Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass.

Is it legal to split lanes on a motorcycle in California?

Each state can decide on its own whether or not to allow motorcyclists to split lanes. As of August 19th, 2016, lane splitting is officially legal in California. Lane splitting, also known as lane sharing, refers to the practice of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of traffic that is either stopped or moving slowly.

Which states allow lane splitting motorcycles?

California – California was one of the first states to embrace lane splitting even before it was legalized, motorists and motorcyclists respected the practice for years. In 2016, it was declared legal across the state. California is the only state in America to officially make lane splitting legal.

Is lane splitting legal in California 2021?

Lane-splitting is legal in California, and that means that all drivers have a duty to share the road with motorcycle riders who are trying to progress through traffic.

Why are motorcycles allowed to split lanes?

The ‘lane splitting’ offence is designed to deter motorcyclists from moving between traffic at unsafe speeds of more than 30 km/h. The ‘lane splitting’ offence is important because it provides a safety net for legalising lane filtering, helping to minimise any possible safety risks.

Why is lane splitting legal in CA?

Messages for Other Vehicle Drivers Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass.

How fast can you split lanes in California?

While there is not a precise sign-based speed limit, it is recommended that bikers only change lanes in low-speed areas and do not exceed 10 miles per hour faster than surrounding vehicles. This means if the speed limit is 30 miles per hour, a motorcyclist should not exceed 40 mph while lane splitting.

Can you lane split in Los Angeles?

If you ride a motorcycle in the State of California, you can lawfully ride on the dotted line between two lanes of traffic on a highway with two or more lanes moving in the same direction. This is lane splitting, and it is legal in California.

Is it safe to ride motorcycle on Highway?

In fact, highway riding is probably safer than scrambling around on surface roads, since everybody’s going the same direction at more or less the same speed, and, critically, there’s no cross traffic to dodge. Check your mirrors frequently and always be ready to merge right to let faster traffic by.

What is the difference between lane splitting and filtering?

Lane splitting is riding a bicycle or motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. Filtering or filtering forward describes moving through traffic that is stopped, such as at a red traffic light.

Can you lane split a single lane?

It’s legal only in California According to the American Motorcyclist Association’s website, every state except California bans the practice of lane splitting. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles.

Can two motorcycles share the same lane?

Both bicycles and motorcycles share one common rule: No more than two must be riding side by side in their designated lanes. Stick to what you’re comfortable doing and never enter a situation where more than two motorcycles are riding side by side in a single lane.