Lane Splitting Law

[ChicoRugger]

Chico,
Sounds like you have a little animosity there....but thats ok..alot of people do when talking to or about LEO's.
brash

Take it how you want to, I made a comment and asked for clarification on on a law isn't this what the forum is for? you choose what you want to respond to.

In my cases, those are the only two times i really split lane, But it looks like it don't fit into "Lane sharing" profile" tho. So would these acts be considered legal? Seriously when would there be actual room to fully "Lane share"?!

Tobal and I want to know, seriously. When would there be actual room to fully "lane share"?!

Did the big bad policeman give you a ticket when you didn't do anything?
Or did those mean TCPD Officers harass you when you went down Tam at 50, pulled a wheelie in front of the Peso or a big smoky burnout in front of RHS?
Brian

No, but thats a good idea. Big, smoky burnout you say? got it, its time for a new tire anyway, might as well give it a proper resting place....

wouldn't it be better do do a big smoky burnout in front of TCPD and then go down Doherty at 50, and pull a whellie into the lobby of TCPD? I'll even put the hand cuffs on first, and have somebody follow and take video for your entertainment

oh well, why doesn't one of the LEO's on here just answer the question.......

 

[boney]

Tobal and I want to know, seriously. When would there be actual room to fully "lane share"?!

There may never be enough room to lane share, but that is not the point. Lane sharing has become an acceptable practice because of a loophole that provides for it. When you lane share, it is likely that you will always do something that breaks a law. I know when I do it, I may cross the line to avoid a mirror without using my signal (infraction), my handlebars and saddlebags invariable hang into the next lane (infraction), I may ride faster than some LEO somewhere thinks I should (infraction according to that LEO's judgement)- the list goes on.

When I am lane sharing, I make it a point to NOT DRAW UNDUE ATTENTION TO MYSELF. Such as: keeping the speed difference down, not revving my engine when people don't let me past, staying mostly in one lane and trying to be "smooth." I've spilt past many LEO's in cars and moved outta the way for more that were coming up behind me in the split on thier motorcycles. I've never been pulled over (for that)

If you're going to engage in Lane Sharing, you run the risk of being pulled over. You can minimize that my ACTING like you know what you're doing and TRYING not to attract attention, but you will never fully eliminate that risk. If you don't want to run the risk of being pulled over, DON'T SHARE THE LANE.

 

[motorman4life]

For the record, most lanes on the freeways in the bay area are 12 to 13 feet wide. If they are less than 11 feet wide, there is most often a "narrow lanes" sign or it is a temporary situation in a posted construction zone.

Most pasenger cars are what, about 6.5' to 7.5' wide, and very few vehicles drive exactly in the center of their lane (being offset 1 to 3 feet to their left or right). If you do the math, that means you ordinarily have at at least 3' on one side of the average freeway-bound vehcile and in most cases, much more.

As a majority of motorcycles are less than 36" across at their widest point, this seems like a no-brainer to me. Also keep in mind that many motorists will pull over a bit when they see you coming (hopefully they will pull the "right" way and not the "wrong" way, although I have had my share of both).

I regularly lane share. It is not rocket science. You just need to have a degree of confidence a bit of extra awareness and a modicum of riding skill. If you have none of those, you can fall in line with the cages or try “splitting” or straddling lanes and hope you don’t get pulled over and cited for 21658(a) CVC.

Class dismissed.

 

[Mortifer]

motoman-
on hwy 9 (or similar), if a car moves right, and straddles the white line making room for you to pass safely next to said vehicle in the lane, without crossing the d/y or exceeding the speed limit, is it ok to do so?

(I havent been pulled over for anything lately, just curious)

 

[Flap]

For the record, most lanes on the freeways in the bay area are 12 to 13 feet wide. If they are less than 11 feet wide, there is most often a "narrow lanes" sign or it is a temporary situation in a posted construction zone.

Most pasenger cars are what, about 6.5' to 7.5' wide, and very few vehicles drive exactly in the center of their lane (being offset 1 to 3 feet to their left or right). If you do the math, that means you ordinarily have at at least 3' on one side of the average freeway-bound vehcile and in most cases, much more.

As a majority of motorcycles are less than 36" across at their widest point, this seems like a no-brainer to me. Also keep in mind that many motorists will pull over a bit when they see you coming (hopefully they will pull the "right" way and not the "wrong" way, although I have had my share of both).

