com New Hampshire. State Uniform Traffic Control code 316. The state allows lane splitting. Lane-Splitting in California. It reduces traffic congestion: When motorcycles are allowed to split lanes, they can weave through congested traffic much more easily than cars, which helps ease traffic jams. Motorcycle Laws in New Hampshire ⚠️ ATTENTION: Need to register or title your motorcycle? Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements. As of January 13, 2020, it has retained its current status andcan still be passed. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. The law is not entirely clear on the practice. Violation of this law may result in fines and penalties assessed by law enforcement. For many motorcycle riders in Texas, lane splitting remains a lofty wish as it is currently illegal (2023). In some of these states, lane splitting is considered de facto legal, but it’s up to the discretion of law enforcement. 6. Even though motorcyclists can travel side by side, most riders stick to a single lane. As of 2023, underSection 545. The survey revealed that approximately 87 percent of motorcycle riders in California engage in lane-splitting. California is the only state that allows lane splitting on the road. No, absolutely do not "send it" between cars. 3. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. ”. Personal Injury Law. All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Q: Lane splitting is technically legal for motorcyclists in California, but the way it is done is often not legal. Georgia is a comparative negligence state for motor vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents ( O. The 2016 bill is dead in NH. Local Office. But now other states are pushing to legalize it too. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. – I. It’s not enforced at all, but the traffic law actually states that during stopped traffic a motorcyclist must filter all the way to the front for higher visibility, and use the designated motorcycle spots. It is important to check with your state’s Department. Jan 31, 2023. Known as “lane splitting,” this riding technique is actually illegal throughout New York. Posted on: May 5, 2023. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. What NC law says about lane splitting. Experts in this state do recommend that motorcyclists only go ten miles per hour above the speed of the surrounding traffic and that they avoid lane splitting over speeds of 30 miles per hour. Again, lane splitting refers to the practice of driving a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, typically on a multi-lane road or highway during a traffic jam. Our Indiana-based firm can help you through a difficult situation. Lane splitting and lane sharing sound the same, but they’re not. The state’s Vehicle Code explicitly prohibits the practice, stating that “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting is not legal in Nevada. A: Currently, lane splitting is only legal in eight states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. ”Although motorcycle lane splitting is strictly prohibited under Georgia law, it is not a total bar against taking legal action after an accident. Learn More. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. However, lane splitting is a somewhat confusing legal subject in North Carolina. “It is very safe as long as you are keeping your speed reasonable compared to the surrounding traffic,” said Nick Haris, a lobbyist for the group. ”. This guide will help you break down the. Schroeder's maneuver, known as lane filtering or lane splitting, was legalized in Montana two years ago, when the Legislature passed Senate Bill 9. (212) 514-5007. In all other states, it is currently illegal. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. For instance, it’s legal in California but illegal in some other states. Utah uses the term lane filtering to describe the practice and defines it thusly: “Lane filtering” means, when operating a motorcycle other than an autocycle, the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped in the same direction of travel in the same lane. Chasen Cohan, Esq. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. Proposals to allow lane splitting have been introduced repeatedly in Oregon but. Rye, NH 03870; Manchester, NH (603) 825-4939; 1155 Elm ST, Suite 500 Manchester, NH 03101;. But yes for the most part traffic is so minimal in the state and cops don't seem to mind. #8. To clarify, lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides in the space between two lanes, driving in the gap between two cars. Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws specifically states that “motorcyclists are not permitted to operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Texas allows motorcyclists to share lanes, meaning that it is legal for two motorcyclists to ride side-by. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. Cops could probably find a law already on the books to cite you for if they wanted to give you a hard time about it. There are countless rules and regulations and one of them is lane. (Photo courtesy of the AMA) S. ”. On the second conviction within 18 months the maximum penalty is a fine of $350. In the bill, the term is explained and California Highway Patrol is given the authority to develop corresponding safety guidelines for motorcycle operators. Riding a motorcycle in France is about 20 times as dangerous per kilometer as driving a car, but only a small percentage of serious motorcycle accidents occur while lane splitting. Is Lane Splitting Legal in New Hampshire? By Kira, 2023-07-20. Lane splitting is a gray area in many US states. Since the average lane is only about 12 feet wide, it’s only safe for two motorcycles to share a single lane. Notwithstanding RSA 231:59 or any other provision of law, a town may raise and appropriate, and the selectmen may expend, money for the repair of any class VI highway or private way which has been declared an emergency lane under paragraph II. