Most California drivers have shared the road with a motorcyclist who is “lane splitting.” Many people don’t realize that this practice is legal in California – as long as it’s done safely.
We’re still among the very few places where it is written into the law. The California Vehicle Code (CVC) defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle…between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane….”
Why lane-splitting motorcyclists have to exercise “extreme caution”
The California Highway Patrol (CHP), however, cautions, “Lane splitting can be dangerous and extreme caution should be exercised. It should not be performed by inexperienced riders. The risk of death or serious injury during a lane splitting collision increases as speed and speed differential increases.”
Motorcyclists, of course, are typically far more vulnerable on the road than those in vehicles. That’s why precautions around lane splitting are typically aimed at them. In addition to avoiding the practice at a high speed or when the speed between the motorcyclist and drivers (especially when they’re stuck in traffic and barely moving), motorcyclists are cautioned to avoid lane splitting around large vehicles like commercial trucks and to stay out of all vehicles’ blind spots.
How drivers can more safely share the road with motorcyclists
The CHP also cautions other motorists against engaging in practices that are illegal, such as “blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider” or “opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist.” Too many drivers, unfortunately, engage in aggressive behaviors if they see a motorcyclist making better progress in bumper-to-bumper traffic – especially if they don’t realize that they are operating their motorcycle legally.
The CHP advises that drivers can more safely share the road with motorcyclists (and other drivers) by:
- “Being alert and anticipating possible movements by other motorists”
- “Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning”
- “Signaling…before changing lanes or merging with traffic”
When there’s a collision involving the driver of a car and a lane-splitting motorcyclist, either could be primarily at fault, depending on the specific circumstances. That’s why getting sound legal guidance as early as possible can be critical to protecting your rights and getting the compensation you’re due.