Is Lane-Splitting Legal In Los Angeles?

Lane-splitting is a matter of controversy and legal trouble in many parts of the US. In Los Angeles and California, lane-splitting is not only a daily routine of motorcyclists. It is a legal practice that makes the state different from the rest of the country. We will look into the subtle aspects of such practice, including the legality, the states where it is sanctioned, and the conditions under which it takes place in Los Angeles.

What is Lane-Splitting?

Lane-splitting (white-lining or stripe-riding) is the concept of motorcycles being between the lanes of cars driving in the same direction. This behavior is usually observed in traffic jams or red lights where motorcycles go around stationary or slow-moving cars.

Motorcyclists favor white-lining for various reasons:

• it can assist them in driving faster
• reducing the chance of rear-end collisions
• avert drowning the engine.

However, this practice is considered dangerous and a distraction source for other drivers. Even though it has its own benefits, it is still questioned for its safety hazards and distraction to other drivers. The detractors claim that such a scheme can be hazardous for motorcyclists and car drivers because of the little room for turning. Furthermore, the alarming idea of car drivers being startled by lane-splitting also causes accidents.

Where is Lane-Splitting Legal?

In the US, the legalization of lane-splitting is different in each state. So far, California is still the only state where it is legally allowed. California’s special position on this issue was fixed after it adopted the practice in 2016 through Assembly Bill No. 51. 

Nevertheless, the legislation and attitudes towards this practice differ in other states. For example, Utah has lane-filtering, which is a similar but different practice: cars are stopped, and the motorcycle’s speed does not exceed 15 miles per hour. Some states, such as Arizona and Oregon, have tried to legalize lane-splitting, but no law similar to the one in California has been passed yet.

In contrast, most states either do not prohibit lane-splitting or have no law explicitly dealing with the practice, which, by default, makes it illegal. The absence of the same rules for everyone causes the riders to be in the middle, particularly those traveling across the states.

Is Lane-Splitting Legal in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, like in the whole of California, lane-splitting is legal. The state’s laws allow motorcyclists to participate in lane-splitting in a safe way. The vehicle code of California states that lane-splitting must be done in a “safe and prudent” way. Nevertheless, the law does not mention the precise speed or conditions under which lane-splitting is considered safe. On the contrary, it leaves it to the motorcyclist’s judgment. Thus, possible subjective interpretations of the safe can be made.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has put forward the rules that have to be followed by the riders if they want to lane-split safely. These guidelines will advise motorcyclists not to lane-split at speeds over ten mph faster than normal traffic. Additionally, it is better not to lane-split at all if the traffic is 30 mph or faster. Besides, the most secure zones for lane-splitting are usually between the far left lanes.

Safety Considerations and Public Opinion

Society’s view on lane-splitting in Los Angeles is a mix of the positive and the negative. Numerous motorcyclists support the car-pooling system as the best way to ensure safety and efficiency. The other drivers consider it perilous and anxious. Especially those who have not yet mastered the technique of motorcycle behavior and speed.

Safety is the utmost concern in lane-splitting. Research from the University of California, Berkeley, shows that lane-splitting is safe if it is done under the right conditions, which are low-speed differentials and moderate traffic speeds. These studies have also created CHP issue guidelines so that the drivers’ problems in automated vehicles can be solved with them.

Conclusion

Lane-splitting in Los Angeles results from efforts to balance efficiency, motorcyclist safety, and the general concerns of sharing the road. California is the only state where lane-splitting is legal. Thus, the state’s approach could be a good role model for other states contemplating similar legislation.

Currently, motorcyclists in Los Angeles and the entire of California should keep on the lane-splitting.  However, they should cautiously follow the guidelines to ensure everyone on the road is safe. With the changing traffic patterns and the increasing data, laws and perceptions about lane-splitting will be developing, which may lead to a new era of motorcycling in urban America.

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