The legislative and law enforcement advice that follows this list does not mention lane splitting or suggest laws be changed with regard to lane splitting. Nonetheless, due to motorcycles being smaller and harder to spot from far away distances; lane splitting can put them in danger of getting hit by drivers when they switch lanes. Some states, like Texas, are considering changing their laws to allow lane-splitting . D. Read on to learn more about lane splitting, why it’s illegal, and what the ramifications are for someone who’s in an accident while lane splitting. If you ever become involved in a motorcycle accident, a Law Tigers attorney can help. You're just being a nuisance if you're going more than ~20mph over the rate of traffic and going to get yourself killed. In Kentucky, however, there is no specific mention of lane splitting in the state’s motorcycle laws. - The road has 2 or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel. Yes, lane splitting is legal in Alabama. However, lane sharing is legal, and two motorcycles can ride beside each other, or slightly staggered, in the same lane. Yeah, it's illegal, but culturally, there's an unwritten, unspoken pass for lane filtering and splitting. Conclusion. If you own and ride a motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that motorcycle laws vary from state to state, especially in regards to lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. Lane splitting is illegal in Texas, while most states have no laws expressly forbidding it. Austin is an experienced business leader and passionate rider. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. The Texas Transportation Code requires all drivers and motorcyclists to drive within a single lane. According to the University of California Berkeley, lane splitting on a. In fact, while lane splitting is legal in some parts of Europe and Asia, in the United States, only California has legalized lane splitting. The latter refers to two motorcycles ridden side-by-side within a lane. In states where lane splitting is. In North America, it’s not as accepted. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. We would like to have additional research to provide information about the safety or dangers of lane splitting. California is the most well-known state when it comes to the legality of lane splitting. Several other states have specific concessions where lane splitting or lane filtering is legal. Lane splitting is only fully legal in one US state, California. Conversely, some states do not consider lane splitting a. Lane splitting is legal in Israel and is nearly universally practiced. Lane-splitting is the act of a two-wheeled motor vehicle, usually a motorcycle or other motorized bicycle, driving between lanes of traffic on the lines of a road. Previously, Texas had no laws addressing lane splitting at all. The knowledgeable lawyers from the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P. The details of the law are outlined below, in our original piece from when the Arizona state legislature signed this bill into law in March, 2022. This means that if the court determines that the motorcyclist is at fault to any degree — even 1% — that person cannot seek any financial recovery. If you or a family member was in an accident involving lane splitting in Texas, call an experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyer at Janicek Law. Lane splitting is legal no matter whether the road is divided or undivided or whether the traffic is stopped or moving. Intersections are already a common location for accidents. States without universal helmet laws recorded that 57% of motorcyclist fatalities involved an unhelmeted driver, while states with universal helmet laws recorded 11%. In fact, while lane splitting is legal in some parts of Europe and Asia, in the United States, only California has legalized lane splitting. Montana. This guide will help you break down the. S. This is illegal in Oregon and can be dangerous. If enacted, it would amend existing Missouri state law. However, state law forbids lane splitting and similar actions, and engaging in lane splitting can lead to tickets or even reckless driving charges. Lane-splitting is currently illegal in Maryland. The relevant New York statute states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines. According to the Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook, it is also illegal for a motorcycle rider to pass or overtake a vehicle in the same lane as is sharing a lane with cars. Lane splitting is a practice some bicycle and motorcycle riders engage in. As a motorcycle rider, that means you need to remain stationary when traffic is stuck, even if you feel that you can slip through the lanes and reach your destination. According to California’s AB-51, lane splitting is defined as “a motorcycle ridden between rows of. (Photo courtesy of the AMA) S. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. I think it should be legal for motorcycles to ride in breakdown lanes when traffic is at a complete standstill, but only at a low speed. Put differently, lane splitting involves driving along the dashed line between rows of vehicles, turning it into a temporary, mini-express lane solely for motorcycles. Lane splitting as defined by the California Vehicle Code Section 21658. Georgia’s Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code §40-6-312 states that motorcyclists cannot operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows or lines of traffic. Motorcyclists often wonder if lane splitting is legal in Nova Scotia. Hawaii. The rider may travel no more than 20 mph – it’s not. If lane splitting is the only violation, and is not combined with speeding for example, the ticket may be for a petty traffic violation and cost anywhere between $1-$1000. The state allows lane splitting. S. According to the University of California Berkeley, lane splitting on a. 1, 2021. Motor Vehicles Chapter 35. If a vehicle driver doesn’t exercise caution when driving, vehicles around them are in danger. