CA: Is it illegal to exit an off-ramp and return on the freeway to avoid traffic?

Question

If you are on the freeway (CA) and see traffic on the freeway ahead, is it illegal to exit the off-ramp (that immediately) connects the off-ramp back to the freeway? This saves a lot of time. I see the buses in LA do this. Can regular citizens do this without a violation?

Answer 1

These bypass lanes are actually exit/entrance lanes. Technically making it illegal to use them to avoid traffic. The traffic avoidance rational only works if the bypass lane dumps into or emerges as a separate lane on the freeway. If it doesn't you simply create a traffic jam at the merge point. If these lane are marked with signs "thru traffic OK" you are entitled to use them. The main problem I've found is that the selfish people who use them to avoid congestion assume they have the right of way and usually refuse to yield to let in merging traffic from the entrance/exit ramps that these bypass lanes serve creating a very dangerous situation. Further danger comes from the speed differential between the slower moving cars trying to enter the roadway and the traffic evaders still doing freeway speeds on what is supposed to be a reduced speed area. Other respondents are correct in advising you that bus' have special privileges that regular motorists do not.

Answer 2

Freeway Off Ramp

Answer 3

No but what makes you think that that will save you any time, it will get you ahead by what 2 or 3 hundred feet? that's not much, probably just about 15-30 seconds...

Answer 4

Buses are allowed to a LOT of things nobody else is allowed to do.

I think YOU could do it too, and if a cop stops you, just say "I made a mistake and exited at the wrong place" (SIR)

Cops LOVE it when you call them "SIR".

Answer 5

I do it. haven't got a ticket yet.