In this post we discuss the controversial law that allows motorcyclists to ride in between vehicle lanes in order to bypass traffic.
What is “Lane-Splitting”?
California Vehicle Code 21658.1 defines motorcycle lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.”
Essentially, this law allows motorcyclists to pass stopped or moving traffic by passing in between them on the lane line.
The History of Lane-Splitting Law in California
The legality of lane splitting had long been a murky area of California law until 2016 when assemblyman Bill Quirk introduced California Assembly Bill 51 (AB51) to the state legislature. This bill officially legalized the practice of lane splitting by motorcyclists and was shortly thereafter signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.
What it Means for your Personal Injury Claim
If you were injured on a motorcycle while lane splitting, the insurance company will often try to deny your claim and blame you for the accident. A skilled personal injury attorney will be able to fight for your rights and explain that what you were doing was completely legal.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and need assistance dealing with the insurance companies, we are here to help. Contact Harding Law, APC today for a free case evaluation.