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. Even the California Highway Patrol says so. But with this practice comes questions about its legality and safety. Lane splitting is a technique that is legally allowed in a few states throughout the country but not Washington. State law prohibits this type of riding, and motorcyclists that are in an accident while lane splitting often face liability for the damage. Alaska requires the operator of any motorcycle with an engine displacement of 50cc or more to have a Class M1or M3 license in addition to the regular license. The practice has been legal in neighboring California since 2017, where riders are. The Risks of Lane Splitting. Lane-Splitting in California. Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic;Get Legal Advice on Lane Splitting as a Motorcyclist. It was neither legal nor explicitly illegal as it is now. The California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. Lane splitting. Some people believe that lane splitting is legal in Mississippi, while others believe that it is not. Over the course of the past few weeks, a number of States have kickstarted 2019 by opening discussions about the possibility of making motorcycle lane splitting or filtering legal. Alaska requires the operator of any motorcycle with an engine displacement of 50cc or more to have a Class M1or M3 license in addition to the regular license. Motorcyclists typically lane split to avoid stopping in heavy or stopped traffic. 1. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. And it’s illegal in Oklahoma. Proposals to allow lane splitting have been introduced repeatedly in Oregon but. The Legal Status of Lane Splitting. Cops could probably find a law already on the books to cite you for if they wanted to give you a hard time about it. Why Is Lane Splitting Legal in California? California’s Vehicle Code specifically permits the practice of lane splitting, which it defines as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Coastal SoCal, from the border to Monterey, has probably the best year-round climate for riding roads. Motorcycles can, however, share a lane known as “co-riding. Someday, lane splitting may become legal in Oregon. Splitting lanes in Arkansas, Delaware, Washington, DC, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia is not legal, nor is it illegal, but if you do it, you might get a citation. 1. The only kind of legal lane splitting in Colorado is when the splitting involves two motorcycles using the same lane. Cops could probably find a law already on the books to cite you for if they wanted to give you a hard time about it. Modeled off Utah’s legislation, the. California: Legal. Despite efforts to legalize the practice, lane splitting is illegal in Texas and lane splitters may be subject to a $175 fine. Lane-splitting is currently legal in California, but illegal in most other states. Virginia legalized this practice in 2012. (COLORADO) – The Colorado State Patrol is sending a clear reminder to motorcycle riders that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. Again, lane splitting refers to the practice of driving a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, typically on a multi-lane road or highway during a traffic jam. Jaynen00. Is it legal for two motorcycles to share a lane in Alaska? However, two motorcycles may share a lane side-by-side or staggered. 316. This technique is officially recognized as legal only in the state of California. Put differently, lane splitting involves driving along the dashed line between rows of vehicles, turning it into a temporary, mini-express lane solely for motorcycles. Here are three ways lane splitting helps both drivers and motorcyclists. What is the Anti Lane Splitting Law of 2019? Basically, HB 1419 states that: “Any motorcycle stopping or passing through vehicles during traffic on a broken white line in highways shall likewise be considered as lane splitting. The Montana Senate Bill 9 went into effect on October 1, 2021, making lane-splitting legal in Big Sky Country. It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. This would really help for both vehicle and human overheating in the hot summer months. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. For the other 49 states, the act of lane splitting is either fully illegal, or no clear legislation on the matter currently exists. FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. But Texas just passed a law banning the practice, being the latest to do so. Lane filtering in Utah is legal only when the road has two or more lanes in the same direction. This means the act of lane splitting is neither explicitly legal or illegal. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. However, lane sharing is legal, and two motorcycles can ride beside each other, or slightly staggered, in the same lane. Skip to content. Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcycle riders, even though it is not always legal. The state of North Carolina does not currently have a specific law which bans lane splitting, thought it is always. Lane splitting involves motorcyclists riding down the white center line of two lanes of traffic going in the same direction, basically creating their own center lane where one does not exist. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides at any speed between two lanes of stopped traffic. The latter refers to two motorcycles ridden side-by-side within a lane. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), motorcycles need their own full lanes to operate safely as riding between rows of cars, whether moving or stopped, can leave. Motorcycle Laws. com. If passed, Senate Bill 422 would make it legal for a motorcycle or moped to lane split under certain circumstances. Passengers in Alaska are not required to wear an age limit, but they are encouraged to wear a helmet and proper footwear. From La. The Legislature has introduced bills that would allow limited lane splitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic and on the. Imitation Controlled Substances. 