I got a $25/2 points ticket in DC while driving a motorcycle between cars. I wonder in how many states this practice is legal, and whether there's a way to eliminate the points.
2007-07-16 07:58:01 · 17 answers · asked by GadiK 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
check this site click on your state and go down to lane splitting .
2007-07-16 08:07:10 · answer #1 · answered by Jack C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The operation is known as "Lane Splitting" or "Splitting Lanes". It is legal in California. There are certain restrictions. I think and please don't quote me but I think the maximum speed you can travel between cars is 35 MPH. There may be other limits that I am not aware of.
The practice is allowed here because when traffic is stationary an air cooled engines can fry.
I don't like to see it and I don't do it. I ride a Goldwing, my engine is liquid cooled so I don't have the heat problem. Besides the wing is twice as wide as the crotch rockets that do the lane splitting.
I can't speak for other states, sorry.
The guy who made a flat statement that it is illegal probably thinks helmets are mandatory everywhere too. Last I checked there were still a couple of states that let the rider be the decider.
I'm am 100% pro helmet and 100% anti helmet law. I figure most riders know whether or not they have anything worth protection. The same goes for seat belts.
I did a search for you. "Lane Splitting" was used as the search key. I turned a lot of hits but no reference to a list of states and the legal status. All I can suggest is you try other search engines, I used Yahoo, and some other keys. I saw the words "Lane Sharing" used some. That might give you some different info.
Best of luck and keep the dirty side down.
2007-07-16 08:35:16 · answer #2 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no defense. You were observed cutting between cars, or lane-splitting. Pay the fine and learn from your mistake. Roll the dice and plead not guilty. Maybe good fortune will shine on you the day you go to court and the officer won't show up.
2007-07-16 09:28:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lane splitting is not illegal in CA. The reason why is because the CHP determined that it is more safe for motorcyclists to carefully split lanes in heavy traffic than to remain stationary, which can lead to accidents where they are rear-ended (which doesn't go well for the motorcyclist).
Do an internet search for CA lane splitting law and CHP safety recommendations on the matter, print it out and bring it to a judge. Might not work, but if you can argue you were splitting for personal safety, maybe it will.
2007-07-16 09:00:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jack C listed site is very good.
I know in CA it is legal to go between cars. The reason California allows it is because in the past motorcycles were mainly air cooled motors. If a motor cycle sat in traffic for an extended period, it could overheat and it was allowed.
2007-07-16 08:12:53 · answer #5 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is legal to "share lanes" in California. it is probably legal in any state where it is not specifically prohibited by a specific law.
you need to check the law/statute on your ticket to see what it says. usually the ticket will state the statute number that you violated. are you sure that the officer didn't ticket you under a "reckless driving" statute which would be his own bias at work and a judge might not share that bias.
2007-07-16 11:57:16 · answer #6 · answered by Thomas E 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
California it's semi-legal to filter or lane split.
The "best defense against a ticket" is to behave yourself.
The only way to lose points is to wait for time to erase them.
Ride Safe
2007-07-16 15:32:37 · answer #7 · answered by csburridge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lane splitting is only legal in California.
To beat the ticket you can try pleading not guilty and hope the officer doesn't show up in court.
2007-07-16 08:28:18 · answer #8 · answered by Quilting Mildred 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is legal in california.
If you make a manuver like passing on the right to avoid an accident or split lanes to avoid an accident then there are provisions for that.
2007-07-16 09:43:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just hire a lawyer and pay double the fine. I've had several tickets set aside just by doing this
2007-07-16 10:40:45 · answer #10 · answered by technicanb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay the ticket... if you take it to court you will spend hours waiting in line and may have to pay additional court costs.
Also, helmets are not mandatory in Colorado where i'm from.
2007-07-16 09:46:18 · answer #11 · answered by DrewS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