If you’ve ever been stuck in California traffic and watched a motorcycle weave between cars, you may have wondered: is lane splitting legal in California? The short answer is yes, California is the only state that has explicitly legalized the practice.
Lane splitting, sometimes called “white lining” or “filtering,” allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic.
While the law recognizes it as legal, questions about safety, liability, and accident claims still create confusion for both riders and drivers. Understanding how California defines lane splitting, and what it means if an accident occurs, is essential for protecting your rights on the road.
Nearly everyone will admit that lane splitting can be dangerous, not just for the rider of the motorcycle practicing it, but also for other cars on the road. Still, it is legal and it is something that drivers must be aware of when traveling on California’s roadways so that they can avoid causing an unintentional motorcycle accident. If you have been injured while lane splitting in California, you may have grounds for a motorcycle accident claim. Contact the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg right away to discuss the particulars of your accident.
What Exactly Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is not to be confused with two motorcycles traveling side-by-side in the same lane. Lane splitting occurs when the motorcycle passes in between lanes of moving or stopped traffic. The practice makes it easy for riders to get through traffic lights, and on the freeway, it helps them avoid traffic jams and stop-and-go driving. When there is a tight concentration of passenger autos and motorcycles, accidents are bound to occur. With just a moment of distraction on a driver’s or rider’s part, a rider can be hit or can hit a car.
Although lane splitting is legal, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has issued safety guidelines to help reduce accidents. Riders are advised not to exceed 10 mph faster than the flow of traffic and to avoid splitting lanes at speeds over 30 mph. The CHP also cautions against lane splitting near large vehicles like trucks or buses, and reminds drivers of passenger vehicles to remain alert and avoid sudden lane changes. While these guidelines are not enforceable laws, they serve as best practices that courts and insurers may consider when determining fault after a crash.
- Quick Tips for Safer Lane Splitting in California
- Keep your speed within 10 mph of surrounding traffic.
- Split lanes only when traffic is moving at 30 mph or less.
- Stay visible and avoid driver blind spots.
- Be extra cautious near large trucks, buses, or wide vehicles.
- Don’t weave unpredictably between lanes.
- Don’t attempt lane splitting at high speeds or in poor weather conditions.
Proponents of lane splitting say that it increases motorcycle safety. Stop-and-go driving in congested traffic is one of the most dangerous scenarios for the motorcyclist, increasing his odds of being hit by an inattentive driver. Even motorcycle vs. car crashes at low speeds can have catastrophic results for the motorcyclist who is already at a disadvantage of balancing himself on two wheels atop a vehicle with no surrounding protection and that’s less visible than other vehicles on the road. Lane splitting allows motorcycles to bypass traffic congestion and many of the dangers that come with it, putting themselves further out of harm’s way.
FAQs About Lane Splitting in California
Can you get a ticket for lane splitting in California?
No, you cannot be ticketed simply for lane splitting, because it is legal in California. However, you can still be cited if you are riding recklessly, speeding, or creating unsafe conditions while lane splitting.
Who is at fault in a lane splitting accident?
Fault depends on the circumstances. A motorcyclist could be found liable if they were speeding or splitting unsafely, but a car driver may be at fault if they made an unsafe lane change or failed to check mirrors. California’s comparative negligence law means fault can also be shared.
Is lane splitting legal on highways in California?
Yes, lane splitting is legal on California highways as well as local roads, as long as it is done safely and within the CHP’s recommended guidelines.
What’s the difference between lane splitting and lane sharing?
Lane splitting means a motorcyclist rides between lanes of traffic, while lane sharing refers to two motorcycles riding side-by-side in the same lane. Lane splitting is legal in California, but lane sharing is different and less commonly practiced.
We’re Here to Help
Lane splitting may be legal, but that doesn’t mean that it’s safe. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident while practicing safe lane splitting procedures, the experienced and compassionate lawyer at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg is here to help. We have helped countless accident victims recover cash awards for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles is a staunch advocate for injured clients and will fight to help you recover 100% of your damages, making you whole again so that you can get on with your life. Call us at 310-997-0904 or click here to set up your free case evaluation today.
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