4 percent versus 15. The American Motorcyclist Association, an advocacy group that represents more than 200,000 motorcyclists nationwide, supports lane-splitting and is working to make it legal in other states. Proponents said the bill was a compromise from past attempts to legalize lane splitting in Oregon and drew a distinction between the proposal and the law in California, where riders can travel in. Image Credit: motorcycle. ”. A motorcycle may overtake a vehicle on the right within the same lane if it is safe to do so. 185. (Photo courtesy of the AMA) S. Although it may sound intimidating, lane splitting is a legal maneuver in some countries and states including California. AMA Board Chairman Russ Ehnes and Montana lawmakers. It's legal only in California. Lane splitting is the practice of maneuvering a motorcycle between marked lanes of slower-moving vehicles. I had the piss scared outa me one day: Motor cop bleeped his siren. “It is very safe as long as you are keeping your speed reasonable compared to the surrounding traffic,” said Nick Haris, a lobbyist for the group. Lane filtering is available in Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah. The California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. Georgia’s Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code §40-6-312 states that motorcyclists cannot operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows or lines of traffic. Drivers may collide with lane-splitting riders when changing lanes. Currently, 19 states in the US allow lane splitting. It is a very dangerous, and generally illegal activity. So if you have the money, lane splitting is completely legal . Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. Dovah November 4, 2022 At 4:46 pm. As a motorcyclist, you are not permitted to travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than the surrounding traffic. 3 min read. A motorcyclist may use lane filtering. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. Lane splitting, also known as lane filtering, is the act of riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. It is a fairly common practice, with nearly two-thirds of motorcyclists admitting to. California was one of the first states to embrace lane-splitting even before it was legalized; motorists and motorcyclists respected the practice for years. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. The state’s Vehicle Code explicitly prohibits the practice, stating that “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting, also called lane sharing or white lining, is when a motorcyclist maneuvers their bike between lanes or rows of unmoving or barely moving vehicles that are heading the same way. However, lane sharing is legal, and two motorcycles can ride beside each other, or slightly staggered, in the same. If you go much further inland and south of LA, summers can get ridiculously hot, while mountains north of LA can get cold. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. CHP ANNOUNCES LANE SPLITTING TIPS SACRAMENTO, Calif. Arizona Lane splitting in Arizona is currently illegal. Lane splitting is widely regarded as illegal in Canada. A. The law now puts the state in the company of California, Utah, and Montana. signed California. Lane splitting is explicitly illegal in most states and can result in not only a ticket but also being held liable in the event of an accident. There are three topics that are big sources of contention between riders and non-riders, and even between motorcyclists: helmet requirements, loud pipes, and lane splitting. Utah and Montana allow motorcycles to do something similar to lane splitting in very restricted conditions. Personal Injury Law. The post Texas Lane Splitting Laws In 2023. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. Petty Traffic Violation Penalties. Colorado: Illegal: Delaware: Illegal: No. When done between vehicles stopped at a traffic signal, it is called “lane filtering. Speed. Meanwhile, lane splitting can include riding between moving vehicles, which can put you at risk of an accident. The law is clear — lane splitting is not legal in Alabama. Arizona Lane splitting in Arizona is currently illegal. In Ontario, it’s merely not permitted, which. Lane-sharing. Time. The Cons of Lane Splitting. Is Lane Splitting Legal? In the U. A: Splitting lanes is only legal when traffic is moving 40 miles per hour or slower. Currently, Nevada gives lane splitters a $190 fine. California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 21658. This means it is never legal on the freeway. Utah uses the term lane filtering to describe the practice and defines it thusly: “Lane filtering” means, when operating a motorcycle other than an autocycle, the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped in the same direction of travel in the same lane. —. Utah uses the term lane filtering to describe the practice and defines it thusly: “Lane filtering” means, when operating a motorcycle other than an autocycle, the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped in the same direction of travel in the same lane. The only kind of legal lane splitting in Colorado is when the splitting involves two motorcycles using the same lane. Lane splitting: This is a type of road maneuver that is mostly associated with motorcycles. Thank god it is illegal in Canada. ”. Petersburg. In December 2016, State Senator Kirk Watson (D) introduced Senate Bill 288, which would have allowed lane-splitting in Texas, so long as the rider was travelling in traffic moving slower than 20 mph and was going no more than 5 mph faster than other road users. Riding between marked lanes of