Lane splitting rules in California

[cbdtran_imp]

California is the only state that lane splitting is legal where motorcycle share lane with cars, then there weren't rules to specify how to lane splits

New rules specify:

* No more than 10 MPH faster than general traffic

* No lane splitting above 30 MPH

More:

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Mo...270272.php

[HikerToo_imp]

that should help.....
the rule of staying within 10MPH while passing is a good rule for all vehicles when going past backed up traffic.

[Randy B]

This is not so. Look at the date this was published and the fact that nothing has been passed in the state house. There was a bill going through committee earlier this year, but it was removed from consideration due to disputed over the limits and language in the bill.

Quote:Motorcycle lane-splitting rules unveiled
By Will Kane Updated 4:14 pm, Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Also there were "suggestions" that were posted on the CHP website last year, but a member of the state house made them take them down because they were not law and were unenforceable. This, even though they were there to help drivers become aware that it really is legal to lane share/split in the state of California even though many think otherwise.
The bill that was going through the state house was set up with split up to 50 mph and no faster than a 15 mph delta, and that wasn't going to make it so they pulled it. It can't be brought of for consideration again until next year, and from what was said that might not even happen. So it could be at least two years before it is brought up in the state house again, and even then it might not make it to the floor for a vote.
This is a VERY hot button issue with California motorcyclists and there are a lot of non moto drivers that want the practice flat out banned in the state. I really don't see that happening because it has been allowed for so long that even if it was banned, a lot of moto riders wouldn't stop doing it. Some have stated that if it were banned that they would quit riding all together because they commute on their bikes for the specific reason that they CAN split and it take times off of their commute.
This is something that is done all over the world with great success, but American drivers can't seem to get their heads around that it can be done safely because they don't want to have to actually pay attention to the road and watch for other traffic before they make a move (ask me how I know this one).

[kevbroce_imp]

Yeah. There are no rules against lane splitting. There is a rule again reckless driving, which is all you need.

[Randy B]

Yeah. There are no rules against lane splitting. There is a rule again reckless driving, which is all you need.

No rules against or governing lane sharing/splitting. Just don't ride like an idiot and you'll be fine. Unfortunately there are too many idiots out there that just determined to ruin it for the rest of us.

[the Ferret]

I can understand the wants, needs and convenience of lane splitting for motorcyclists. I was just out there, and let me tell you as a tourist driving on unfamiliar roads in crazy hectic traffic with 5 to 8 lanes either going zero or 80 mph, it was extremely un nerving to try and figure out which lane I was supposed to be in to get where I was going, only to have a motorcycle or group of motorcycles come blasting past a foot from my mirror. Being a motorcyclist and aware of the lane splitting in CA, I was aware that this COULD happen, but it is really scary when it actually DOES happen. Everywhere we went were tourists, many of them from around the US where it is not legal, and many of them from around the world where it undoubtedly is legal. Somehow for the most part, it all works out. Guess its something you just have to get used to. Still don't think I would do it, but thankfully I am not in the situation that I find it necessary to find out.

Btw I found it just as unnerving at how many cars will just stick a front fender in your lane in order to wedge themselves in ahead of you whether there is space for them or not. they force you to give them space. Such actions here would cause serious road rage.

Definitely a different driving environment than what I am used to.

[Randy B]

I can understand the wants, needs and convenience of lane splitting for motorcyclists. I was just out there, and let me tell you as a tourist driving on unfamiliar roads in crazy hectic traffic with 5 to 8 lanes either going zero or 80 mph, it was extremely un nerving to try and figure out which lane I was supposed to be in to get where I was going, only to have a motorcycle or group of motorcycles come blasting past a foot from my mirror. Being a motorcyclist and aware of the lane splitting in CA, I was aware that this COULD happen, but it is really scary when it actually DOES happen. Everywhere we went were tourists, many of them from around the US where it is not legal, and many of them from around the world where it undoubtedly is legal. Somehow for the most part, it all works out. Guess its something you just have to get used to. Still don't think I would do it, but thankfully I am not in the situation that I find it necessary to find out.

Btw I found it just as unnerving at how many cars will just stick a front fender in your lane in order to wedge themselves in ahead of you whether there is space for them or not. they force you to give them space. Such actions here would cause serious road rage.

Definitely a different driving environment than what I am used to.

Oh yeah, and I HATE it. The congestion and the complete and total lack of courtesy is insane. It is so bad (and the attitude that goes along with it permeates the culture out here) that I think they should have something like a "ME FIRST" license plate.

[jerrycon_imp]

I had an especially freaky commute on a suburban highway the other morning. (Suburban highway = city street turned into a de facto commuter-clogged highway. 45-mph speed limit changed by consensus to up to 60 mph.)

Every traffic signal I came to at full speed turned yellow on me. Seeing the yellow in time, I stopped at each one. But I watched at least 5 cars blast through red lights when they could have easily stopped in time on the yellow.

In a hurry, they are. I've never been a fan of red light cameras, but I understand the frustration that could drive government officials to have them installed.

[gossman_imp]

Oregon has voted to allow it. Not sure when it comes into effect.

[Randy B]

Oregon has voted to allow it. Not sure when it comes into effect.

Vastly neutered compared to what can be done here, but it's better than nothing. Just be aware that a lot of cagers won't like it and retaliations WILL occur.