Why Do Motorcycles Lane Split?
Would you be surprised to see a motorcyclist driving over the white dashed line on a highway? If you're in California, you probably wouldn't be. The practice of driving between two lanes — also known as lane splitting — is legal and a common sight. But if you're in any other state, it can feel alarming.
There's a lot of heated debate about this. Is lane splitting actually legal? Is it safe? Why do motorcyclists do it? Let's clear things up.
When California Male Lane Splitting Legal
Before 2016, there was no law in California against lane splitting. That changed in January 2017, when lane splitting finally became legal in the state (California Vehicle Code section 21658.1).
A UC Berkley report was hugely influential in passing the law. Researchers found that lane splitting is relatively safe. Out of 6,000 motorcycle-involved crashes, only 16% involved lane splitting. What's more, most of those accidents were linked to speeding.
Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering
Lane splitting is still only legal in California. However, a few other states — Utah, Montana, and Arizona — have legalized lane filtering. That's when bikes and motorcycles creep up between stopped or slow-moving traffic.
That could change soon. Motorcyclists and bikers are calling for lane-splitting and filtering laws in more states. Oregon, for example, could be next.
3 Benefits of Lane Splitting
There are three big reasons why lane splitting is so popular.
1. Saves Time
Sneaking through congested traffic will get you where you're going faster. It could shave precious time off your commute, especially in cities like Los Angeles, which has some of the worst traffic jams in the world.
2. Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
Idling uses up to half a gallon of fuel per hour. Sure, that doesn't sound like a lot, but it adds up. Lane splitting means you burn less fuel because you're not stuck in traffic idling. That's great for the environment and can help you save money on gas.
3. Improves Safety
Despite what many drivers think, lane splitting is safer than the alternative, which is driving directly behind cars and trucks within a lane. For example, lane-splitting motorists are less likely to be rear-ended, seriously injured, or killed.
How to Safely Handle Lane Splitting
Excited to reap the benefits of lane splitting? If you're in California, go ahead! Keep these five safety tips in mind.
Watch out for opening doors. Drivers could accidentally knock you over.
Anticipate lane changes. Vehicles changing lanes could crash into you. Get out of their way as soon as you see turn signals.
Be careful at intersections. Either stop directly in front of the lead vehicle or behind them to avoid deadly hook collisions.
Don't lane-split next to large vehicles with wide blind spots, like buses and trailers.
Go slow. Stay under 50 mph and match your speed to the flow of traffic.
Help Make the Road Safer, With or Without Lane Splitting
Just because lane splitting isn't legal everywhere doesn't mean you won't encounter it outside of California. You need to be prepared to face any situation and know how to react. Excellent drivers understand how to safely share the road with motorcyclists.
Enrolling in an accredited defensive driving course can help you develop pro skills behind the wheel faster. You'll learn how to responsibly handle all sorts of risky scenarios on the road — from inclement weather to aggressive drivers and beyond — and keep everyone safe.
Updated 2/20/24
