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Arizona motorcycle riders who lane split can now be charged with reckless driving under new law

motorcycle close up of wheel
Sky Schaudt
/
KJZZ

Two new laws affect how motorcycles can be registered and operated in Arizona.

A new law that took effect earlier this month allows motorcycle operators who lane split to be charged with reckless driving.

Lane splitting is defined by the American Motorcyclist Association as traveling between lanes of moving vehicles, and is distinct from lane filtering, defined as traveling between stopped cars, which has been legal in Arizona since 2022.

A law taking effect in January, requires registered owners of motorbikes to have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement to renew their registration. The new rule does not apply to businesses or off-road motorcycles. Motorcyclists have before the end of the year to become compliant.

Those who are not compliant after Jan. 1 can apply for a one-time temporary 30-day registration if they are enrolled in a motorcycle training course.

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Connor Greenwall is a reporter covering aviation, transportation and infrastructure at KJZZ.