Page 53 - March Edition 2025

Motorcycling offers a unique set of advantages that many other forms of transport simply can't match. The ability to filter
through traffic, commonly referred to as lane splitting, is one such benefit. In a country like South Africa, where traffic
congestion in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban can cause long delays, lane splitting allows
motorcyclists to bypass stationary or slow-moving vehicles, saving time and reducing stress. However, while lane splitting
can be a useful tool for navigating traffic, it must be done safely and responsibly.
In this article, we will explore the expert advice on how to lane split properly in South Africa. We'll look at the legal
framework, the benefits, and essential safety tips for motorcyclists who wish to make progress in traffic while minimizing
risk to themselves and other road users.

movement through traffic,
it's important to maintain a
speed that is safe and legal.
In South Africa, you must
always respect posted
speed limits, even while
filtering through traffic.
· Use common sense:
E x e r c i s e c a u t i o n ,
particularly in situations
where visibility is limited
or when vehicles are close
together. Lane splitting
W h a t i s L a n e permits or prohibits lane splitting. should be avoided if the
The country's road traffic laws are space between vehicles is
Splitting? largely governed by the Road too narrow to navigate
Traffic Act, which outlines general safely.
Lane splitting, or filtering, refers to
the practice of riding a motorbike rules for motorcyclists. The law Since lane splitting is a grey area in
between lanes of slow-moving or mandates that all road users, South Africa's traffic laws, it's
stationary vehicles. Unlike including motorcyclists, must act essential for riders to exercise
overtaking (which involves in a way that ensures the safety of caution and always prioritize
all parties on the road.
passing another vehicle within the safety over speed.
same lane), lane splitting involves As such, the practice of lane
moving between vehicles that are splitting is somewhat ambiguous in
positioned in adjacent lanes. It is a South Africa. While no law directly
common technique used by bans it, motorcyclists are expected
motorcyclists to bypass traffic, to use their judgment and follow
especially in congested urban the principle of safe riding. Law
environments. enforcement authorities may
interpret the practice differently
The main goal of lane splitting is to
reduce travel time, avoid being depending on the region, the road
stuck in traffic, and maintain conditions, and the motorcyclist's Benefits of Lane
forward motion instead of idling. behavior.
While lane splitting is legal in Despite the lack of clear legal Splitting
some countries and jurisdictions, guidelines, motorcyclists must
it's not universally accepted, and adhere to a few basic rules when When done correctly, lane splitting
there are specific guidelines and lane splitting in South Africa: can provide several key benefits for
safety considerations to follow in motorcyclists in South Africa:
· Be safe and considerate:
order to do it properly. Lane splitting should only 1. Reduced Travel Time
Lane Splitting in be done when it is safe to do One of the primary benefits of lane
so, and in a manner that splitting is that it can help
South Africa: Legal doesn't endanger other road motorcyclists bypass traffic jams,
users. saving significant amounts of time
Status
· Do not exceed the speed during peak hours. In congested
South Africa does not have specific limit: While lane splitting areas like Johannesburg, where
legislation that either explicitly a l l o w s f o r q u i c k e r traffic can come to a standstill

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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 11 March 2025