<p>This study investigates the failures of reinforced concrete (RC) structural walls at the lap-splicing of longitudinal rebars observed during previous earthquakes. The ACI 318-19, EC2 and IS13920:2016 codes restrict lap splicing in areas prone to yielding, highlighting concerns for seismic resilience. Experimental validations were conducted on reinforced concrete walls with varying percentages of staggered lap splices. An equivalent bond-slip model was employed considering the strength and stress–strain behavior of the lap spliced steel rebars. A parametric analysis was performed to assess the influence of the moment-to-shear (MSR) on the seismic response of these walls. The findings indicate significant performance discrepancies when current regulations, applicable to beams and columns with low MSRs, are extended to shear walls. Non-linear finite element analysis reveals that an increase in the MSR leads to a decrease in shear demand, transitioning the failure mode from shear to flexural. Furthermore, strain concentrations at the ends of lap-spliced rebars reduces deformability, adversely affecting drift capacity and raising risks to the seismic resilience of RC walls. The study also identifies that lap splices positioned near plastic hinge regions are particularly vulnerable, significantly influencing the seismic performance of RC shear wall structures.</p>