Is Lane Splitting Legal in Massachusetts Under M.G.L. c. 89, § 4A? - Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C.
From Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. - Is Lane Splitting Legal in Massachusetts Under M.G.L. c. 89, § 4A? breaks down what Massachusetts law actually says about riding between lanes of traffic and what it means for injured riders seeking compensation. The episode explains that M.G.L. c. 89, § 4A requires vehicles to remain entirely within a single marked lane and prohibits a motorcycle from passing another motor vehicle within that same lane, a rule that often comes into play on highways like the Southeast Expressway during heavy traffic. The discussion covers how a lane-splitting citation is generally treated as a civil motor vehicle infraction, including the fines, fees, and Merit Rating Board surcharge points that can follow, as well as how a separate negligent operation charge might apply depending on the circumstances of a crash. Listeners will also hear how the Safe Driver Insurance Plan, or SDIP, factors into insurance consequences after a citation, and how these penalties differ from a determination of fault in a personal injury case. A major focus of the episode is how comparative negligence works under Massachusetts law, explaining that an injured rider can still recover damages as long as their share of fault does not exceed the combined fault of the other parties involved. The conversation walks through how fault is evaluated using evidence such as vehicle positions, signal use, and point of impact, showing that a lane-splitting violation alone does not automatically determine who is responsible for a crash. This episode is designed for riders in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Middlesex counties who want a clearer understanding of their rights after a motorcycle accident involving lane splitting. Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. and Boston motorcycle accident attorney Dino Colucci discuss how riders who receive a citation may still be able to pursue compensation if another driver's negligence contributed to the collision. Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C. 31 Milk St 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 (617) 958-3807 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=9608131359516908633