Tag Archives: Motorcycle Lane

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 »