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. Lane splitting in Utah. Here the people cannot drive their cars between rows of slow. Safety Reminders Creating a safer highway. As a motorcyclist, it is important to know the laws on lane splitting in your state. Proponents said the bill was a compromise from past attempts to legalize lane splitting in Oregon and drew a distinction between the proposal and the law in California, where riders can travel in. The situation with lane splitting in Arkansas is a tad bit confusing. Schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to determine liability in your lane-splitting accident in Mooresville, Monroe, or Uptown Charlotte. California is the only state that has explicitly legalized lane splitting. gov -. – I. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. Hawaii. That being said, lane splitting is only considered illegal since you cannot find any specific laws that permit or allow motorbike riders to move between automobiles that are within their lanes. This vehicle had created a dilemma about these lane-splitting laws. In some states it isn't a crime to lane split with your motorcycle, and in others, it's not legal or illegal. In response to California’s AB-51, lane splitting is outlined as “a motorbike. Lane splitting is legal in some states, while it is illegal in others. Nowadays, this lane splitting is in the practice of riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or other two-wheeled vehicles available in the market. 880 21st ave n. Universal Citation: NH Rev Stat § 265:26 (2022) 265:26 Driving on Divided Ways. Known as “lane splitting,” this riding technique is actually illegal throughout New York. Evening and weekend meetings can be arranged upon request. Until then, moving violations are a possibility for those caught lane splitting. They smack mirrors, ride dangerously fast in slower traffic, and act with. States without laws regarding lane splitting or filtering include: Washington DC also does not have laws pertaining to lane splitting. Whether a rider is using lane splitting for safety or impatience, is it legal in Louisiana? The short answer is. ” When vehicles are stopped altogether, it’s called “lane-filtering. When done between vehicles stopped at a traffic signal, it is called “lane filtering. Lane splitting is only fully legal in one US state, California. The state defines the practice as “A motorcycle ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. As of 2022, Californiais the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. Differences Between Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting. Violators of this law may face fines. Lane sharing is allowed with up to two motorcycles abreast in one lane. Oakland, CA 94601. While lane splitting is dangerous, a 2015 study found motorcycle riders who split lanes in congested traffic are considerably less likely to be hit from behind by other drivers, suffer head or body injuries , or incur fatal injuries . Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws expressly states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting, which is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, is not legal in Pennsylvania. What it did show, is that you're a salty driver that hate people that pass you up. First, not only is lane-sharing or lane-splitting legal in California, but the CHP wrote the safety guidelines as instructed in AB51, which was approved by Gov. § 40-6-312, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. Florida Statute 316. All of the traffic laws that regulate typical overtaking apply even when lane splitting, notably it cannot be done in places where overtaking is forbidden by the lane markings (double center line) or other traffic signs, a vehicle (even single-track) cannot drive on the center line itself and has to keep a safe distance from other road users. Legislatively, there has been activity on lane splitting in several states, but only California has enacted a law. And then parks illegally all day in front of my office building with yesterday's parking ticket stuck to the motorcycle. In Ontario, it’s merely not permitted, which. This section of the North Carolina motor vehicle code specifies that vehicles are. Lane splitting, or "filtering", is legal in all European countries except Germany (where it is legal only in stationary traffic). But it a cop doesn’t care, then there’s no enforcement. