This paper presents an investigation of the behavior of spirally confined lap splices of deformed reinforcing bars in concrete. A total of 119 specimens were tested in axial tension in two phases. The first phase focused on determining the best splicing detail. In the second phase, the chosen splice detail was more extensively studied. Parameters covered in this study included concrete strength, bar size, number of spirals, and lap length. Maximum axial load was recorded as the failure capacity of specimens' cracking patterns was also observed. The results were compared with recently published research recommendations and with the provisions of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318-95 Building Code. The investigation showed that spiral confinement of lap splices of standard reinforcing bars can result in significant reduction of the required lap length. An equation was derived to predict spirally confined lap length. Finally, recommendations were made to increase the maximum limit set forth in ACI 318-95 on the effect of transverse reinforcement on development length.