So I had to blast down to Cali the other day (in my cage) and traffic was the typical 75 mph to 0 mph...75 mph to 0 mph..you get the picture. I get the lane splitting thing in certain conditions but when traffic is steadily cruising at 65-75...? And it wasnt just one bike or just sport bikes IT WAS ALMOST EVERY BIKE and they were ALL haulin ass...well over posted SL. This is the first time I have witnessed this many "splitters" moving so fast. Is this normal in Cali? Just curious.

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"when deceit becomes universal, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

Yep. Completely Normal.

Yes. Completely normal.

I love riding in CA and getting to split lanes cuz all them cagers are just sitting there watching you go flying by and they know... they know...

Those riders were abusing the system. Splitting is only permissable if the traffic is going slower than 35mph, and you cannot go faster than 15mph than the rest of the traffic. Meaning if traffic was going 10mph, you should not go faster than 25mph splitting.

You also cannot split between the car pool lane and the fast lane, or the shoulder. Again, you see it there too and riders abusing the system.

Sometimes, I find myself splitting faster than 35, let's say 45 and I have to remind myself not to abuse the system.

However, I do have to say, when traffic does start to back up, most drivers become very aware of motorcyclists, realizing that many will begin to split. Surprisingly, most will favor towards one side to provide more room for the rider. Splitting other than California is illegal and dangerous, simply for the fact that the drivers are not expecting you to do so.

Splitting gives you more vertical spacing, but on the other hand, it reduces your lateral spacing.

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VEGASRIDER................
Team Yamaha Blue '06 FZ6!

I wish we could split here.... it would make my morning commute so much shorter. All the other bikes that pass me do it anyways >_<

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I was driving back from CA and a dude on a harley almost hit my HMMWV and scared the shit outta me. They don't mind cutting it close over there that is for sure.

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"I see everything twice"

I thought the only guidelines for lane splitting in CA were "safe and prudent"? I think I understand what you're saying, but it's totally up to the trooper's discretion whether or not they pull you over when lane splitting.

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good luck pulling you over... he's stuck in traffic too!

I only split lanes here in Vegas under extreme conditions. But more than splitting lane then traffic is bad or at a stand still. I hug the line and lane hop back and forth every opppertunity to squeeze in and ahead. Some might see it as a chickensh1t way of splitting lanes. I look at it as a way to take advantage of every oppertunity.

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I've never claimed to be Smart...just Lucky.

Here's a link about splittng in California from the CHP. Everyone should know the rules about splitting before even considering to do so.

Lane Splitting Is Legal, Cause The News Says So Video by Your Name - Myspace Video

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VEGASRIDER................
Team Yamaha Blue '06 FZ6!

great video. And the law as I know it has not changed as outlined in this video. I thought maybe the law had changed based on what i was seeing. Most of what i saw was clearly a violation not too mention suicidal. Thanks for the clarification and comments!

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"when deceit becomes universal, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

I admit that when I was last living in and riding in CA, I would only split lanes when traffic was backed up and would only fairly slowly roll through splitting lanes. I admit, however, that I'm one of those that split between the diamond/HOV lane and the left lane because it gives a wider area between vehicles. It might not be legal, but it feels safer to me. Admittedly most people will actually move a bit to the side to let you through, but there are azzholes that will actually move their car/truck/suv in your way to try and block you from splitting. I have also seen people open their doors to try and block you from splitting (yes, on purpose). Plus, I have seen people open their doors accidentally as well and have seen bikes hit the doors. Ya, not a pretty sight.

As for people splitting lanes at 75mph and such, that, to me, is insane. I've seen lots of people do it, but I'm not one of them. To me, if you are going at that speed, I can wait for traffic to maneuver around so that I can eventually pass whomever I need to pass to get around them. I find it insane for someone to split at 65-75mph.

I'm not saying I'm perfect at splitting lanes or adhere to the traffic regulations all the time, but people aren't going to expect you to split lanes while traffic is moving at normal speeds. When traffic is stopped or very slow rolling, yes, then they expect to see you split because it makes sense.

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was in cali like a week ago on I15 an i saw like 95% of the riders split lane at speeds above 45. legally if an accident happens while your lane splitting ,you the lane splitter are at fault. i think if your that in a hurry that you need to split lane at 30 miles or higher you are a danger to yourself and everybody else. a motorcycle is not a time machine if you need to makeup time try leave early for your destention or come to trems with the fact that your going to be late . better late than never .

the cage drivers dont see you already in a lanes around them why would they think you are between the lanes pass them .the only time lane split seems sane is when the cages cant move other than that those seconds yous save by splitting is not worth it

On my handful of trips to Cali, I have only split the lanes a few times. Mostly because I'm there to relax and have nowhere I have to be at any specific time, so I'll wait in traffic at stop lights like everybody else. When I do split, it's usually on the freeway, and only if traffic is almost at a stand still. Since it's all new to me, I don't want to be the one that clips somebody's mirror and has to pay for it. I think it's a cool permission for motorcyclists, but we as the riders need to ensure we're not abusing that permission.

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When I lived in CA, I asked a CHP motorcycle officer about this in person. Her (yes, her) response was that motorcycles splitting lanes is "not illegal, but not recommended or encouraged" in CA. Also that it is never legal to exceed the posted speed limit, and if you are splitting lanes, don't go more than 10 MPH faster than other traffic or you'll get pulled over. Motorcycle officers can split lanes, too, ya know.

My own personal 2 cents: watch out for cars changing lanes, with or without signalling. 2 tons vs. 400 lbs. is not a fair fight. If you are splitting lanes to gain an edge over slow or heavy traffic, then of course cars are trying to get an edge too by looking for holes in traffic to jump into, and they are not expecting a 2-wheeler to sneak between lanes where their mirrors don't necessarily cover. If you shear off someone's mirror, sideswipe a car, or collide with someone changing lanes in front of you, you will be ticketed and have trouble claiming 0% responsibility with any insurance co. Also, watch out for the jerk who does see you coming, and throws a lit cigarette or hot coffee on you or opens his door in your path on purpose. Yes, it has happened.

Oh yeah, it IS illegal in NV. If nothing goes wrong, it will be fine. If something DOES go wrong... it'll hurt.

Take care out there, folks.

I had to blast down to Cali again today. Much lighter traffic BUT still lots of high speed splitters HOWEVER CHP on bikes in toll lanes on 91 E were pursuing a couple of riders splitting at high speed. The riders went by me and others at 65 mph..short time later 2 CHP were blastin down the toll lanes trying to catch em..the riders got nabbed by the 15 interchange.

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"when deceit becomes universal, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"