Motorcycle, Lane Splitting and Parking (CA)?

Question

i just picked up a motorcycle handbook from my local DMV

and i read it all the way through

two questions still are lingering

1. it says lane sharing is illegal, but what about lane splitting? i know it's legal in CA, but what are the limitations on it?

2. it talks about parking a little, like it has to be 90 degrees to the curb, but when im at my local supermarket, i see motorcycles parked right up next to the automated door.
so are motorcycles free to park in places other than the marked stalls in the parking lot?

thank you for reading and/or answering

Answer 1

1. Lane splitting is NOT specifically mentioned in the California Vehicle Code (CVC). The Cal MC handbook states "Cars and motorcycles each need a full lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is not safe." (exact quote) I was an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) instructor for several years and the advice we gave "newbies" was DON'T split lanes. However, after riding for 40 years, I split lanes ONLY when traffic has come to a complete STOP. This is a self imposed rule, but there is reasoning behind it. A vehicle alongside you of can't change a lane if it is stopped. Proceed with caution (first gear slowly, covering the clutch and brake controls). This not an endorsement of lane splitting, just a suggestion to limit the risks.

2. The CVC states that when parking a motorcycle on a public street or highway, “that motorcycles shall be parked with at least one wheel or fender touching the right-hand curb.” (CVC Sect 22502). The Cal MC handbook SUGGESTS (or is that recommends) parking at 90 degrees to the curb. My advice to all MC riders, park with the front wheel pointed uphill, and preferably pointed away from the curb so it is easier to pull into traffic. Private parking lots (supermarkets, box stores, etc) are largely exempt for CVC parking regulations, EXCEPT ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) parking. It is not likely (or probably legal) for enforcement (police, etc.) to try and cite you for parking your motorcycle (or any other vehicle for that matter) on private property, except ADA parking. Oh there is the thing about Fire Lanes too (They'll be clearly marked).

I hope this answers your questions. I know it was a little long winded, but so is the law. By the way, have you taken an MSF Rider Course yet? It will save you money on insurance, and it may save your life.

Answer 2

I didn't know lane sharing was "against the code". Thanks for the info.

As far as lane splitting, that's one of the reasons I ride!

If you're on the freeway, never lane split above 50. As a matter of fact, 50 is kinda fast. I don't lane split unless traffic is moving real slow. The rule of thumb is to never split faster than 5mph the speed of traffic. And don't split any lane except the left two. There's less lane-changing going on over there and they expect splitters.

Air cooled bikes have to keep air flowing over the engine, I think that's why it's tolerated by law enforcement. Water pumpers have the little electric fan, so they're no different than cars. All my bikes are old air cooled iron, so for me, splitting is essential.

Also, on surface streets, if you're going to split traffic to get to the limit line at a red light, hang back and pay attention so when the light goes green you have some runway. If you pull all the way up to the first car at the limit line, you KNOW the guy's going to race you across the intersection. Hang back and slingshot past the front cars and pick a lane.

Answer 3

You for sure can not bypass over the fee shrink, even though it incredibly is in uncomplicated terms a question of non-public judgment. while you're lane splitting interior the 1st place, that's in all probability because of the fact there's a site visitors congestion, so which you need to accomplish a little maneuvering, wherein case, a dash slower is maximum suitable. so a ways as regulations bypass, lane splitting is barely criminal in some states, yet different than that, velocity quite isn't a controversy. Thank goodness for lane splitting even with the undeniable fact that; it beneficial is superb once you're caught in heavy l. a. site visitors!

Answer 4

Lane splitting is actually pretty stupid for a newbie rider. When you come up between two vehicles, you have no idea if both drivers see you. If traffic suddenly surges forward, and one vehicle drifts a little in the lane, you are in a very dangerous position. In California, it is legal to lane-split, but, if there is an accident, it will likely be judged a comparative fault, meaning the biker will likely be judged at least partly at fault, and have any damage recovery reduced.

As far as parking in supermarket lots goes, a motorcycle is bound by the same parking rules as a car. You park it in a parking spot. Someone who parks their cycle up by the door is not only breaking the law, but is being grossly disrespectful to every body else. They are deserving of the same slap upside the head as ablebodied persons who park in handicapped spots.

Answer 5

Items of advice. There are two major dangers in lane splitting. One is common sense the other one is not.

1)Common sense === The second most dangerous time to lane split is when traffic is moving around 30-35 miles per hour. It is still legal then but people like to jockey lanes and if you take a hit you are still going fast enough to get hurt.

2)Not so Common sense === The most dangerous time to lane split is when traffic comes to a dead halt. There are always a couple of people who want to see what is going on up ahead so they open their door and step out to get a better look. Guess where their door is?