I regularly lane share. It is not rocket science. You just need to have a degree of confidence a bit of extra awareness and a modicum of riding skill. If you have none of those, you can fall in line with the cages or try “splitting” or straddling lanes and hope you don’t get pulled over and cited for 21658(a) CVC.

Class dismissed.

Thank you for the long answer.

Just one more question:
Is it ok to pass with a slightly higher speed and then return to the regular speed? I feel more safe when I split rather faster than too slow while being right next to another vehicle.
If it is evident to see that I am not speeding through all the way, but I am adjusting my speeds, would that be considered as tolerable?

 

[Brash47]

Chico, thats exactly what I was talking about. You answer in anger with attitude. If you had read through the forum, you would have seen that MM4L had answered the question, very soundly.

brash

Good job there MM4L....very clear...thanks.

 

[motorman4life]

motoman-
on hwy 9 (or similar), if a car moves right, and straddles the white line making room for you to pass safely next to said vehicle in the lane, without crossing the d/y or exceeding the speed limit, is it ok to do so?

If a car moves over the fog line on the right and slows down a bit, I would take that as a clear indication they are yielding to you and intend for you to pass (whether they waive out the window or otherwise motion you to pass or not).

If you judge it is safe to pass and you do not pass in this situation, you are an asshole. As long as you do not exceed 65 mph, do not drive at an excessive or unsafe speed for conditions and do not cross the double yellow lines, you should be 100% okay.

Keep in mind, if there are more than 5 vehicles stacked up behind the slow moving vehicle, they are required to use the turnout or pull over where there is space to let the other vehicles proceed (refer to 21656 CVC) Also read 21753 CVC regarding yielding to the right for a single vehcile.

If someone wants to go search those 2 sections and post them here, that'd be great.

Is it ok to pass with a slightly higher speed and then return to the regular speed? I feel more safe when I split rather faster than too slow while being right next to another vehicle.
If it is evident to see that I am not speeding through all the way, but I am adjusting my speeds, would that be considered as tolerable?
As with most speed enforcement, it is a subjective thing. The officer would be required to articulate why/how they felt it was unsafe to do what you did or acheive the speed they estimated you were travelling. The basic speed law (22350 CVC) applies. The question of reasonableness is what will need to be examined and ultimately judged. Was the act reasonable, based upon the traffic, roadway and weather conditions?

Yes = not guilty.
No = Guilty.

How others may react to your actions may also come into play, so if there are any startled people or a near-miss situation, expect that to come up in court as part of the officer's account. I know you cannot always anticipate how people might react to what you do, or whether their reactions will be appropriate and waranted. But, if it was even a little ugly, you can certainly bet it will be used to assess the un/reasonableness and possible recklessness of your actions.

If you can communicate your intentions before you act, it may cut down on scaring the civilians a bit.

 

[ChicoRugger]

Chico, thats exactly what I was talking about. You answer in anger with attitude. If you had read through the forum, you would have seen that MM4L had answered the question, very soundly.

brash

Good job there MM4L....very clear...thanks.

Good point Faz.
As the creator of a thread that went mad....I'm piping in a little here. I would like to see a section where we could answer questions without you guys having to sift through countless pages of info before hand.

If you dont want to go through the thread looking to see if that question was asked, then dont....just ask the quest and we (meaning everyone that has been helping MUCH more than me lol) will be happy to answer that question again and again as it comes up. That was the idea I had in mind when I created that thread.

It doesn't matter how many times you ask the question...I don't care. It will get answered each time it's asked. I know some people will say...LOOK THROUGH THE POST FIRST!....but don't worry about. Someone will give you the answer you need.

sorry, but you are contradicting your earlier post, don't contradict yourself in court, you might loose a case....

Congradulations on creating this "LEO" forum, you get a donut!

 

[arnoha]

Now, that's just an outright taunt. Amazes me. We need a smilie for a slow shake of the head!

Do you really think that sort of thing is gonna phase one of the guys on this board? Come on...they're cops. Day in, day out, they're dealing with this sort of crap. In person. Face-to-face. A few black marks on a computer screen ain't gonna get their goat. Besides, ya think you're the first one to do so in this forum? I know you're new, so take a look around in the archives. You might be surprised by how foolish you feel.

Oh, BTW, it's spelled "Congratulations". And "lose".

sorry, but you are contradicting your earlier post, don't contradict yourself in court, you might loose a case....

Congradulations on creating this "LEO" forum, you get a donut!

