Motorcycle Riders Who “Lane-Split”– Is It Legal?

Riding a motorcycle is fun and can be very beneficial for time when there’s a lot of stop and go traffic. Many motorcyclists take advantage of their ability to ride between cars called “lane splitting” that allows them to go faster than cars.

Wikipedia’s explanation of “Lane Splitting”:

“Lane splitting refers to a two-wheeled vehicle moving between roadway lanes of vehicles that are proceeding in the same direction. More narrowly, it refers to overtaking slow or stopped vehicles by traveling between lanes”.

Sounds great except when a motorcyclist zooms two inches from your side mirror with its exhaust pipe popping super loud or someone who popped out of nowhere and zooms right by is risky and honestly has scared the heck out of me a few times.

Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner and motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting.

Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400). As well opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC 22517).

You can help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe by:

-          Checking your mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turn signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.

-          Allowing more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

We all need to pay extra attention while driving these days. Keep an eye out for motorcyclists and other vehicles. Oh, and please stop texting while driving before you kill someone.

For more info on motorcycle insurance discounts or policy info, call us at 925.322.1725.