorcyclist.
Research indicates that practices such as lane filtering, when executed under controlled conditions, can contribute to reduced congestion and may lower certain types of accidents.
For this to be effective, all drivers must understand the legal and practical parameters while driving with awareness and courtesy.
For more information or concerns, please call the 75th ABW Safety Office at 801-777-SAFE (7233).
(This story was edited to indicate that lane splitting is not legal in Utah)