05-25-2019, 03:49 AM
Something else that I always found interesting. Before it was formally legalized in California, lane splitting was allowed (as explained to me by law enforcement friends) because it technically wasn’t illegal: the law did not state that two vehicles could not occupy a lane at the same time.
A number of years ago, a study concluded that there was a small but substantial percentage of California drivers who were not aware that lane splitting was not illegal. In an effort to spread awareness and as a public safety measure, the California Highway Patrol issued and publicized their guidelines for lane splitting. If I recall, they included, and I could be off on the numbers:
- only split if traffic is traveling at 35 mph or below
- only pass a car at 15 mph or less than their speed
- don’t hover next to a car - pass them
- it is illegal to cross a double yellow line to split (crossing a car pool lane)
Good advice!
The CHP did seminars at motorcycle dealers near me, and had booths at some of the bike shows to spread awareness, had brochures, etc.
Then, after they started promoting their campaign, they were forced to stop the program. As my CHP friends told me, the California legislature told the CHP that they were a law enforcement agency, and issuing something that looked like rules was overstepping their authority. They’re not a legislative agency.
Imagine being forced to stop promoting a safety awareness program. When splitting was finally legalized, it followed the CHP guidelines for the most part.
I’ve been told by multiple law enforcement officers that enforcement of lane splitting laws is quite subjective. Basically if you look like you’re doing it safely, great. Too fast, crossing double yellows? Yup, you’ll get pulled over.
If they’re on a bike too, I guess. Would kind of have to be...
A number of years ago, a study concluded that there was a small but substantial percentage of California drivers who were not aware that lane splitting was not illegal. In an effort to spread awareness and as a public safety measure, the California Highway Patrol issued and publicized their guidelines for lane splitting. If I recall, they included, and I could be off on the numbers:
- only split if traffic is traveling at 35 mph or below
- only pass a car at 15 mph or less than their speed
- don’t hover next to a car - pass them
- it is illegal to cross a double yellow line to split (crossing a car pool lane)
Good advice!
The CHP did seminars at motorcycle dealers near me, and had booths at some of the bike shows to spread awareness, had brochures, etc.
Then, after they started promoting their campaign, they were forced to stop the program. As my CHP friends told me, the California legislature told the CHP that they were a law enforcement agency, and issuing something that looked like rules was overstepping their authority. They’re not a legislative agency.
Imagine being forced to stop promoting a safety awareness program. When splitting was finally legalized, it followed the CHP guidelines for the most part.
I’ve been told by multiple law enforcement officers that enforcement of lane splitting laws is quite subjective. Basically if you look like you’re doing it safely, great. Too fast, crossing double yellows? Yup, you’ll get pulled over.
If they’re on a bike too, I guess. Would kind of have to be...