traffic allows them to get to the front of the line. 35. However, only 53 percent of drivers know that lane-splitting is legal. ”. According to CDOT regulations, “passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is prohibited by law in Colorado. For example, if traffic is congested and moving at 20 miles per hour, you can lane split and ride between lanes at up to 30 miles per hour. Offenses and Accidents Section 185. The law does not apply in school zones or work zones. Motorcyclists may split a lane of traffic to move past slower-moving vehicles. According to Code O. Reply. Florida Statute 316. SB 422 does not use the terms “lane filtering” or “lane splitting. In the United States, lane splitting is illegal in most states, with a few states allowing it with some exceptions. Lane splitting is where you can ride between vehicles that are moving slowly or are stationary. Austin Rothbard. Reply . Motorcycle Lane Splitting (AB 51, Quirk): This law defines “lane splitting” as driving a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Lane splitting is not permitted in Mississippi, but it is not illegal in other states. Oakland, CA 94601. The short answer is no–lane splitting is illegal in Nova Scotia. In effect, this means that motorcyclists cannot ride in between lanes to navigate slow-moving traffic. If HB 1419 becomes a law, the penalty will be PHP 1,500 for the first offense, PHP 3,000 for the second offense, and PHP 5,000 for. While many consider the practice to be safe and helpful in reducing congestion, others believe the practice only increases the likelihood of collisions. Lebanon Law Office. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. 185. The only U. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides at any speed between two lanes of stopped traffic. Splitting lanes when traffic slows down is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Because of this reason, most of the states refuse to make lane splitting legal. When traffic is at a standstill, but motorcycles keep moving, that is a different practice called “filtering. While it’s a common practice in many states, only California has made this practice legal. In 2013, a study also found that lane-splitting is practiced by 36% of California Motorcyclists. However, lane filtering and lane splitting are illegal in Georgia. 0605 (a) (3) stating that motorcycles cannot: (B) operate the motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same. 156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States. As a motorcyclist, you are not permitted to travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than the surrounding traffic. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rider travels down the center line, in-between rows of stopped vehicles, or when a motorcycle passes a vehicle in the same lane. Lane filtering is only permitted between stopped traffic. It involves passing between stopped or slowed lanes of traffic. While lane splitting is dangerous, a 2015 study found motorcycle riders who split lanes in congested traffic are considerably less likely to be hit from behind by other drivers, suffer head or body injuries , or incur fatal injuries . 21, 2023, at 11:48 a. Legislatively, there has been activity on lane splitting in several states, but only California has enacted a law. It’s also called “lane filtering. Still, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona, and Utah have modified versions of the law that allow motorcyclists to drive between lanes when traffic is stopped. Filtering or Lane Splitting, the art of riding a motorcycle through the middle of two lanes of traffic that are heading the same direction, is legal in the UK, but we have questions about the rest of Europe. Only California allows lane splitting of any kind; some will debate it as a blessing, while others claim it’s a curse. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota. 060 states that all road users must remain within a single. Although it might save time and be convenient, lane splitting is a risky driving behavior, and therefore, illegal in Illinois. Under the terms of this amendment, both lane splitting and lane filtering have now explicitly been made illegal for motorcycles riding within the state of Texas. Texas Transportation Code § 545. Lane Splitting Nevada 2022. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. I haven’t seen a study that demonstrates that lane splitting is safe, and I. Tyler Pace (R-Mesa District 23) and championed by ABATE of Arizona, allows riders to cruise slowly between lanes at speeds no faster than 15 mph if the other vehicles are stopped. A handful of states have legalized lane “splitting” or “filtering” to some degree. 3 Dead and 3 Missing After Landslide Rips Through Remote Alaska Fishing Community. As of 2008, the state Code was revised to include 3-wheelers as motorcycles. California is the only state to enact a law that allows lane splitting. However, although there has been supporting to pass this law, lane splitting is still illegal in Texas as of 2023. This is not to be confused with. SB 422 does not use the terms “lane filtering” or “lane splitting. The Florida legal code specifically forbids lane splitting in Statute 316. Remember, Florida Statute 316. the legality of lane splitting varies from state to state. Previously, Texas had no laws addressing lane splitting at all. Some states have definitions in the law for how lane splitting should be carried out, others simply allow it. Utah and Montana allow motorcycles to do something similar to lane splitting in very restricted conditions. Overall, lane splitting is legal in Nevada; however, riders should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of other drivers. No, lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut and has a section ( Sec. Alaska. Safety Concerns: Critics argue that lane splitting might be dangerous, notably if riders don’t do it