When it comes to lane splitting while riding a motorcycle, there are many opinions out there. Some people see it as dangerous and illegal, while others view it as a way to get around traffic. As of now, lane splitting is only legal in California and there are some states where it isn’t explicitly declared illegal. But that doesn’t mean you can split lanes without caution. Let’s take a look at some of the regulations around lane splitting and what you need to know to ride safely.

Can You Split Lanes While Riding a Motorcycle?

Lane splitting (also known as white lining) is when a motorcycle moves between two lanes of traffic that are going in the same direction. In most states, lane splitting is illegal because it can be dangerous for both the bike rider and other vehicles on the road.

Currently, California is the only state with laws allowing lane splitting under certain conditions. California laws allow motorcyclists to ride between two lanes when the traffic is moving at less than 30 mph. Also, the bike should travel no more than 10 mph faster than other vehicles on the road.

How to Ride Safely

In case you decide to split lanes on your motorcycle (if it’s legal in that area), make sure that you do so responsibly and safely. This means being aware of other vehicles around you and keeping a safe distance from them at all times. You should also be aware of your bike’s speed because there are limits on how fast riders are allowed to go while splitting lanes. Finally, make sure that your bike has functioning headlights and taillights. This will help keep other drivers aware of your presence while lane splitting.

We want all our customers to have a safe motorcycle riding experience on the road. Come see us at CalMoto for advice, accessories, repairs, service, and a wide selection of motorcycles for sale. We’re ready to serve you at our dealerships in Mountain View and Livermore, CA. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from San Francisco and San Jose.