To expressly prohibit motorcycle lane splitting and lane filtering in West Virginia while preserving a motorcycle’s full use of a lane

HB 4972 prohibits motorcycle lane splitting (riding between lanes of moving traffic) and lane filtering (riding between stopped/slow vehicles) on West Virginia roads, directly affecting motorcycle riders. The bill preserves a motorcycle’s right to occupy an entire lane and bans maneuvers that would force motorcycles to share lanes. Exceptions include following law enforcement direction, avoiding immediate hazards like debris, or participating in permitted events with traffic control. Violations carry fines up to $500 for repeat offenses, with rules to be developed for driver education and licensing. The law aims to clarify existing traffic rules without restricting motorcycles’ full use of a single lane.