24/10/2026
Yes—riding between two lanes of traffic travelling in the same direction, as shown in your picture, can be legal in South Africa. It is called lane splitting, or filtering through traffic. The City of Ekurhuleni confirms that it is not illegal, provided it is done safely.
City of Ekurhuleni
It comes with conditions:
The rider must pass safely, leaving sufficient clearance. Regulation 298 governs overtaking, including when passing on the left is permitted.
All other traffic laws still apply, including speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs and solid barrier lines.
Dangerous weaving or speeding through gaps can still amount to reckless or negligent driving. Permission to lane split does not give the rider automatic right of way.
For motorists: check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, indicate clearly, and never deliberately block or squeeze a motorcycle. Drivers do not have to make an unsafe manoeuvre to create a gap.
The important distinction is between lanes going the same way, as pictured. Riding along the centre of a road between opposing traffic raises different overtaking and road-marking rules.
“Expect a motorcycle in the gap, mirrors, blind spot, indicator, then move only when safe.”
