Here on the Forum, members talk a lot about legal issues, from loud pipes, to licensing, to helmet laws. But one of the things I don't see a lot of conversation about? Splitting lanes. And the reason for that is the only state in the union where it's legal to drive a motorcycle between cars is the great state of California. Everywhere else, it'll result in a reckless riding ticket—or worse.

Full post and video on the Blog! >>

 

So what's your question?

Edit: If you're referring to strictly "should it be legal everywhere," I believe the answer should be yes. If you legalized lane splitting in every state, though, I think you'll see an initial rise in motorcycle-related accidents due to lane splitting, but I also believe that should level out after a time once people have gained more experience at it. There are many advantages to splitting lanes, both safety as well as convenience.

 

absolutely not, wait your turn in line like everyone else. you have done nothing to deserve special privileges. now if the state wanted to charge $1,000 a year to split lanes, and you went thru a special class and had a decal on your bike to show that you were paying for the privilege...that should be fine with the majority of the motoring public. then it would be more like a toll road--where you pay to drive on less crowded roadways and get to your destination quicker.

 

Lane splitting is not illegal in the state of California, but many municipalities do have ordinances against it, and you can be ticketed and fined, if pulled over by an officer of that jurisdiction.

http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html

This old chestnut always comes up.

Now in my personal opinion I am fine with it, I like filtering at a light since most riders without trying hard will smoke the commuter cages off the line. Did it on a trip when we rented a bike sure was nice.

 

Yes lane SHARING should be legal everywhere. If the only issue is some people getting all irate because they think someone cut in front of them, haven't we gotten past such immature thinking?

 

No. and take it away from California also.

 

Absolutely not!!! In fact the land of fruits and nuts. . (California) should repeal it. It's always dangerous as hell. Scrapes cars. Very stupid thing to do.

 

I hate you.

And you.

 

NO, it should be illegal everywhere! What makes lane splitters think that their time is more valuable than anyone else's? I mean, that's the ONLY reason I can see for doing it. Mechanically, it's not necessary. It creates a dangerous situation, especially if people/cages aren't expecting it and it only makes you look like an ignorant jerk, IMO.

 

I can only say that it is not for me, legal or not.