Nearly all motorcyclists in California know that lane splitting is perfectly legal in California–with a few caveats. Lane splitting, or lane sharing as it’s known elsewhere, is when a motorcycle rides between cars and traffic on the road.
There is inherent risk in lane splitting in California, which is why motorcyclists should know when it is safe and legal to do so. Here we’ll discuss the legality, limitations, and safe riding tips for motorcyclists who regularly split lanes or are considering doing so when they feel it’s safe.
And if you’re here because you were injured while lane splitting, we can help you find some of the best motorcycle accident lawyers in California.
What exactly is lane splitting in California?
Lane splitting involves a motorcycle traveling between vehicles on the road, whether that’s the street or freeway. This risky-but-rewarding riding style allows motorcyclists to bypass traffic and get to their destinations much quicker than a car or truck.
The California Highway Patrol defines lane splitting as “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.”
This means 3-wheeled vehicles or motorcycles with sidecars attached are not allowed to lane split, nor are they advised to do so.
Is lane splitting safe for motorcyclists in California?
Lane splitting can be safe when done correctly and when all certain road conditions are met. Here are some criteria for safe lane splitting for motorcyclists in California:
- Traffic is traveling much slower than the posted speed limits or at a complete stop
- There is high visibility around the motorcyclist (no rain, fog, road hazards, etc. to block a driver’s view of the motorcyclist)
- Dry roads (wet roads making stopping and maneuvering more dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles on the road)
- There are no large trucks or big rigs on either side of the lanes being shared or split
- Lane splitting on the left lanes, rather than the right lanes where there are more lane changes occurring due to entrances and exits
- Wearing helmets and clothing that are bright, reflective, or make you much more visible to surrounding traffic
- Not riding on the shoulder, where debris can accrue and the laws don’t consider it lane splitting
Following these general guidelines and using some common sense can help motorcyclists be safer when lane splitting and sharing the road with other motorists.
Other drivers should give some space or allow motorcyclists to lane split freely when prudent. Part of safe driving is sharing the road with others and having respect for everyone traveling around us.
When are motorcyclists allowed to split lanes and when is it prohibited?
In general, it is legal and safe to split lanes when road conditions are safe and there are no signs posted that would indicate otherwise. There are no explicit laws prohibiting lane splitting, however, the state does set some guidelines for the safety of all motorcyclists and other motorists on the road.
Motorcyclists should not split lanes when traffic is traveling or 40 mph and should not split lanes at speeds more than 10 mph faster than the regular flow of traffic.
The faster a motorcyclist is traveling compared to the flow of other traffic, the more dangerous it is to lane split or change lanes. Braking distances and reaction times are affected by driving at higher speeds, and the ability to react and adjust to another vehicle changing lanes is slowed.
If you’re unsure when you should split lanes, go by your feelings on whether it’s safe on the road. And if you have any doubts at all, it’s probably best to avoid lane splitting completely. You can also call a personal injury lawyer and ask!
What should other drivers know about lane splitting motorcycles?
It is illegal to block or impede the movement of a motorcycle that is lane splitting in California. If you find yourself annoyed with how cavalier it might seem for motorcycles to whiz by traffic while you’re stuck behind the wheel, fight the urge to act on it.
Motorists are not allowed to block lanes with their vehicles or open their car doors to stop a motorcycle from driving between lanes. Additionally, motorcyclists who disagree with lane splitting in California are also not allowed to block lanes with their bikes to stop other motorcyclists from doing so.
The number one rule of the road for keeping everyone safe and allowing the normal flow of traffic is to be courteous.
Share the road with everyone else — whether they are bicyclists, pedestrians, or motorcyclists — and treat everyone on the road with the same courtesy and respect you’d want for yourself.
It’s not just the right thing to do, but you could end a life or spend your own in prison if you don’t.