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California Personal Injury Blog

Is Lane Splitting Legal in California?

By Andrew Mendlin
Feb 20, 2023
Motorcycle Accidents
do-motorcycles-have-the-right-of-way

In California, lane splitting is legal. Motorcycles legally have the right-of-way to drive between cars in California. Lane splitting is a right-of-way granted to motorcyclists due to their size and maneuverability while riding in slower traffic.

California Lane Splitting Law

The specific law that makes lane splitting legal in California is California Vehicle Code Section 21658.1, which was added by Assembly Bill 51 (Stats. 2016, Ch. 141, Sec. 1) and took effect January 1, 2017

(a) For the purposes of this section, “lane splitting” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.

(b) The Department of the California Highway Patrol may develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of the motorcyclist and the drivers and passengers of the surrounding vehicles.

Lane splitting is a controversial practice some motorists believe increases the likelihood of motorcycle accidents. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal without restriction. A few other states allow a modified form of lane splitting, but the practice is still illegal in most states.

Lane Splitting Safety Tips

Motorcycles may legally have the right-of-way to drive between cars in California but it doesn’t mean they can do so in a way that increases the chances of a crash. CHP has compiled a list of safety tips1 motorcyclists should be mindful of if they choose to lane split.

  • Pay attention to the driving environment – road conditions, other vehicles, weather, and time of day.
  • The faster a motorcycle goes relative to other traffic, the greater the likelihood of an accident.
  • Increased speed has a positive correlation with increased danger.
  • It is safer for a motorcycle to split between the far left lanes of traffic.
  • Avoid lane splitting between large vehicles like buses or semis.
  • It is illegal to ride on the right shoulder.
  • Make an effort to be visible to other motorists – avoid riding in blind spots, wear bright clothing, and keep your bike’s headlight on.

Motorcyclists who choose to lane split in a way that CHP determines is jeopardizing the safety of other drivers can be ticketed.

Sources Cited:

https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/california-motorcyclist-safety