Lane splitting is a controversial topic among motorcyclists and passenger car drivers alike. Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, helps motorcyclists avoid congestion. You may be wondering, can motorcycles split lanes in California? Yes, California is one of the only states that explicitly allows lane splitting, but there are specific rules about when and how to do it safely. Here are the lane-splitting rules you need to follow in California as well as some tips for staying safe while you do it.
What Is Lane-Splitting?
California code section 21658.1 defines lane splitting as driving a motorcycle between two lanes of stopped or moving cars moving in the same direction. This practice helps riders avoid congestion and keep moving. Lane filtering is similar, but it refers to driving between lanes only when traffic is slow or completely stopped, like at a red light. Laws for lane filtering also often state maximum speeds for filtering motorcyclists.
Some states, such as Utah and Arizona, allow lane-filtering but not lane-splitting. This means riders in those states can only move between lanes when cars are stopped. In California, motorcyclists have more freedom with lane-splitting, but they must still follow specific guidelines.
California Rules for Lane-Splitting
While California law allows motorcycle riders to split lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, it also allows California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop safety guidelines for lane splitting. CHP offers the following safety tips for lane-splitting motorcyclists:
- Awareness – Consider your environment, including lane size, the size of other vehicles, road conditions, lighting, and weather conditions.
- Speed – Danger increases both as the rider’s own speed increases and as the difference between their speed and that of other drivers increases.
- Large Vehicles – Avoid lane-splitting near large vehicles like trucks and buses.
- Visibility – Avoid blind spots or lingering between vehicles.
- Safety Gear – Wear brightly colored or reflective protective gear and use high beams during daylight hours.
- Choice of location – It’s safest to split between the far left lanes.
What If You Crash While Lane Splitting
Since lane splitting is legal in California, you still have the right to seek compensation for your injuries if you were hit while lane splitting.
If you’re injured in a lane-splitting accident, alert authorities so you can get medical treatment and summon police. If possible, take pictures of the scene and talk to witnesses. Later, you can request a copy of the accident report police took at the scene.
Contact a lawyer BEFORE your insurance company to report the accident. It’s important to avoid giving any statements to adjusters without talking to a lawyer first. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the process and seek fair compensation even if the other driver tries to pin the blame on you. While they handle your case, you can focus on your recovery.