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. Lane splitting is legal in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Utah. A bill created in 2016 would make it legal to practice lane filtering while surrounding traffic is going 10 miles per hour or less. All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Though lane splitting is not explicitly. These fears have led the vast majority of states to ban lane splitting. Justia Free Databases of US Laws, Codes & Statutes. Here's what you need to know about state laws regarding lane splitting: Practically Illegal in Most States. Source. Lane-sharing. Alligator Spotted on Lake Michigan Beach Monday. According to Wisconsin law, every motorist, of either a car or motorcycle, is allowed full access to their lane without being impeded by another motorist. P Michigan -P Minnesota -P Mississippi -33 Missouri -33 Montana -P Nebraska -P Nevada -P New Hampshire -P New Jersey -33 New Mexico -33 New York -P North Carolina -P North Dakota -P Ohio -33 Oklahoma -33 Oregon -P Pennsylvania -P Rhode Island -P South. A summary of current state laws specific to lane splitting and lane filtering. You have enough room to safely lane split. Lichtenstein. Lane splitting, also known as “white lining” and even “lane filtering” in some regions, is a practice where a motorcyclist rides their bike between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic on a multi-lane road. Unlike lane splitting (or stripe-riding), where a motorcyclist rides between lanes of moving traffic, lane sharing is more than one rider using the same lane simultaneously. S. The 2016 law known as AB 51 established lane splitting as something that state transportation authorities could regulate, and the California Highway Patrol developed official lane splitting guidelines two years later. Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2017. Legal lane splitting moves traffic forward faster, but yes, the way some riders lane split can be perceived as negative. #2 is Mexican food. Bringing the law into line with common practice seemed to make sense. If HB 1419 becomes a law, the penalty will be PHP 1,500 for the first offense, PHP 3,000 for the second offense, and PHP 5,000 for. A large part this is due to a decrease in. 4. While many motorcyclists ignore this. According to Code O. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. For instance, it’s legal in California but illegal in some other states. Even when traveling at low speeds, motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries. (888) 424-2736. Home;Short answer: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? No, lane splitting or filtering is currently not legal in the state of Michigan. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. The Highway Code, which provides guidance on the rules and regulations of the road in the UK, does not explicitly prohibit lane splitting. Pembelahan jalur, also called white-lining or stripe riding, refers to riding on the line between lanes of traffic. 100% FREE CONSULTATION. In Taiwan, no local traffic laws prohibiting lane splitting for motorcycles. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. NH Section § 473:15 Liability for damages. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Some states directly outlaw lane splitting, while others do not specifically address the issue. Lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between. Motorcyclists in New Hampshire can share a lane with up to two motorcycles riding abreast. Part 1, Title XIV, Chapter 89, Section 4A of the Massachusetts General Laws states that if any road has been divided into multiple lanes, the driver of a vehicle must drive entirely within a single lane and cannot move from that lane. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. Lane splitting is a controversial subject, but your attorney can help guide you through potential potholes. Had Gixxer brah been busted by police, lane splitting would have been the least of his legal worries. You cannot lane split in the state of New Hampshire. G. There's a motorcycle who does this every morning on Hubbard heading east into downtown. First, here’s a little background: On Aug. 9 allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. , California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal. Cops and troopers here are pricks to motorcycles and everyone else tbh. There are several States in the world where lane splitting is legal in 2022. What NC law says about lane splitting. 2022 has been a month of rapid, unseen normalization for lane-filtering throughout many different states in the US. C. Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws; Motorcycle Lane Splitting Guidelines; Contact a Motorcycle Attorney. “This bill would define ‘lane splitting’ as driving a motorcycle, that has 2 wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or. In the U. But it’s actually about lane splitting, which is illegal in New Mexico. The rider may travel no more than 20 mph – it’s not. Therefore, motorcyclists and automobiles are advised to use separate lanes as much as possible. 3. Lane splitting is a term to describe a motorcycle passing between lanes of adjacent slower-moving traffic. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. Lane Splitting Is Dangerous . Sharing a lane with a car while passing them is commonly known as “lane splitting” and is not legal in Oregon. Two. Most states have made it completely illegal while only a few have officially legalized it. Some riders filter to the front of traffic at stoplights while. Lane-splitting is specifically legal only in California. " Tough luck, trikes. Lane Splitting Advantages. Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. It is also known as white lining, stripe riding, lane. An attorney at Ernst Law Group can protect your rights. It depends on the laws and regulations of the specific jurisdiction. Several states have already voted to allow some form of lane splitting, filtering, or shoulder. The state allows lane splitting. Unless you are a police officer and you are responding to a 911 call or otherwise performing your duties as an officer of the law, you are not allowed to ride your motorcycle between lanes of traffic in Tennessee. According to Florida Statute 316. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, which can help them avoid being hit from behind by another vehicle in stop-and-go traffic or other precarious traffic situations. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. With safety in mind, the California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. While it’s a common practice in many states, only California has made this practice legal. California has always “allowed” lane splitting, but only formalized this into law in 2016. Even when traveling at low speeds, motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries. Where Is Lane Splitting Legal? The only state where lane splitting is technically legalized is California. In 2016, Gov. There is currently no legislation in Florida addressing this topic, but it will likely be discussed in the future. lane-filtering is through. – I. And no, lane splitting is not legal in Illinois. Utah officially. Who we are; Warehouse Locations; Meetings our TeamUnderstanding Lane Splitting in California. Even though motorcyclists can travel side by side, most riders stick to a single lane. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. Drivers cannot deviate from their lanes. Nowhere in Illinois is lane splitting legal, and splitting lanes and can result in fines and points on your license for improper lane usage. . Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. Law Complex Litigation. Tim Miley is the Founder of Miley Legal, a West Virginia personal injury law firm he formed in 2006. Call (704) 370-2828 to receive a video or phone consultation with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. The far left lanes are considered safer for lane splitting than the right lanes. Lane Splitting Rules of the Road. The washington state legislature passed a law in 2019 making it legal to lane split on motorcycles. Click below for a. app!Even in California, not every form of lane splitting is legal. Johnson said a WSP lieutenant spotted a motorcyclist lane splitting on northbound State Route 167 Wednesday morning and attempted to stop the rider. Once passed, this law will allow lane-filtering events at red lights as long as the cars are stationary. Lane splitting is not particularly legal in the United States. In fact, the only state that currently allows lane splitting is California, so if you’re not in the Sunshine State, avoid tickets and fines by following the same protocols for passing as you would in a car. Motorcyclists may split a lane of traffic to move past slower-moving vehicles. 1, 2021. In 31 states, including Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal. The following year it reported 18. Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. 309-550-7543; Home; Quotes; Why Us? Blog; Contact; About. In fact, while lane splitting is legal in some parts of Europe and Asia, in the United States, only California has legalized lane splitting. Motorcycle Lane Splitting State-by-State Laws in 2023 - Motorcycle Legal Fundation; Lane Splitting & Filtering Are Legal in the Following States - Mission Personal Injury. ” Is Lane Splitting Legal in Georgia? Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not take up a whole traffic lane. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. This is when a motorcycle drives between two vehicles, splitting two different travel lanes in order to pass them. Lane-splitting is the practice of motorcycles riding in between lanes of moving or still traffic on busy freeways and highways. (a) For the purposes of this section, “ lane splitting ” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. 16 High Street, Suite 3, Manchester, NH 03101 (888) 332-5855 [Map & Directions]. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws specifically states that “motorcyclists are not permitted to operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. This is referred to as lane sharing when two or more motorcycles travel side-by-side in the same lane and in the same direction. In France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and most other countries, the practice is not just lawful, it’s expected. Unlike California, where lane splitting was. 8 Prior to this change, California law did not explicitly prohibit lane-splitting (personal communications, January 2022). Therefore, motorcyclists and automobiles are advised to use separate lanes as much as possible. Advocates point out that lane splitting reduces congestion, allowing motorcycles to move forward through traffic and take up less space on the road, thus reducing congestion. Lane splitting is legal in Massachusetts under legislation passed in 2017. In 12 other states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina and Montana, lane splitting exists in a state of limbo — neither legal or illegal. You can consider it legal as there has been no mention of lane splitting in the Arkansas law. Lane sharing of any kind is expressly prohibited in 34 states, including New York and Florida. Committee recommended, and a house voice vote concurred, that is was "Inexpedient to Legislate". It’s ideal for lane splitting, but you don’t want to try it! The Florida legislature really doesn’t like lane-splitting. The current fine for lane splitters is $175. The North Carolina law that most closely addressed lane splitting is GS 20-146. But some states do not permit lane splitting. ”. In some states it isn't a crime to lane split with your motorcycle, and in others, it's not legal or illegal. Image Credit: motorcycle. Lane splitting must be done at a speed that respects posted speed limits and. By Michael Steinger Published March 10, 2022 The legality of lane splitting has long been a cause for debate in the United States. