Story by Gregory Rouse
July 18, 2025
With Charleston’s sunny weather, scenic coastlines, and winding roads, it’s easy to see why motorcyclists love riding through South Carolina. But in congested traffic or during a slow crawl on I-26, many riders wonder: Can I legally ride between cars to get ahead?
That move—riding between lanes of traffic—is called lane splitting. However, South Carolina motorcycle lane splitting laws differ from those in places like California, where the practice is legal.
If you’re injured while attempting this maneuver, the legality of your actions can impact your ability to recover damages in a motorcycle accident claim.
Learn what South Carolina motorcycle laws say about lane splitting and your legal options if you’ve been injured while riding.
Under Section 56-5-3640 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a traffic lane. The law also makes riding between lanes or weaving through rows of vehicles illegal.
Doing so—whether by slipping between cars or cutting through traffic—violates state law and can lead to tickets, increased liability in an accident, or even criminal charges in serious cases.
So, if you’re still wondering, “Is lane splitting legal in South Carolina?” the legal code is clear: it’s not allowed.
South Carolina allows two motorcycles to ride side-by-side in a single lane if both riders agree. This is called lane sharing, and it’s different from lane splitting. Lane sharing is legal and often used for safety and visibility, especially in group rides. However, lane sharing with cars—or moving between cars—is prohibited.
Riders may try lane splitting to avoid getting rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic or to prevent their bikes from overheating. Others simply see it as a way to save time.
But just because it may feel safer or more convenient in the moment doesn’t mean it’s legal, or without risk. Lane splitting increases your vulnerability to sideswipe accidents, especially when drivers change lanes unexpectedly or don’t check their blind spots. In a state where it’s prohibited, it may also be used against you in a personal injury case.
Even if you were lane splitting, you still have rights. South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover damages in a motorcycle accident case if you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation, however, may be reduced based on your level of fault.
For example, if a driver suddenly swerves into your path while you were lane splitting, both parties could share blame. If you’re found 30% at fault, your compensation could be reduced by that percentage. This is why it’s essential to speak with a South Carolina personal injury attorney who understands the nuances of motorcycle laws and how fault is determined.
Charleston is one of the most motorcycle-friendly destinations in the state, but it also sees its fair share of motorcycle accidents. In 2022, South Carolina recorded 2,032 motorcycle crashes. Many of these accidents were caused by drivers who failed to yield, were distracted, or made unsafe lane changes.
At Berly Rouse Attorneys At Law, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys help injured riders in Charleston and across South Carolina. Whether your crash involved illegal lane splitting or was caused by another driver’s negligence, we pursue the facts and protect your rights.
Motorcycle riders often face unfair assumptions after a crash. At Berly Rouse, we push back against bias, investigate the cause of the accident, and build a strong claim that reflects your side of the story. Here’s what we do:
Whether you were lane splitting or not, we make sure your story is heard—and your rights protected.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina, don’t wait to seek help. You may still have a valid injury claim even if lane splitting was involved. Let an experienced South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney review your case.
At Berly Rouse, we handle motorcycle cases with the personal attention riders deserve and the aggressive advocacy insurance companies fear. Call us today to speak with a motorcycle injury lawyer who knows how to navigate South Carolina motorcycle laws and will fight for your recovery.
If you need experienced legal representation in Charleston, South Carolina, contact Berly Rouse. Our team is ready to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Visit our offices or call today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
At Berly Rouse, we’re proud to be a leading law firm in Charleston, SC, committed to serving our community with integrity, dedication, and legal excellence. Let us put our experience to work for you.
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