Originally Posted by BBStacker

B I T E M E ! ! ! !

There is no actual "VEHICLE CODE" that directly addresses it.

I stick with what I know after 21 yrs of handing out citations to azzhats that think they know the vehicle and penal codes here in California.

The following is from the "CALIFORNIA MOTORCYCLIST SAFTEY PROGRAM" which is a program of the California Highway Patrol, this was entered in the syllabus in October 2012.

Lane splitting in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal(Notice it does not state it is legal only that is not illegal) in the state of California. The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light.

Motorcyclists who are competent enough riders to lane split, should follow these general guidelines if choosing to lane split:


1) Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 MPH faster than other traffic – danger increases at higher speed differentials.
2) It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster – danger increases as overall speed increases.
3) Typically, it is more desirable to split between the #1 and #2 lanes than between other lanes.
4) Consider the total environment in which you are splitting, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, as well as roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.
5) Be alert and anticipate possible movements by other road users.

The Four R's or “Be-Attitudes” of Lane Splitting:
Be Reasonable, be Responsible, be Respectful, be aware of all Roadway and traffic conditions.

Note:These general guidelines are not guaranteed to keep you safe. Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced riders. These guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience. Every rider has ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision making and safety. Riders must be conscious of reducing crash risk at all times.


Do some actual research before you talk out of the south end of your anatomy.

Originally Posted by chrisj49

So what VC violations would you cite me for if I don't follow the guidelines of the MSF? If you have been a cop for 26 years I would hope you would understand that our law is proscriptive, hence nothing calls out what is legal, only what is not. You say you were a cop, then call your fellow citizens azzhats, then show you don't really understand how the law works. Quoting the MSF is pointless - that is just guidelines. What are the actual violations that I would be cited for?

Originally Posted by BBStacker

First things first I said 21 not 26. Second, yes unfortunately some citizens actually do happen to be azzhats, sad but true. All you have to do is look at the local and or national prison population. I know, I know they are all innocent and it was someone else. Just be careful when ya do it because it really does take a while to get used it.

Vehicle codes?


21658. Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more
clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, the following
rules apply:
(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely
within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such
movement can be made with reasonable safety.
(b) Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to
use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic
moving in the same direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the
directions of the traffic device.

22350. No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

22400. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal.

22517. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal


If ya want to know more bust out the vehicle code or just google. Now go ride and have some fun.

Originally Posted by CEJohnson21

I've been a cop in California for 26 years. The law doesn't mention 15 mph. The law says you can share lanes. The law says be reasonable. I share lanes (AKA split lanes). I split lanes all the time, and I do it at a reasonable speed. I know many won't believe this, but you are more likely to get rear ended in stop and go traffic than you are to get hit by splitting lanes. Splitting lanes is safer.