There are plenty of reasons why someone might want to commute via motorcycle, moped, or scooter.

They save a ton in gas, the maintenance is relatively easy, it's easy to find parking, they're good for the environment, and probably the most important reason is...they're fun!

Riding down the road with the sunshine on your face and the wind in your hair. Every ride is a little bit different when you hop on your two-wheeled vehicle and it can make a mundane trip a lot more fun and unique. Yes, they can be dangerous but there's no denying the excitement riders enjoy on every ride. Whether you're on a motorcycle, scooter, or moped, you're surely to get some heads turning as they check out what you're riding.

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One of the best parts for some riders is that if you're ever caught in some kind of traffic, you can legally split through the traffic lane on your motorcycle/scooter. How awesome is that? No traffic for you! I think you'd be surprised to learn how many states legally allow riders to do this.

Is Iowa one of them?

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Iowa?

One thing I've learned in my short 2+ years since moving to Iowa is that if you're ever caught in traffic, something bad happened or there's a train. Traffic is something we rarely deal with in eastern Iowa but it has and can happen. If someone on a motorcycle or scooter wanted to go in between the cars and slowly make their way through a traffic jam, I've got some bad news.

According to Legis Iowa, Code 321.275, lane splitting is illegal in Iowa.

"A motorcycle or motorized bicycle shall not be operated between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles."

Sadly, two-wheeled riders in Iowa have to sit in traffic with the rest of the group. I was a bit surprised to find out how many states that legally allow lane splitting for motorcycles.

Where is it Legal?

All of these states have slight differences on when it is legal for motorcycles to lane split. Such as the speed you're traveling at, how fast the cars around you are traveling, etc. According to Twisted Road, Lane Splitting, to varying degrees, is legal in California, Montana, Utah, Texas, and Hawaii. There are also about 8 states where it is not illegal or legal, it is supposedly up to the local law enforcement.

While some states do allow this, a vast majority of states in the U.S. do now allow riders to lane split.