Motorcycle riding is popular in San Bernardino. If you’re a rider, passenger, or another driver, you need to know whether lane splitting is legal in California. Our experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyers at LA Century Law explain.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting means driving a motorcycle past vehicles in the same lane. It is when a motorcyclist weaves in and around slowly moving or stopped traffic. California Motor Vehicle Code § 21658.1.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in California? What the Law Actually Says
Yes. Lane splitting is legal in California. The law defines lane splitting and states that it is allowed on various California roads, including highways. There are also lane-splitting guidelines issued by the California Highway Patrol, but they are educational and not the law.
Lane splitting and reckless driving in CA
Note: Even though lane splitting is generally legal in California, reckless driving laws also apply. (CVC § 23103.) Reckless driving is operating a vehicle on a highway in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Although lane splitting is legal, dangerous driving may result in a reckless driving charge.
California Lane Splitting Guidelines: What Motorcyclists Need To Know
The California Highway Patrol has published guidelines for lane splitting in California. Here is what motorcyclists need to know.
- Speed. Speed differentials and higher speeds in general can increase the dangers of lane splitting.
- Environment. Lane splitting should be done only when it can be done safely. Consider the entire environment, including traffic and other factors, when deciding whether to split lanes.
- Size. Do not try lane splitting near large vehicles like trucks, buses, and motorhomes.
- Shoulder. It’s illegal to ride on the shoulder. That is not lane splitting.
- Visibility. Make yourself visible by wearing bright, reflective clothing and activating your high beam lights.
- Lanes. Lane splitting in far-left lanes may be safer than in other lanes.
- Blind spots. Avoid being in someone else’s blind spot.
- Qualification. Lane splitting is allowed only for vehicles that meet the definition of “motorcycle” in the lane-splitting law.
Lane splitting can be dangerous and should be done only by experienced riders and with extreme caution. Safety guidelines are best practices, but they don’t guarantee safety. Riders should maintain situational awareness and remember that they are responsible for decision-making.
Understanding San Bernardino, California’s Lane Splitting Laws
San Bernardino traffic laws come from the statewide California law, San Bernardino County ordinances, and the City of San Bernardino local traffic ordinances. CVC § 21658.1 is a statewide law that allows lane splitting. County and local ordinances do not directly address lane splitting, but they cover other traffic control that may indirectly affect lane splitting in the area.
In a 2024 news release, the San Bernardino Police Department said that lane splitting is legal but discouraged at high speeds and when traffic is free-flowing.
Motorcycling is popular in San Bernardino. Locals and visitors alike enjoy riding the Rim of the World Scenic Byway (Hwy 18), the San Bernardino National Forest, the Ortega Highway (Route 74), Highway 58, and other local riding routes.
Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering: What’s the Difference in California?
Lane splitting and lane filtering are different things:
- Lane splitting: Weaving around and ahead of slower-moving or stopped traffic.
- Lane filtering: Moving to the front around stopped or very slow traffic.
- Lane sharing: Riding two motorcycles side-by-side within one lane of traffic.
Lane filtering is when motorcycles move to the front of stopped traffic. Usually, this happens at stoplights or in traffic jams. Often, this is done to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.
As of 2026, California is the only state that allows lane splitting, but a handful of states allow lane filtering, including Utah, Arizona, Montana, and Colorado. These states have their own laws and guidelines for lane filtering.
Is lane splitting legal in CA in 2026?
Yes. As of 2026, lane splitting is legal and has been since 2017.
California has more registered motorcycles than any other U.S. state. As of 2026, there are 8.6 million motorcycles in the United States. Motorcycling is a billion-dollar industry, providing transportation and recreation for riders in San Bernardino and throughout California.
The American Motorcyclist Association endorses lane splitting, saying that it has been successful in California in slightly reducing collisions by allowing motorcyclists to escape hazardous traffic situations.
Who Is at Fault in a California Lane Splitting Accident?
In a California lane-splitting accident, the party at fault is the party that acted negligently. Either the motorcyclist or the other vehicle may be at fault. If the motorcyclist attempted lane splitting when it wasn’t safe, they’re at fault. If the other driver did anything to obstruct the motorcyclist, drove carelessly for the conditions, or failed to look for surrounding traffic before maneuvering, then they’re to blame.
Fault can be shared in California.
Common Injuries in Lane-Splitting Accidents
Common injuries in California lane-splitting accidents are:
- Broken bones in the face, skull, legs, and hips
- Paralysis, spinal cord damage
- Concussion, traumatic brain injury, loss of consciousness
- Scars, disfigurement
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Road rash, burns
- Wrongful death
Injured victims may qualify to claim monetary compensation.
What To Do If You’re Injured in a Lane-Splitting Accident in California
If you’re injured in a lane-splitting accident in California, report the accident to the police. Tell first responders that you are injured so that they can provide the appropriate medical response.
It’s important to have an accident report. Ask law enforcement to respond. If they don’t, you should file your own report.
Get names and contact information for drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Get vehicle and license information. Have someone take photos of the accident scene if it is safe to do so.
Tell your insurance company about the accident. Save documents and personal property related to the accident. Write out a narrative of what you remember as soon as possible. Contact a San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney.
How a San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
At LA Century Law, our San Bernardino attorneys protect the rights of motorcyclists. We represent motorcyclists injured in lane-splitting accidents in California.
Call or message us now.
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