Category Archives: Legal Blogs
Why is Motorcycle Lane Splitting Legal in California?
In California, it is legal for a motorcycle to ride in between a lane of stopped or slow-moving traffic. The practice is known as “lane-splitting.” While it is currently prohibited in most U.S. states, lane-splitting is explicitly allowed under California law—assuming that motorcyclists follow certain guidelines and operate their bikes in a safe manner. Within this article, our Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney provides a comprehensive overview of the key things to know about lane splitting in California, including what it is, why it is legal, and what happens if there is a crash. California Law: Lane Splitting is Legal The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is clear: It is lawful for motorcyclists to lane-split in California. As long as they follow the rules for doing so and can operate their motorcycle in a safe manner, lane-splitting is a permissible practice. It must also be done in a safe and prudent manner. Note: Motorcycle lane-splitting is actually not lawful in most U.S. jurisdictions. Motorcyclists from California should be aware of local laws when operating in another state. Most U.S. states prohibit motorcyclists from… Read More »
When Did Seat Belt Laws Take Effect in California?
You are legally required to wear a seat belt whenever you are on the road in California—whether as a driver or a passenger. How long has this been the case? California is about to celebrate the 38th anniversary of its statewide mandatory seatbelt law for adults. Within this article, our Los Angeles car accident lawyer explains the history of seat belt laws in California, why seat belts are so important, and how the lack of a seat belt could affect your claim. A History of Seat Belt Laws in California Seat belts became mandatory for all drivers and passengers in California on January 1, 1986. Notably, our state was one of the first in the country to put a mandatory seat belt law in place. It came just two years after the country’s first statewide seat belt law, which took effect in New York. California’s seat belt was introduced as a response to the high number of injuries and fatalities. Under California law (California Vehicle Code § 27315), a person may not operate a motor vehicle unless they and all of their… Read More »