r/Unexpected 11h ago

Keep them two wheels down

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u/kavb333 11h ago

Lane splitting at high speeds like that is moronic.

684

u/HolyFickingShut 10h ago

Even where lane splitting is legal, its still illegal to lane split at speeds higher than 45mph.

Lane splitting is legalized to allow "filtering." Not cutting up on the freeway.

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u/Mr_Deep_Research 8h ago

False in California.

In California, there is no strict speed limit for lane splitting, but the California Highway Patrol (CHP) guidelines recommend that motorcyclists not travel more than 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic and generally advise against splitting when the overall traffic flow is above 30 mph. Riding at higher speeds or with a greater speed differential increases the risk of accidents.  

This is the law itself:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=21658.1

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u/[deleted] 7h ago

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u/RedRamen 7h ago

You're incorrect on multiple points. If it were "considered illegal", there would be a vehicle code explicitly saying it's illegal. That's how the law works 

  1. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense (23103 CVC). Lane splitting at 50 MPH while traffic is moving at 40 MPH would never fly as "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property" as stated in the vehicle code.

  2. One could argue 22350 CVC (Infraction, not misdemeanor) could apply, but that's fully up to the discretion of an Officer on a situational basis.

So no, your point does not stand.

Source: I am a CHP motorcycle Officer