Car Driver Blocks Motorcycle California Lane Splitting
Motorcycle rider says: Before you rip me… I’M NOT WEARING EAR BUDS! I’m wearing ear plugs (motorcycle approved 29db) to prevent hearing loss. I can hear this jerk talking, but I just can’t understand him (or care what he has to say). The music sounds loud because my goPro microphone is inside my helmet right next to the Sena Bluetooth speaker. I can hear horns, sirens, motors, etc. no problem. I can hear better than when I’m in my car with the windows rolled up for example. CVC 27400 section D if you want to look it up.
In 2015, a study from the University of California, Berkeley showed that lane splitting is safe for motorcycle riders, and in fact is often safer than waiting in traffic!
California Lane Splitting
San Diego California chopper motorcycles
From the California DMV site:
“Lane splitting general guidelines” information is no longer available.
A petitioner complained to the Office of Administrative Law that there was no formal rulemaking process for the guidelines, and raised other objections. The CHP discussed the issue with the Office of Administrative Law and chose not to issue, use or enforce guidelines and thus removed them from the website.
The underlying purpose of the guidelines was to provide common-sense traffic safety information.
California law does not allow or prohibit motorcycles from passing other vehicles proceeding in the same direction within the same lane, a practice often called “lane splitting,” “lane sharing” or “filtering.”
The CHP issued guidelines through their California Motorcycle Safety Program in 2017 that instructed motorcyclists to travel no more than 10 miles per hour faster than other traffic and not to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster. The guidelines also includes a list of when not to split, disclaimers and messages to other motorists.
According to the CHP, drivers should take the following precautions:
Do not travel more than 10MPH faster than other traffic. This allows a motorcyclist enough time to react in a hazardous situation.
Only attempt lane splitting when traffic is moving below 30 MPH. As speed increases, crash severity increases.
It is safest to lane split between the #1 and #2 lanes. Other drivers expect to see a motorcycle between the lanes furthest to the left. This also keeps you clear of on-ramps and exits.
Consider all of your surroundings before lane splitting. Take note of the lane width, current traffic, and know the limitations of your motorcycle (wide bars, bags, etc). If visibility is poor, you increase your risk for a motorcycle accident.
Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road users. Be aware of what other cars are doing around you – beware of vehicle lane changing and blind spots. Riders are not advised to weave back and forth between lanes or ride on top of the line.
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