 

[motorman4life]

+1

People like that are a good example why breast feeding infants should be mandatory. The prisons are full of guys like that... that didn't get breast fed as a child. Now, they spend their whole life trying to fill a void in nurturing that can never be satisfied. They turn to alcohol, drugs, transient relationships, self destructive behavior... it runs the gambit. One thing they all have in common is blatantly anti-social behavior and a consistent disregard for social norms, a rejection of ethics and a seething hatred for those that represent order and justice.

I get to meet them all the time!

 

[JPM]

Hey, where is my donut?

 

[Brash47]

Jesus Chico, you must have spent hours searching for that one post of mine....and look in the thread it was in...I would suggest that there were more than.....1 page in that post. I congratulate you on your fine effort to thread search. I would now suggest you do that on a regular basis.

I stand by my assertion that we will answer your question many times in the same thread, yet, if its a thread with one or 2 pages....I would suggest you read through at least that much. If there are 20 pages, then ask your question. I feel that you are trying to taunt me at this stage, so I'm going to suggest that you keep your thoughts to yourself from this moment forth, and post in a more thoughtful manner....lest you be booted from this forum....have a nice day.

brash

 

[Grikl]

meto donut please
are they done arguing?

can we talk again lol

dont know why the one guy is angry over a ticket, its just a ticket.
I dont share lanes when its a turn, when its a big truck in frount of me, or some one looks lost, or someone is diblerity blocking me from sharing. I cant think of all of them right now, but I dont do it cuz it looks unsafe unless you can planly see the other driver is allowing you room. and I Do it because if the driver's in frount of me make a mistake like anyone can in life, it could be the end of my Life. I cant argue that, driver was in the wrong, While I am dead. so I wait till the dangerous situation is over and off i go. And really it is like 10 seconds than your turn is over or the light up there is red and you get to go to the front anyhow! lmao

I got pulled over last nov two cops came up to the car blinded us and gave my wife a ticket for expired reg sticker. since she was driving atm we completly forgot to register the car haha the dealership allways doese so much you forget, well I forget not you haha
they were cool about it, more like looking as us like we are complet idots. I suppose I could of been bitter about it, cuz really all the cop had to do is tell us to fix it, but why? I bet people forget again after that.


I noticed that for some reason cars dont like you to pull up to the red light. I dont know why .. there is no possable way a car is gunna make it over the intersection faster than a motorcycle so why the hate?
I saw a motocop getting on the freeway on harrison st (I live on harrison) he was getting on the freeway and sharing lanes while doing it and merging I thought that to dangerous, but I was ammased to see how cars dident block him it was like you see the car moving towards blocking but than they see its a cop and Allof a sudden the ace citizen comes out. I thought it was funny I was like Yea 1 point for the biker.

I will just keep doing what I do if it feels unsafe i wont do it if it feels safe i will od it and if i get pulled over than thats life just as if there was some oil on the road and down i went there is nothing to get angry about ither its oil or a cop that was the dilvery for the bad luck. I will just keep praying all cops in my area got a blow job the night before I get pulled over so maby he is in a warrning mood

 

[brichter]

I like it when the cages see me coming up at the light and they pull over to block me.

I drop in behind them and go past on the other side and they do this: and I do this:

 

[Flap]

Is it ok to pass with a slightly higher speed and then return to the regular speed? I feel more safe when I split rather faster than too slow while being right next to another vehicle.
If it is evident to see that I am not speeding through all the way, but I am adjusting my speeds, would that be considered as tolerable?
As with most speed enforcement, it is a subjective thing. The officer would be required to articulate why/how they felt it was unsafe to do what you did or acheive the speed they estimated you were travelling. The basic speed law (22350 CVC) applies. The question of reasonableness is what will need to be examined and ultimately judged. Was the act reasonable, based upon the traffic, roadway and weather conditions?

Yes = not guilty.
No = Guilty.

How others may react to your actions may also come into play, so if there are any startled people or a near-miss situation, expect that to come up in court as part of the officer's account. I know you cannot always anticipate how people might react to what you do, or whether their reactions will be appropriate and waranted. But, if it was even a little ugly, you can certainly bet it will be used to assess the un/reasonableness and possible recklessness of your actions.

If you can communicate your intentions before you act, it may cut down on scaring the civilians a bit. [/B]

Great, thank you for taking the time to elaborate, I appreciate that a lot.

Last sentence made me smile, common sense should rule, but sometimes cagers do really weird stuff, tough to judge. It ain't easy not to pass when in doubt and annoyed by somebody dreaming away on the streets, admittingly, but good reminder that some just don't know what they are doing and that not every swerve to the side necessarily means that they have seen you to let you pass.

