California was the only state to allow motorcyclists to practice “lane splitting” for several years. Now, Utah and Montana also allow motorcyclists to engage in the practice in certain situations.
Riders in the Golden State are allowed to travel between slow-moving or stopped vehicle traffic. But it’s important to know how to safely perform this maneuver and how to grab the attention of sometimes inattentive drivers when you do.
Lane Splitting Vehicle Codes in California
Lane Splitting is covered in California Vehicle Code 21658.1. The California DMV Motorcycle Handbook defines lane splitting as such:
“The term “lane splitting,” also 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 may seem like a dangerous maneuver, but the idea is to reduce the time motorcycles and vehicles are in close proximity. Because motorcycles can take off quicker than most vehicles, they are allowed to pull ahead of traffic at stoplights and in areas where traffic is slowed.
This allows riders to dart ahead when they have a green light and to get out of dangerous situations faster such as being stuck between two vehicles in stop-and-go traffic. Most motorcycle accidents occur when a driver hits the rider from behind. Lane splitting leaves motorcyclists at less risk of a rear-end impact.
Driver Responsibilities to Lane Splitting Motorcyclists
California drivers also bear some responsibility when a rider is attempting to move forward in traffic. These are a few requirements and restrictions drivers need to know about, according to the California Highway Patrol:
- Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass.
- 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.
Motorcyclists and Lane Responsibilities
Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, trucks, SUVS they can utilize all spaces in the lane, and with lane splitting, even take advantage of the space between cars.
There is no best lane position for every situation but riders are expected to choose the right, left, or middle section of the lane according to what the situation dictates.
The DMV’s Motorcycle Handbook suggests finding a lane position that checks these boxes:
- Increases your ability to see and be seen.
- Avoids others’ blind spots.
- Protects your lane from other drivers.
- Communicates your intentions.
- Helps you avoid wind blasts from other vehicles.
- Provides an escape route.
For their safety, motorcyclists should do their best to stay visible and demonstrate their intentions using proper signals and lane position. Where you ride can help keep you visible and on the minds of drivers ahead, behind, and beside you.
If You Are in a Motorcycle Accident in California…
The carelessness of California drivers is most often to blame when a motorcyclist is forced into an accident. However, that doesn’t mean their car insurance providers will automatically treat you fairly after an accident. You must work in partnership with a California Motorcycle Accident Attorney to make sure you and your family get everything you need to pay for a full physical and financial recovery.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, works hard to see that motorcyclists are never blamed unfairly for an accident. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to find out how to earn the financial support you need to pay hospital bills and get back on your bike again.