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps. California was the first state to make it legal for motorcycles to lane split back in 2016. Fierce Protectors of the Injured™. The idea behind this law is that lane filtering is actually safer for motorcycles than sitting in traffic. , California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal. No, they can’t. As of now, only a few states have specific laws addressing the legality of lane splitting: California. 1963, 330:1. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. In fact, the only state that currently allows lane splitting is California, so if you’re not in the Sunshine State, avoid tickets and fines by following the same protocols for passing as you would in a car. However, lane filtering was made legal here in 2019. ”. the legality of lane splitting varies from state to state. The 2016 law known as AB 51 established lane splitting as something that state transportation authorities could regulate, and the California Highway Patrol developed official lane splitting guidelines two years later. Lane filtering is when motorcycles move to the front of a line of traffic that is at a red light by traveling between two lanes of stopped cars. Posted in Motorcycle Accident on May 17, 2023. 2. Legal Complexities: The legality of lane splitting varies broadly. Do not ride between rows of stopped or moving motor vehicles. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. "The practical reality is that it will only increase the incidents of motorcycles and lane splitting in general traffic conditions," said Jarvis. However, some laws and regulations can be applied to lane splitting. Skip Navigation. Motorcyclists accomplish lane splitting by driving in the gaps between cars during heavy traffic. Be aware that lane splitting in New Hampshire is illegal under NH 265:121. Motorcycle riders are expected to follow all the same driving rules and protocols as other drivers on the road. state that expressly allows lane splitting in its laws is California. Motorcycles can share a lane up to two abreast. Although, just because something is legal does not mean it is always safe. In 2016, it was declared legal across the state. SB 273, a lane splitting law passed by the Texas legislature in 2019, was introduced in 2019. It’s hard to believe that lane splitting in Texas is illegal when motorcycle riders always do it. G. Whenever any roadway has been divided into 2 or more lanes clearly marked for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply: I. I miss very few things about CA, and the weather isn't top of the list. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. . The legislation was introduced in the past to try and change. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. Virginia. Maximum Sound Level - Max sound level of no more than 106dBA when measured 20" from the exhaust pipe at a 45 degree angle; NH 266:59 The legislative and law enforcement advice that follows this list does not mention lane splitting or suggest laws be changed with regard to lane splitting. Twenty-nine states have laws prohibiting lane splitting, though many are reconsidering their stance. The Texas Transportation Code requires all drivers and motorcyclists to drive within a single lane. Which states consider Lane Splitting legal and how do the V-T-F. In France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and most other countries, the practice is not just lawful, it’s expected. The law further restricts the lane splitting to roads with speed limits under 50 mph thus eliminating the ability to do this on any Utah interstate. In 2018, Hawaii passed House Bill 2859 which authorizes the Department of Transportation to allow two-wheeled motorcycles to drive in designated shoulder lanes with the goal to prevent rear-end. It’s important to check the local traffic laws and regulations to determine whether two motorcycles can legally share a lane in a particular area. Where Is Lane Splitting Legal? In the U. 4 percent versus 15. If you ever become an accident victim, contact our Law Tigers team at 1-888-863-7216 for assistance. Lane splitting is not legal in Nevada. But Texas just passed a law banning the practice, being the latest to do so. lane splitting laws in california In 2016, Governor Edmund G. I now live in NH. . In North America, it’s not as accepted. However, state law may not place any strict limits in terms of speed, but it is recommended that motorcyclists avoid splitting lanes by moving faster than 10 mph more than the drivers around them or when surrounding. 1. Conversely, some states do not consider lane splitting a legal tactic, but they do not prohibit it. Statistics show fewer motorcyclist get hurt in areas where lane-splitting is legal. The legislative and law enforcement advice that follows this list does not mention lane splitting or suggest laws be changed with regard to lane splitting. This is apparently legal in California and generally allowed (ie ignored) by cops in many other states. The law of most states does not address lane sharing. Under New Hampshire state law, motor vehicles also. 231:59-a Emergency Lanes. The official pro-lane-splitting bill became active in California on January 1st, 2017. C. No, lane splitting is not legal in North Carolina. Régis Guyot, a prefect (state official) said, “It seems preferable to acknowledge [lane.