Lane Splitting in California: From Risky Business to (Sort Of) Official

Lane Splitting in California: From Risky Business to (Sort Of) Official

Okay, so picture this: you’re stuck in California traffic, baking in the sun. But you’re on a motorcycle. For years, you could squeeze between the lanes, right? It’s called lane splitting. But was it legal? That was the million-dollar question. Let’s dive into the story of how California went from “maybe yes, maybe no” to a sort-of “go for it” when it comes to lane splitting.

The Wild West Years

Before 2017, lane splitting was like that weird uncle nobody talked about. Not illegal, but definitely not encouraged. The law? Silent. The California Highway Patrol (CHP)? They had guidelines, then they didn’t, then they did again. Confused? Everyone was! Basically, you were rolling the dice every time you zipped between cars. But hey, it was California, and lane splitting was just… a thing. Cops often looked the other way if you weren’t being a total maniac.

Making it (Kinda) Legal

Enter Assemblyman Bill Quirk. In 2016, he decided to wrangle this beast with Assembly Bill 51 (AB 51). The idea? Make it official. Give the CHP the power to say, “Here’s how to do this without ending up as roadkill.” Governor Jerry Brown signed it, and BAM! January 1, 2017, lane splitting got its own little corner in the California Vehicle Code, Section 21658.1 to be exact.

So, what does 21658.1(a) actually say? Basically, it defines lane splitting as riding a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane. The key takeaway? It’s legal. Finally!

The CHP’s Two Cents (and a Few Guidelines)

Now, AB 51 didn’t give you a free pass to become a two-wheeled missile. It just said lane splitting was okay. The real meat came from the CHP. They were tasked with creating guidelines, working with safety groups to figure out how not to turn the freeways into a demolition derby. Their advice? Common sense stuff, really. Think about your speed, the traffic, and your own skills. Oh, and riding on the shoulder? Still a big no-no. That’s not lane splitting; that’s just illegal.

Is it Safe? The Never-Ending Debate

Here’s where things get spicy. Even with the law, people still argue about whether lane splitting is a good idea. Is it safe? Does it make traffic worse? Studies, like one from UC Berkeley, have tried to answer these questions. Turns out, lane-splitting riders often wear better helmets and go slower. But, surprise, surprise, going way faster than the surrounding traffic is a recipe for disaster. Who knew?

California: The Lone Wolf (For a While)

California was the first, and for a long time, the only state to say, “Yeah, lane splitting. We’re doing it.” This made California a trendsetter, sparking conversations all over the country. Other states have kicked the idea around, but California was the OG.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it. Lane splitting in California: it’s legal, it’s debated, and it’s definitely a part of the California experience. Just remember, be smart, be safe, and don’t be a squid. The law’s on your side, but physics isn’t.