Lane splitting by motorcyclists is illegal in every state except California, which made it legal to drive between two lanes of traffic in January 2017.
The practice can cause some drivers in stopped or slow traffic to become so upset that they’re being passed by a motorcyclist that they pull into the open space between lanes and cause a motorcyclist to crash.
Still, motorcyclists who split lanes in heavy traffic are significantly less likely to be struck from behind by other motorists, according to a 2015 report by the University of California at Berkeley. They’re also less likely to suffer head or torso injuries and are less likely to die in a crash.
In New York, Pennsylvania and other states where lane splitting is illegal, it still happens. What should drivers do — including motorcyclists — to make it safe? Some of the best answers may come from California guidelines that used to be recommended before the state made lane splitting legal.
The California Highway Patrol issued lane splitting guidelines years ago, but the CHP rescinded them before a new law took effect in 2017 allowing lane splitting. Previously, state law didn’t allow or prohibit lane splitting, but the CHP allowed it if it was done safely.
Driver safety tips
For vehicle drivers, the basic recommendation is to not take the issue personally and to not try to stop a motorcyclist from lane splitting.
Drivers shouldn’t block or impede a motorcyclist in any way that could cause harm to the rider, such as opening a vehicle door or swerving into an open spot in the next lane.
Drivers should check all their mirrors and blind spots when changing lanes or turning, should use their signals, and allow more distance when behind a motorcycle.
Motorcyclist safety tips
For motorcyclists, there are more lane splitting guidelines. The CHP’s first recommendation is that a motorcyclist not go more than 10 mph faster than other traffic. That speed differential is enough to allow a competent rider enough time to identify and react to most dangerous situations.
At 20 mph faster, in the one or two seconds it takes a rider to identify a hazard, they will have traveled about 30 to 60 feet before starting to take evasive action. Then, braking or swerving will take more time and distance.
It’s typically safer to split between the first and second lanes — with the first lane being closest to the right — than between other lanes. Riders should avoid splitting in lanes near freeway on-ramps or exits.
When another motorcycle rider is splitting lanes, a rider should avoid splitting other nearby lanes because cars may make additional room for one rider and accidentally reduce space for another.
The total environment should be considered when splitting. This includes the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, and roadway conditions such as weather and lighting.
Some lanes may be narrower than others, and some vehicles may be wider than others, including motorcycles. Poor weather conditions and darkness can make motorcyclists more difficult to see.
Riders shouldn’t weave back and forth between lanes or ride on top of the line, and should avoid lingering in blind spots.
Loud tailpipes on a motorcycle shouldn’t be relied upon to alert drivers that you’re approaching. They can startle people and poison their attitude toward motorcyclists.
Lane splitting can be beneficial to vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders. It can decrease traffic congestion and lessen the chance of accidents — but only if both do it safely.
California is the only state that legally allows lane splitting so far, but other interested parties are at least recommending more studies on the issue. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, for example, has called for more research to verify the benefits or hazards of lane splitting.
Until then, it’s worth being a safe driver or motorcycle rider and keeping everyone alive on the roadways.