Lane splitting in a safe and prudent
manner is not illegal in the state of California.
The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering
or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of
stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic
stopped at a traffic
light.
Lane splitting in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal in
the state of California.
The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing,
filtering or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding
between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the
front of traffic stopped at a traffic light.
Motorcyclists who are competent enough
riders to lane split, should follow these general guidelines if choosing to lane
split:
1) Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than other
traffic – danger increases at higher speed differentials.
- A speed differential of 10 miles per hour or less allows an alert,
competent rider enough time to identify and react to most dangerous situations
that can occur.
- The greater the speed differential, the less time a rider has to identify
and react to a hazard.
2) It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph
or faster --- danger increases as overall speed increases.
- At just 20 mph, in the 1 or 2 seconds it takes a rider to identify a
hazard, that rider will travel approximately 30 to 60 feet before even starting
to take evasive action. Actual reaction (braking or swerving) will take
additional time and distance.
- Braking and stopping distance varies greatly based on a multitude of
factors (rider, machine and environment).
- As speed increases, crash severity increases.
3) Typically, it is safer to split between the #1 and #2
lanes than between other lanes.
- Other road users are more accustomed to motorcycles splitting between the
#1 and #2 (furthest left) lanes.
- Avoid splitting in lanes near freeway on-ramps and exits.
- Avoid splitting lanes when another motorcycle rider is splitting between
other nearby lanes as cars may make additional room for one rider and
accidentally reduce space for another.
4) Consider the total environment in which you are splitting,
including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, as well as
roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.
- Some lanes are narrower than others, leaving little room to pass safely.
If you can't fit, don't split.
- Some vehicles are wider than others -- it is not advisable to split near
wide trucks. If you can't fit, don't split.
- Know the limitations of your motorcycle --- wide bars, fairing and bags
require more space between vehicles. If you can't fit, don't split.
- Avoid splitting on unfamiliar roads to avoid surprises such as poor road
surfaces.
- Seams in the pavement or concrete between lanes can be hazardous if they
are wide or uneven.
- Poor visibility, due to darkness or weather conditions, makes it
difficult for riders to see road hazards and makes it more difficult for drivers
to see you.
- Help drivers see you by wearing brightly colored protective gear and
using high beams during daylight.
5) Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road
users.
- Be very aware of what the cars around you are doing. If a space, or gap,
opens up next to your lane, be prepared react accordingly.
- Always be prepared to take evasive action if a vehicle changes
lanes.
- Account for inattentive or distracted drivers.
- Riders should not weave back and forth between lanes or ride on top of
the line.
- Riders should avoid lingering in blind spots.
- Never ride while impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.
- Constantly scan for changing conditions.
The Four R's or “Be-Attitudes” of Lane
Splitting:
Be Reasonable, be Responsible, be Respectful, be aware of all Roadway and
traffic conditions.
- Be Reasonable means not more than 10 MPH faster than traffic flow and not
over 39 MPH.
- Be Responsible for your own safety and decisions.
• Don't put yourself in dangerous
positions.
• If you can't fit, don't
split.
- Be Respectful --- sharing the road goes both ways.
• Don't rely on loud pipes to keep
you safe, loud pipes often startle people and poison the attitude of car drivers
toward motorcyclists.
• Other vehicles are not required to
make space for motorcycles to lane split.
- Be aware Roadways and traffic can be hazardous.
• uneven pavement
• wide trucks
• distracted drivers
• weather conditions
• curves
• etc.
Disclaimers:
These general guidelines are not guaranteed to keep you safe.
Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced riders. These
guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience.
The recommendations contained here are only general guidelines and cannot
cover all possible combinations of situations and variables.
Personal Safety: Every rider has ultimate responsibility for his or her own
decision making and safety. Riders must be conscious of reducing crash risk at
all times. California law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a
helmet that complies with the DOT FMVSS 218 standard.
Risk of getting a ticket: Motorcyclists who lane split are not relieved of
the responsibility to obey all existing traffic laws. With respect to possible
law enforcement action, keep in mind that it will be up to the discretion of the
Law Enforcement Officer to determine if riding behavior while lane splitting is
or was safe and prudent.
When is it NOT OK to
split?
You should NOT lane split:
- If you can't fit.
- At a toll booth.
- If traffic is moving too fast or unpredictably.
- If dangerous road conditions exist --- examples include water or grit on
the road, slippery road markings, road construction, uneven pavement, metal
grates, etc.
- If you cannot clearly see a way out of the space you're going into (for
example, if a van or SUV is blocking your view).
- Between trucks, buses, RVs, and other wide vehicles.
- Around or through curves.
- If you are not fully alert and aware of your surroundings.
- If you are unable to react to changing conditions instantaneously.
- If you don't feel comfortable with the situation.
Messages for Other Vehicle
Drivers
1) Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in
a safe and prudent manner.
2) Motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists
from lane splitting.
3) Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could
cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400).
4) Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC
22517).
5) Never drive while distracted.
6) You can help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe by
• Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or
turning
• 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
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