Lane Splitting
DISCLAIMER
Lane splitting can be dangerous and extreme caution should be exercised. It should NOT be performed by inexperienced riders. The risk of death or serious injury during a lane splitting collision increases as speed and speed differential increases. These general safety tips are provided to assist you in the practice; however, they are not guaranteed to keep you safe. Every rider has the ultimate responsibility for their own decision-making and safety.
GROUP LEADERS SHOULD ALWAYS AVOID TAKING A GROUP INTO LANE SPLITTING
While lane splitting is legal in California, many other states do not allow it. please keep this is mind when traveling out of state. Two of our neighboring states do not allow lane splitting, Nevada and Oregon.
As to safe speeds you should maintain while lane splitting, the California Department of Motor Vehicles recommends you to: travel no faster than 10 mph over the speed of other motorists, and. avoid lane splitting when surrounding traffic is traveling 30 mph or faster.
The following information is from the California Highway Patrol's Website.
California Vehicle Code
Effective January 1, 2017, section 21658.1 was added to the California Vehicle Code and defines lane splitting. The following is section 21658.1 in its entirety:
21658.1 (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.
(b) The Department of the California Highway Patrol may develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of the motorcyclist and the drivers and passengers of the surrounding vehicles.
(c) In developing guidelines pursuant to this section, the department shall consult with agencies and organizations with an interest in road safety and motorcyclist behavior, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
The Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Department of Transportation.
The Office of Traffic Safety.
A motorcycle organization focused on motorcyclist safety.
LANE SPLITTING—Defined by California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1 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.
Messages for Other Vehicle Drivers
Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California.
Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal.
Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal.
Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass.
Safety Tips For All Motorists
Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning.
Signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
Being alert and anticipating possible movements by other motorists.
Never riding/driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or fatigue.
Being courteous and sharing the road.
CHP ANNOUNCES LANE SPLITTING TIPS SACRAMENTO, Calif.
Lane splitting is a privilege enjoyed by California motorcyclists. With this freedom comes a greater responsibility for motorcyclists and drivers to share the road and create a safer highway environment.
In 2016, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. signed California Assembly Bill 51, which defined motorcycle lane splitting and authorized the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop educational safety tips. Through a deliberative process and in consultation with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the California Department of Transportation, the Office of Traffic Safety, and several motorcycle safety organizations, the CHP has finalized lane splitting tips.
“Although lane splitting is legal in California, motorcyclists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when traveling between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Every rider has the ultimate responsibility for their own decision making and safety.”
These general safety tips are provided to assist you when riding; however, they are not guaranteed to keep you safe:
Consider the total environment when you are lane splitting (this includes the width of lanes, the size of surrounding vehicles, as well as current roadway, weather, and lighting conditions).
Danger increases at greater speed differentials.
Danger increases as overall speed increases.
It is typically safer to split between the far left lanes than between the other lanes of traffic.
Try to avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles (big rigs, buses, motorhomes, etc.).
Riding on the shoulder is illegal; it is not considered lane splitting.
Be visible – Avoid remaining in the blind spots of other vehicles or lingering between vehicles.
Help drivers see you by wearing brightly colored/reflective protective gear and using high beams during daylight hours.
Motorists can also do their part by sharing the road. Many motorcycle collisions are caused when other motorists simply do not see the motorcyclist. Check your mirrors and blind spots frequently, especially before changing lanes or making a turn. Be alert and courteous while sharing the road.
CHP officers will continue to enforce the laws that affect traffic safety, such as unsafe lane changes, speeding, following too close, and blocking or impeding other motorists.
The CHP realizes that traffic collisions can happen to anyone, regardless of their skill level, which is why the CHP strongly encourages all riders, new and experienced, to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. For more information, or to find a training site near you, visit californiamotorcyclist.com or call 1-877-RIDE-411.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.