I live in California, my daily commute to work is about 10 miles one-way and I do lane split if the traffic is congested and going less than 30 mph, I will usually do about 10 mph faster than the traffic around me.
IT IS DANGEROUS! And in reality, I probably shouldn't be doing it. :Im With Stupid: You have to be hypervigilant, I am constantly scanning the rearview and side mirrors of the vehicles in front of me and watching the drivers head and hand movements in an attempt to predict what they may do.
With regards to the legality of Lane Splitting in California, it is really vague as you can see below.
The California Motor Vehicle Code doesn't really address it, the closest thing is as follows:
Lane Splitting
Many motorcyclists new to California ask about "lane splitting". There is no "lane splitting" law as such. Perhaps the most relevant statute is CVC 21658, below. Be aware that phrasing like "...entirely within a single lane..." has been used to justify ticketing motorcyclists with their handlebars (or some other bike component) partly in each lane.
21658. Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, the following rules apply:
(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
(b) Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic device.
The California Highway Patrols FAQ Page states:Can motorcycle riders "split" lanes and ride between other vehicles?
Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner.
And yes, I do run across those drivers that think that if they are stuck in traffic, I should be too, however, I am happy to say, I see many more drivers that actually pull left or right to create a larger opening for me and to let me know that they see me. I always give them a friendly thank you wave :Sport:
IT IS DANGEROUS! And in reality, I probably shouldn't be doing it. :Im With Stupid: You have to be hypervigilant, I am constantly scanning the rearview and side mirrors of the vehicles in front of me and watching the drivers head and hand movements in an attempt to predict what they may do.
With regards to the legality of Lane Splitting in California, it is really vague as you can see below.
The California Motor Vehicle Code doesn't really address it, the closest thing is as follows:
Lane Splitting
Many motorcyclists new to California ask about "lane splitting". There is no "lane splitting" law as such. Perhaps the most relevant statute is CVC 21658, below. Be aware that phrasing like "...entirely within a single lane..." has been used to justify ticketing motorcyclists with their handlebars (or some other bike component) partly in each lane.
21658. Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, the following rules apply:
(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
(b) Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic device.
The California Highway Patrols FAQ Page states:Can motorcycle riders "split" lanes and ride between other vehicles?
Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner.
And yes, I do run across those drivers that think that if they are stuck in traffic, I should be too, however, I am happy to say, I see many more drivers that actually pull left or right to create a larger opening for me and to let me know that they see me. I always give them a friendly thank you wave :Sport: