Lane-Splitting and Liability in Alberta
Lane-splitting—riding between two lanes of slow or stopped cars—is common and sometimes encouraged in Europe, parts of the U.S., and Asia to reduce congestion. But in Alberta, it's **not legal** and can have serious consequences.
If you're involved in a motorcycle accident while lane-splitting, it can affect both **fault** and **compensation**. Understanding Alberta's laws and how they impact your claim is crucial.
As Alberta motorcycle accident lawyers, we explain how Alberta law treats lane-splitting, its impact on insurance claims, and whether you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault.
This guide covers:
What Is Lane-Splitting?
Lane-splitting (also called 'lane-filtering') is riding a motorcycle **between two lanes of moving or stopped vehicles**, typically in traffic jams or at intersections.
Common Examples:
Is Lane-Splitting Legal in Alberta?
No. Lane-splitting is **illegal** under Alberta's **Traffic Safety Act** and the **Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation**.
Stay Entirely Within a Single Lane
Riders must stay **entirely** within a single lane.
Pass Only by Moving Fully Into Next Lane
Pass other vehicles **only** by moving **fully** into the next lane when safe.
Lane-splitting is illegal in Alberta — but that doesn't automatically mean you're 100% at fault in an accident.
Steps to Take After a Lane-Splitting Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a lane-splitting accident can protect your rights and help minimize your fault percentage.
Call 911 Immediately
Police documentation is essential. Be honest about what happened, but don't speculate about fault.
Get Medical Attention
Even low-speed motorcycle crashes can cause severe injuries.
Collect Evidence
Take photos of the scene, lane positions, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
Gather Witness Information
Witnesses can help establish the other driver's fault.
Keep All Receipts and Medical Records
Document every expense and treatment related to your recovery.
Contact an Alberta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Legal representation can reduce your fault percentage and ensure fair compensation.
How a Lawyer Helps With Lane-Splitting Claims
An experienced Alberta motorcycle accident lawyer provides essential expertise to protect your rights and maximize your compensation:
Proving Shared Fault
Using evidence and accident reconstruction to show driver negligence.
Negotiating With Insurers
Ensuring they don't unfairly assign 100% fault to the rider.
Maximizing Compensation
Accounting for pain, lost income, and future care.
Fighting Bias
Insurers often assume riders are 'reckless' — we ensure the facts, not stereotypes, determine your case.
Litigating if Needed
Taking the claim to court when insurers refuse a fair settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Lane-splitting may seem harmless — and in many places, it's legal and even encouraged — but in Alberta, it's prohibited and can complicate your injury claim if an accident occurs. Still, the law doesn't automatically make you fully responsible. If a driver's negligence caused or worsened the crash, you can still recover compensation under Alberta's comparative fault rules.
Lane-splitting is illegal in Alberta.
You can still claim compensation, but your payout may be reduced based on fault.
Police, insurers, and courts assess each case individually.
A lawyer ensures insurers don't unfairly blame you or minimize your damages.
Injured while lane-splitting in Alberta?
Contact us today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.