Do You Know How to Lane Split Properly?

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In 2016, California lawmakers made splitting lanes legal in our state. Before the passing of the bill, lane practice was neither legal nor illegal, but as of January 1st, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was given authority to regulate this practice. Before this law was passed making lane splitting explicitly legal, the CHP released some unofficial safety tips to help motorcyclists lane split safely. Let’s review them below.

Some of CHP’s Lane Splitting Guidelines

  • If you are lane splitting, do not exceed a speed of 10 MPH faster than surrounding traffic.
  • You should not split lanes if the surrounding traffic flow exceeds 30 MPH.
  • Only lane split in the two lanes furthest to the left. It can be dangerous to split lanes near exits or freeway on-ramps.
  • Don’t split lanes when another motorcyclist is splitting lanes nearby. Other cars may block your path while trying to give the other rider room.
  • Pay attention to your environment, and don’t try to squeeze through narrow openings. Remember, “if you can’t fit, don’t split.”
  • Anticipate the actions of other nearby vehicles to give yourself plenty of reaction time.

Staying Safe on the Road

Drivers need to stay aware of their surroundings, whether there is a motorcycle splitting lanes nearby or not. It is illegal for a motorist to use their vehicle to block a motorcyclist from passing, so if you feel frustrated by a passing motorcyclist, don’t try to get even by blocking them. Making lane splitting safe requires effort from both drivers and riders. Both must work together and act responsibly while on the road. If you are a motorcyclist who still has questions about your rights on California’s highways, contact a capable motorcycle accident attorney.

At the Ryan Law Group, we have experience providing dedicated service to Californians injured by someone else’s negligence, including during traffic accidents. Contact us today to find out more.