The number of motorcycle riders continues to increase on Los Angeles and Orange County freeways, and along with the soaring numbers of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, traffic often slows to a mere crawl. Motorcyclists have long employed the tactic of lane splitting, or lane sharing as it’s sometimes referred to, to avoid delays. Previously, there was no official position for or against lane splitting; that is, no law permitted it, and no law prohibited it. As of August, 2016, however, lane splitting is legal in California.

Definition

Generally, lane splitting refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle, or bicycle, between roadway lanes of motor vehicles traveling in the same direction. More specifically and practically, it involves a motorcycle overtaking slow or stopped cars by traveling back and forth between lanes.

Past History

The California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have previously viewed lane splitting as an acceptable practice as long as it was done in a safe manner. As with many issues involving motorcycles, there is some controversy regarding the manner in which they are driven. Some believe the majority of motorcyclists drive in an unacceptably risky manner, and there have been challenges to the CHP’s authority to establish safe lane splitting guidelines.

AB 51

Now, Assembly Bill 51, the new law, has specifically authorized lane splitting as a legal activity and has designated the CHP as the proper agency to establish the safety guidelines in association with:

• The California Department of Motor Vehicles
• The Department of Transportation
• The Office of Traffic Safety
• A motorcycle organization whose focus and concern is on motorcycle safety

Safety Considerations

While the well-being of every motorist and passenger is equally important, the inherent danger to the motorcycle rider who is exposed without the benefit of enclosure within a vehicle is of paramount concern. The new standards authorized by AB 51 have yet to be promulgated, but it seems likely the starting point will be the old CHP guidelines, which addressed recommendations for both the motorcyclist and other motorists.

For motorcyclists:

• Maintain a speed of no more than 10 mph above the flow of traffic.
• Avoid lane splitting when the flow of traffic is above 30 mph.
• Avoid lane splitting in the vicinity of exit or entrance ramps.

For other motorists:

• Drivers should do nothing to discourage a motorcyclist from lane splitting.
• Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist, such as by opening a car door, is an unlawful act.