You’re riding through Vermont on a clear day, another motorcycle pulls up beside you in the same lane, and for a moment, you wonder if this is allowed or if someone is about to get a ticket. The short answer is yes, motorcycles can legally ride side by side in Vermont, but only under specific conditions. The law allows two motorcycles to ride abreast in a single lane, but anything beyond that, or behavior that interferes with traffic flow or safety, can quickly cross into a violation.
Understanding how this law works in practice matters more than the rule itself. When a motorcycle crash happens, the way riders positioned themselves in the lane can directly affect fault, liability, and even insurance outcomes.
What Are Vermont's Motorcycle Laws on Riding Side by Side?
Vermont law explicitly permits motorcycles to ride two abreast within a single lane. This is not considered improper lane usage as long as both riders remain within the lane boundaries and operate safely.
The governing statute is 23 V.S.A. § 1115, which addresses motorcycle operation. It states that:
- Motorcycles may ride two abreast in a single lane
- Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane
- More than two motorcycles riding abreast in a single lane is not permitted
This distinction is important. Riding side by side is not the same as lane splitting, which is generally understood as moving between lanes of traffic. Vermont does not authorize lane splitting, and attempting to do so can result in a traffic violation.
How “Two Abreast” Actually Works When You’re Sharing the Road
The law sounds straightforward, but in practice, it depends on spacing, speed, and surrounding traffic.
Two riders sharing a lane must still maintain control and awareness. If they drift outside the lane or crowd other vehicles, it becomes a safety issue rather than a simple lane positioning question.
Situations where riding side by side is typically acceptable include:
- Cruising on open roads with minimal traffic
- Riding in coordinated groups at controlled speeds
- Maintaining consistent spacing within the lane
Where it becomes problematic is when riders treat the lane like shared open space without regard to other vehicles. For example, if one rider edges too close to the lane line or obstructs a passing vehicle, that behavior can be cited under broader traffic safety laws.
Lane Splitting vs. Riding Side by Side in Vermont
This is where confusion often comes in. Riding two side by side is legal. Lane splitting is not.
Lane splitting involves a motorcycle moving between lanes of traffic, usually when cars are stopped or moving slowly. Vermont law does not permit this practice. If a rider attempts to pass vehicles by weaving between lanes, it can lead to citations for unsafe passing or improper lane use.
From a liability standpoint, this distinction becomes critical. If a crash occurs while lane splitting, the rider may face a stronger argument that they contributed to the accident. Riding two abreast within a lane does not carry that same presumption, but it still depends on how safely it was done.
When Can Side-by-Side Riding Lead to a Violation?
Even though the law allows two motorcycles to ride side by side, there are clear boundaries. Once those are crossed, the issue shifts from legality to negligence.
Here are common situations where a rider could still be cited:
- Exceeding two motorcycles in a single lane
- Drifting outside the lane while riding abreast
- Impeding traffic flow or blocking another vehicle
- Riding at unsafe speeds for conditions
- Failing to maintain proper control or spacing
Law enforcement typically evaluates behavior, not just positioning. If the riding pattern creates risk, officers have discretion to issue citations under broader safety statutes.
How Side by Side Riding Affects Accident Liability in Vermont
This is where things get more nuanced. Just because something is legal does not mean it is automatically safe or free from liability.
In a motorcycle accident, insurance companies and attorneys look closely at how each rider was positioned and behaving in the moments leading up to the crash. Riding side by side can complicate that analysis.
Key factors that are often involved include:
- Whether both riders stayed within the lane
- Speed relative to traffic conditions
- Visibility to surrounding drivers
- Reaction time and evasive actions
- Whether either rider created a hazard
Vermont follows a modified comparative negligence system under 12 V.S.A. § 1036, which means a rider can recover damages only if they are less than 50 percent at fault. Any percentage of fault reduces the total recovery.
If riding side by side contributed to reduced visibility or limited maneuverability, that can factor into how fault is assigned.
What Strengthens or Weakens a Motorcycle Injury Claim in Vermont?
When side-by-side riding is involved, the details matter more than usual. These cases are usually decided on multiple factors.
From a legal standpoint, the following elements often shape the outcome:
- Clear evidence that both riders remained within their lane
- Witness statements describing safe, controlled riding behavior
- Traffic conditions at the time of the incident
- Whether another driver failed to yield or made an unsafe maneuver
- Any indication that the riders were acting unpredictably
On the other hand, claims tend to weaken when there is evidence of crowding, erratic movement, or limited visibility caused by the riders themselves.
A Closer Look at How These Cases Play Out
Small differences in facts can completely change how liability is assigned.
One example involves two riders traveling side by side on a rural Vermont road. A vehicle turns left in front of them, failing to yield. Both riders are struck. In this scenario, the turning driver may carry the majority of fault because they failed to yield the right of way.
Now change one detail. One of the riders drifts partially into the adjacent lane while riding abreast. That rider may now share fault because their positioning created additional risk and reduced reaction time.
Another situation involves group riding on a highway. Two motorcycles ride side by side at speed, limiting their ability to maneuver. A sudden traffic slowdown occurs. If they cannot react in time due to their positioning, their own conduct may be scrutinized, even if another vehicle contributed to the chain of events.
The facts of each particular accident directly affect whether a claim succeeds and how much compensation is available.
Practical Safety Considerations for Vermont Motorcycle Riders
The law gives riders flexibility, but that does not mean it is always the safest choice.
If you are considering riding side by side, a few practical guidelines can reduce risk:
- Maintain a clear buffer within the lane
- Avoid riding abreast in heavy or unpredictable traffic
- Communicate with the other rider before changing speed or position
- Be aware of blind spots from surrounding vehicles
- Leave room to maneuver if conditions change suddenly
These are not legal requirements, but they often become relevant when a crash is analyzed after the fact.
What Happens If You’re Ticketed for Riding Side by Side
A ticket does not necessarily mean the act of riding side by side was illegal. It usually reflects how the riding was perceived in context.
If cited, the issue may involve:
- Unsafe operation rather than lane positioning itself
- Interference with traffic flow
- Failure to maintain lane discipline
- Speed or reckless behavior tied to the riding pattern
Challenging a citation often comes down to demonstrating that the riders stayed within the legal boundaries and operated safely given the conditions.
Why This Issue Comes Up in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Side-by-side riding tends to draw attention after an accident because it introduces more variables. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys often look for ways to argue shared responsibility.
Even when the initial cause of a crash is clear, the positioning of motorcycles can be used to argue that riders contributed to the outcome. That does not automatically succeed, but it is a common strategy.
From a legal perspective, the goal is to separate lawful conduct from negligent behavior. Riding two abreast is legal. Riding in a way that increases risk is not.
Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, Is Just One Phone Call Away
Motorcycle laws in Vermont allow flexibility, but that flexibility comes with responsibility. When side-by-side riding is involved in an accident, the analysis often goes beyond the basic rule and into how each decision affects safety and outcome. A single detail can shift liability in a meaningful way.
If a motorcycle accident has injured you, you must understand how these factors apply to your case. The difference between a strong claim and a compromised one often comes down to how the facts are presented and evaluated. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, the legal team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is available to assist you.
We believe that everyone deserves top-tier legal representation, which is why our team is available 24/7 to listen to your story. If you are ready to take the next step toward your recovery, please do not hesitate to reach out. Contact us for a free consultation today.