VIDEO: California Considers Legalizing Lane-Splitting
This summer, California may become the first state in the U.S. to officially legalize motorcycle lane-splitting.
Video: Calif. Considers Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Bill
The proposed legislation, which has already passed the state Assembly, seeks to officially sanction the traffic-avoiding maneuver while also applying speed restrictions.
by Staff
June 10, 2015
1 min to read
In the past, California traffic laws haven’t specifically addressed the practice. Nonetheless, both the California Highway Patrol and Department of Motor Vehicles published guidelines for safe lane-splitting. But last year, lane-splitting opponents criticized those guidelines, arguing that they seemed to endorse a dangerous practice that wasn’t legal.
That challenge to the status quo led to legislative action.
The California Senate is now considering a bill that would permit a motorcyclist to drive between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, as long as the motorcycle traveled at a speed of no more than 15 mph faster than the flow of traffic. Additionally, the lane-splitting motorcycle couldn’t exceed 50 mph.
The state Assembly passed the legislation on May 28.
The proposed law has generated plenty of controversy. To hear arguments from different sides of the issue, you can click on the photo or link above and watch a CBS News report.
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