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495+Motorcycle lane-splitting is maneuvering between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. It is not lawful in every jurisdiction. You may be wondering: Can you lane split in California? The short answer is “yes”—but only if you meet certain criteria. Here, our Downey motorcycle crash lawyer provides a comprehensive overview of lane-splitting laws in California.
What is Motorcycle Lane-Splitting?
As explained by the American Motorcyclist Association, “lane-splitting refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction.” In other words, a maneuver that is used by riders to navigate through traffic jams more efficiently than larger vehicles can. The legality of motorcycle lane-splitting varies across jurisdictions. For this reason, all riders who lane-split should always be aware of the laws in their area.
Motorcycle Lane-Splitting is Legal in California
Is lane-splitting legal in CA? The answer is yes. While motorcycle lane-splitting is actually not permitted in the majority of U.S. states, it is a permitted practice in California. As long as they are doing so within the statutory requirements and operating in a generally safe manner, motorcyclists have the right to split lanes in California. Indeed, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) notes that it is illegal for other drivers to try to impede a lane-splitting motorcyclist who is following the law.
Know the Safety Recommendations: An Overview of Motorcycle Lane-Splitting in California
California highway safety officials have published several recommendations for motorcyclists who engage in lane-spitting in the state. In order to lane-split in a safe manner, it is advised that motorcyclists observe the following three practices:
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- Avoid Lane-Splitting When Traffic is Going Above 30 MPH: Lane-splitting in traffic that is moving faster than 30 MPH increases the risk of an accident. The reduced reaction time is a serious safety hazard. California’s safety guidelines strongly advise against lane-splitting at these speeds to enhance safety for motorcyclists and other motorists. The rationale behind this recommendation is that higher speeds diminish the rider’s ability to effectively judge and respond to traffic conditions. Riding between lanes at speeds over 30 MPH is too risky.
- When Lane-Splitting, Go No More than 10 MPH Faster than Traffic Flow: When engaging in lane-splitting, it is recommended that motorcyclists should not exceed the speed of other vehicles by more than 10 MPH. It is a safety measure that helps maintain a manageable speed differential between the motorcycle and traffic in general. A greater speed difference can reduce the time other drivers have to notice and react to a motorcycle, thus increasing the chance of an accident. Keeping the speed difference to a maximum of 10 MPH ensures that riders can more safely navigate through slower traffic.
- Do Not Use the Shoulder (Not Lane-Splitting in California): Using the shoulder of a road to bypass traffic is not considered lane-splitting and is illegal in California. The shoulder is typically reserved for emergencies and stopped vehicles, not for active traffic movement. Riders using the shoulder are not only engaging in illegal behavior but also exposing themselves to serious safety hazards, including debris, uneven road surfaces, and other obstacles.
A Lane-Splitting Crash Requires a Thorough Investigation
A lane-splitting crash often involves complex dynamics that necessitate a detailed investigation to determine fault and liability. Along with other things, an investigation will examine factors such as speed differentials, traffic conditions, and compliance with traffic laws specific to lane-splitting.
Your California motorcycle injury lawyer will also try to obtain surveillance footage and gather eyewitness accounts to piece together the sequence of events.
California is a Fault-Based Motorcycle Accident State
California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for motorcycle crashes. A motorcyclist is not automatically liable for a crash—even if they were engaging in lane-splitting.
Instead, the party—rider, driver, or otherwise—whose negligence contributed to the crash can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. California operates under a pure comparative negligence system. Each party to a motorcycle lane-splitting crash will be liable for their proportionate share of the blame. For example, imagine a motorcycle suffered $30,000 in damages in a lane-splitting accident in Los Angeles County. If they are found to be 30 percent liable for their own crash, they would bear 30 percent fault for their damages ($9,000).
Recovering Compensation for a Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Accident in California
Hurt in a motorcycle crash in Southern California? You have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages, including your non-economic losses. However, insurance companies can make the personal injury claims process difficult for people. They fight hard to pay out as little as possible. Do not agree to settle your claim for less than you rightfully deserve under the law. Our California motorcycle injury lawyer fights for the maximum compensation for victims, including:
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement:
- Emergency room treatment;
- Hospital bills;
- Medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of income;
- Diminished future earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Scarring/disfigurement;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
An Award-Winning Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Make the Difference
Motorcycle accident injury claims are complicated. Unfortunately, riders can face unfair stereotypes from insurance companies and law enforcement officers. At The JLF Firm, we are an award-winning personal injury law firm with extensive experience handling motorcycle accidents. Our team can take on the most challenging cases, including lane-splitting collisions. We are proactive and committed to justice. You deserve full and fair compensation after any type of motorcycle crash.
Contact Our Downey, CA Motorcycle Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
At The JLF Firm, our Downey motorcycle accident lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights. Hurt in a motorcycle lane-splitting crash? We are here as a legal resource. Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation. With a law office in Downey, we fight for the rights of motorcycle accident victims in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California, including in Riverside, San Bernardino, Van Nuys, Pomona, El Monte, and Fontana.