cautiously. ”. The practice has been legal in neighboring California since 2017, where riders are. While North Carolina law does not speak specifically on lane splitting, it does talk about lane sharing. RS 32:191. To put it. MotorcycleZombies. The Montana Senate Bill 9 went into effect on October 1, 2021, making lane-splitting legal in Big Sky Country. Drivers may not see someone lane-splitting when switching lanes; Lane splitting makes it harder to deal with bad weather or road conditions; Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries or death if they occur while lane splitting; While there may be ways to mitigate some of these dangers, it can’t be proved that lane. This technique is also known as white lining to experienced motorcyclists. Motorcycles and motor scooters with engine displacement of less than 50cc can beAS 28. Lane splitting, also called white-lining, nose riding, or lane sharing, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes or lines of stopped or slow-moving cars. Even if traffic is going at a snail’s pace, lane-splitting is still a prohibited practice. Texas Transportation Code § 545. Lane filtering is technically legal in Arizona as of 2022, but only under certain conditions. It does not allow lane splitting, but rather lane. In summary, lane splitting is safe, it reduces traffic, it keeps your motorcycle from overheating, and it's legal in California. The bill was named AB-51. Currently, it’s only explicitly permitted in a few states, and specifics vary among areas allowing the practice. Lane splitting is where a motorcycle rider moves past vehicles at more than 30km/h. Motorcycle lane splitting is legal in Alaska, which means you need to be vigilant and check for motorists opening their doors or preparing to change lanes. nope. Skip to content. However, as of January 2020, a new bill was created to make the practice legal. In Alabama, the legality of lane splitting and filtering is determined by the state’s traffic laws. The law also states that maneuvering around lanes has to be done safely, which leaves some ambiguity about what exactly constitutes “safe” lane splitting. It does not matter their level of experience, their age, or whether. The motorcyclist must be: On a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, Not going faster than 15 mph, The main difference between lane splitting and lane filtering is the speed of the surrounding vehicles. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. As a motorcycle rider, that means you need to remain stationary when traffic is stuck, even if you feel that you can slip through the lanes and reach your destination. The lane width is sufficient to allow safe passage. Lane splitting, which is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, is not legal in Pennsylvania. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. Lane splitting is outlawed in 49 states in the United States. This means that you should not split lanes if. As of 2022, Californiais the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. 209 (3) reads “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” making this practice illegal throughout the state. Yes, lane splitting does in fact save a lot of time from getting stuck in the long, continuous hours of traffic. Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. The state does not have any specific laws that address or regulate lane splitting. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. The state is committed to reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads by enforcing laws that are designed for safety. Alaska: For passengers and for all under 18: Required by law unless equipped with windscreen which is 15″ or higher above handlebars: Not. By: Janaki Jitchotvisut. There is no specific law addressing lane splitting in Alaska, so the legality of this practice is something of a gray area. In 31 states, including Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal. app!Feb 13, 2023 at 1:00pm ET. 660 (4) A person operating a motorcycle, moped, low-speed vehicle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or bicycle shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. Conclusion: Know the Laws and Ride Safely. In some states, it is not explicitly illegal while in others, like Tennessee, it is banned under state law. A: Splitting lanes is only legal when traffic is moving 40 miles per hour or slower. The state does not have any specific laws that address or regulate lane splitting. June 5, 2022. The number of motorcycle riders killed throughout Oregon has been growing in the past five years, AAA said, with 95 killed last year alone. In California, lane splitting is prohibited near freeway exits and onramps. Jerry Brown in 2016. In fact, the only state that currently allows lane splitting is California, so if you’re not in the Sunshine State, avoid tickets and fines by following the same protocols for passing as you would in a car. There are no guidelines or specific regulations in place to help. com. Jerry Brown in 2016. Driver Negligence. Experts in this state do recommend that motorcyclists only go ten miles per hour above the speed of the surrounding traffic and that they avoid lane splitting over speeds of 30 miles per hour. Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic. Though lane splitting is not explicitly. In 2016, California passed a law 6 that authorized the state Highway Patrol to develop guidelines for legal lane splitting. In California, motorcycles cannot exceed ten mph above the speed of surrounding traffic when lane splitting. As per the law, lane splitting is allowed as long as it is done in a careful manner. These fears have led the vast majority of states to ban lane splitting. As of 2008, the state Code was revised to include 3-wheelers as motorcycles. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. If you stay within 30-45 miles of the coast, the weather is pretty temperate.