P.S.:
Glad that nobody got hurt at the SF Starbucks on Monday! Great job!

 

[kabazauls]

sorry, but you are contradicting your earlier post, don't contradict yourself in court, you might loose a case....

Congradulations on creating this "LEO" forum, you get a donut!

Brash47 no likey when you question his authoritah!

I likey though.

MM4L did sum up this matter quite well.

Brash, I have also seen you answer with "anger and attitude" so let's not try and point too many fingers over here.

ps. Chicos post had many valid points........sure you didn't like to here them but this forum isn't just for and about you. I'd like to think everybody here has a right to voice their opinions.

pss. Please don't ban me..................again.

 

[chiara]

Okay, we have been over this like 1001 times.

The correct term for what you are talking about is LANE SHARING. There is a difference between splitting and sharing.

All states that I am aware of that have a law prohibiting this act title it (and describe it) as lane sharing. We are lucky that in CA, we do not have a law prohibiting lane sharing.

If you are sharing the lane with one of the vehicles and doing so safely, it is legal in CA in illegal in states such as Hawaii and Washington. If you are straddling the lanes in the process (not entirely within one lane), it is illegal in CA as lane straddling is specifically prohibited by the CVC as it is in most all states and countries.

You will not find "lane splitting" addressed in CA law. Just straddling.

Unfortunately, many cops confuse splitting with straddling and I think most riders don't understand the technical difference between lane sharing, lane straddling and lane splitting. If people would stop calling the act "lane splitting" and started consistently calling it "lane sharing," it may cut down on the confusion.

The important thing to understand is that there is a law in CA prohibiting straddling lanes (21658(a) CVC). There is no law specifically allowing or prohibiting lane sharing in CA. If you are cited, it will likely be for lane straddling, unsafe lane change, unsafe passing, speeding or maybe reckless driving. The officer would need to settle on whatever violation s/he felt was most appropriate, based upon what s/he observed.

For reference:
CVC 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.

But, as I'm sure you're already aware:

"Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner."
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html

Now, I know the above quote is not from the CVC, but if it comes from the CHP's website, wouldn't it mean that it would be a misapplication to use 21658(a) to cite a splitting/sharing moto? Besides, the CVC's for the experts, while the Q&A, written for the layperson like myself, indicates that lane splitting on a moto is fine.

Is the intent of 21658(a) to prevent cagers from blocking two lanes, or to give LEOs an out if they feel inclined to cite a splitting/sharing moto?

 

[Diezel]

Well said, and one of those gray areas that should not be abused or you will see it less gray and more black and white (Meaning a law) like other states.

Actually it is quoted QUITE WELL in the CA Motorcycle license handbook that: It is legal to lane split in CA, however you can not cross solid lines (unless posted otherwise - eg: driving on shoulder permited betwee -:--am and -:--am etc....). You CAN NOT break the speed limit, and OR exceed 15 Mph over standing or flowing traffics speed, without breaking said max speed limit.


ps: I didn't quote verbatim.

 

[Enchanter]

Actually it is quoted QUITE WELL in the CA Motorcycle license handbook that: It is legal to lane split in CA, however you can not cross solid lines (unless posted otherwise - eg: driving on shoulder permited betwee -:--am and -:--am etc....). You CAN NOT break the speed limit, and OR exceed 15 Mph over standing or flowing traffics speed, without breaking said max speed limit.


ps: I didn't quote verbatim.

No, it is not! The motorcycle handbook says no such thing. See for yourself:http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf


The 2005 motorcycle handbook does NOT say it is legal or illegal. It does mention safety though.

The 2004 handbook did mention something like 'a rider shouldn't ride more than 15mph....' That does not mean it is illegal.

 

[JPM]

Actually it is not legal to lane "split" as stated in 21658 VC. However it is legal to lane "share" because Ca. law allows 2 vehicles to share the same lane, unlike most states. So there is no law that actually states that you can, or can not, do this. There are a number of laws that would make it illegal such as unsafe speed depending on how fast you are going and how fast the traffic around you is going, unsafe passing, lane straddling (you actually have to stay in ONE lane and not jump from lane to lane or ride the bots dots). As you see it’s quoted but it does not tell you what law says you can do it. So it is a gray area where the laws do not either allow or prohibit it but could very easily be stopped with enacting one little law. So again I say it should not be abused, people abusing things and not using caution and common sense are why laws get enacted.