Specifically, the DOT website says that “passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. See full list on fanglawfirm. Several petitions have circulated online seeking support for lane splitting, but. April 11, 2023 In this article, we'll talk about whether it's legal for motorcyclists to lane split and Colorado's current laws. It is legal, however, for two motorcycles to share one lane in Colorado. However, in Colorado, lane splitting is illegal. 209 (3) reads “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” making this practice illegal throughout the state. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. A bill was proposed in 2016 to allow lane-splitting. A serious motorcycle accident may occur if a car changes lanes in front of a lane-splitting motorcycle without warning. Lane splitting is illegal in North Carolina. As of May 2023, Oregon and Tennessee are both considering bills to allow lane splitting, but do not currently allow it. Utah uses the term lane filtering to describe the practice and defines it thusly: “Lane filtering” means, when operating a motorcycle other than an autocycle, the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped in the same direction of travel in the same lane. Lane splitting is the practice where a motorcyclist overtakes and passes other vehicles in the same lane or between lanes of vehicles. Riding a motorcycle in France is about 20 times as dangerous per kilometer as driving a car, but only a small percentage of serious motorcycle accidents occur while lane splitting. The state’s law was modeled after California law which defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. California has no laws explicitly prohibiting lane splitting, and is the only U. 2. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. When lane splitting, it should be done between the lane furthest to the left (A. In California, for example, lane splitting is allowed when traffic is moving at a speed of less than 50 miles per hour and the motorcycle is traveling no more than 10 miles per hour faster than the cars it is passing. Lane splitting is illegal in most states, but is common in California. My badly ventilated jacket (not mesh) and my overpants (mesh) weren't doing much to slow down the river of sweat running down my back. —. Lane splitting, when defined as a cyclist riding on the line in between two lanes or rows of traffic, is illegal in Colorado, as it is in most U. With the increasing popularity of motorcycles as a mode of. In Utah, filtering through traffic is only permitted under certain conditions. Montana enacted their law in early 2021. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps. Lane splitting is still prohibited in Arizona as of 2022. C. However, many riders do not realize that lane-splitting is not legal in North Carolina, and some knowingly violate. In California, lane splitting is legal as long as it is done safely and does not exceed 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic. Motorcycle speeds can not be more than 15 mph when filtering. Since California’s move to make the law neutral, Colorado has only seen one proposed lane-splitting bill. Lane Splitting Is Sometimes Legal. The simple answer to the question, "Is lane splitting legal in Florida?" is no. Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. But it is analyzed if the driver sitting in the car is at fault or not. Some states have definitions in the law for how lane splitting should be carried out, others simply allow it. While some. 1. California is the most well-known state when it comes to the legality of lane splitting. If you’re a resident of Colorado or planning to visit the state, it’s essential to understand how this law works. Suppose a motorcycle is involved in. com. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of slower-moving traffic. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. Lane filtering sometimes happens at intersections, the place a motorcyclist advances to the entrance of the road of vehicles stopped at a crimson mild. Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. Lane splitting is legal in some states and illegal in others. 5 F. The definition of lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between rows of moving vehicles. Lane filtering is not legal in Colorado. Lane splitting, or the act of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, is a controversial topic. If that’s you, then it’s important that you know about an amendment to the state transportation code that went into effect on September 1, 2023. Read our blog or contact Orr Law Firm today to learn if lane splitting is legal in Colorado. According to California’s AB-51, lane splitting is defined as “a motorcycle ridden between rows of. S. The splitting rider may not stop in time if they change lanes. Legal Complexities: The legality of lane splitting varies widely. The remaining thirty seven states and Washington D. We’ve been serving clients in Texas for over 25 years and have experience trying a wide variety of cases, including motorcycle accidents. 209 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. Splitting lanes, white-lining, and stripe-riding are all examples of lane splitting. Lane Splitting. This didn't explain why it should be illegal. While you might see a motorcyclist lane splitting in traffic, it is actually illegal in our. The law would have allowed motorcycles to pass between cars or pass on the right in traffic moving at less than 5 mph under the following conditions: Passing or Overtaking: Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is Illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. There's a reason why Cali doesnt have a starkly larger rate of accidents per bikes on the road than other states despite having complete and totally legal lane splitting. As of now, only a few states have specific laws addressing the legality of lane splitting: California. As motorcycle usage becomes more popular, influences from neighboring Utah continue to slowly encourage gradual normalization in some areas. Short answer: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? No, lane splitting or filtering is currently not legal in the state of Michigan. In Washington, lane splitting is currently illegal, but the state introduced a bill in 2015 to change that. Lane splitting, also called lane sharing or white lining, is when a motorcyclist maneuvers their bike between lanes or rows of unmoving or barely moving vehicles that are heading the same way. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1503, motorcyclists must follow the same rules and regulations as other vehicles on the road, which includes not riding between lanes or rows of vehicles. Splitting lanes in Arkansas, Delaware, Washington, DC, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia is not legal, nor is it illegal, but if you do it, you might get a citation. California is the only state that has explicitly legalized lane splitting. (Senate Bill 1273) Arkansas. Alabama is also one of a handful of states that follow the doctrine of contributory negligence in personal. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. The data also shows that the safest way to lane split is to travel at less than 30 mph, and less than 10 mph above the speed of the surrounding traffic. Colorado. ”. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42. The. Lane Splitting is Unlawful. As of 2022, Californiais the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. ”. Currently in Colorado, a motorcycle driver cannot pass a vehicle by driving in the same lane or between rows of vehicles, which is known as lane splitting. Normally, this technique is employed by motorcyclists, cyclists, and motor scooters riders. Colorado. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. According to the state government, lane splitting for motorcycles reduces traffic jams and improves roadway safety. Filterering between cars and even worse trucks stopped at lights actually puts you, the motorcyclist at greater risk by reducing the space in which you have to operate your bike. Not specifically prohibited in state law. In this article, we’ll. This covers every potential use of lane splitting on roads or highways throughout the state. Not saying that to keep you from making your own choices, but don't snivel if you get a ticket. The people of LA know that lanesplitting is legal. In 2015 the University of California at…In the past, lane splitting was not specifically addressed by New Jersey law. Not to mention the assholes who don’t know it’s legal will inevitably swerve to block you. California. However, a bill proposed by Texas State Senator, Kirk Watson, in December. It is controversial, and its legality varies from place to place. The legality of lane splitting varies greatly across the United States. So, if Colorado would allow lane splitting, shocked and appalled drivers like you would get used to it just like California did. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, has introduced a bill that would require the Colorado. What Is Lane Splitting? “Lane splitting” is a term often used interchangeably with “lane sharing” and “filtering,” but these terms technically apply to different actions. In Colorado, lane splitting is neither explicitly legal nor explicitly illegal, leaving riders to navigate this gray area cautiously and responsibly. Motorcyclists can co-ride in a lane with one other motorcycle. The Committee is currently debating the bill. 4 percent versus 15. Open the Article -. In 2013, a study also found that lane-splitting is practiced by 36% of California Motorcyclists. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? We Answer | 2022 Update. In states where it is legal, the rules vary. While it’s a common practice in many states, only California has made this practice legal. In 2016, California passed a law 6 that authorized the state Highway Patrol to develop guidelines for legal lane splitting. 060 of the Texas Transportation Code, all drivers and motorcyclists must drive within a single lane. Lane splitting also puts. . In this section, we will discuss some safety tips for lane splitting in Colorado to help riders make informed decisions and minimize the risks involved. I will continue at a level. Gov. Lane splitting and lane sharing sound the same, but they’re not. Lane-Splitting in California. In most accounts of lane splitting experiences, people tend to combine splitting and filtering into a single category. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. In California, for example, lane splitting is allowed when traffic is moving at a speed of less than 50 miles per hour and the motorcycle is traveling no more than 10 miles per hour faster than the cars it is passing. I know it's not legal in. A bill was proposed in 2016 to allow. Utah followed suit in 2019. 4. Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws expressly states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Motorcyclists caught lane-splitting may face fines, points on their license. Sign up for the K99 Newsletter. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. The problem that I see with lane splitting in Colorado are the number of potholes in between the lanes that are perfect for catching motorcycle tires. Lane sharing generally refers to two motorcyclists sharing space in the. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado News / Oct 7, 2021 / 11:29 AM MDTThe Legal Status of Lane Splitting. Even though lane-splitting is legal in the state, officers have. Under the terms of this amendment, both lane. While lane-splitting, lane-sharing, and clinging are. There is no statute in Colorado that specifically prohibits cyclists from lane splitting or lane filtering; the conclusion has always been that since it’s not legal for motorcyclists, cyclists should not do it either. 2016 Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 - Vehicles and Traffic. Some of these are considering legislation to legalize the practice, but those bills have not come. But the Texas House Bill 4122 amends the former law by adding Section 545. The Colorado State Patrol said lane splitting is a traffic maneuver in which a motorcyclist drives between two rows of vehicles traveling in the same direction. ” So, yes, it is illegal. However, there’s a notable distinction. Lane splitting is excellent to help us get places a. 316. Lane splitting, also known as white lining or stripe riding, is the act of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Greg Gianforte’s signature on a bill legalizing filtering of motorcycles under certain. Lane Splitting is one of the most controversial issues in the motorcycle world. Typically, it is more desirable to split between the #1 and #2 lanes than between other lanes. Lane splitting is only permitted in the state of California. Utah and Montana have legalized it more recently, although the exact parameters differ somewhat from state to state. Proponents of legal lane-splitting also note a study conducted in 2015 by UC Berkeley that found lane-splitting isn. Posted on: October 17, 2022. (a) For the purposes of this section, “lane splitting” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400. The law explicitly states that it is illegal to lane split or lane share with cars and that riders are not allowed to pass or. However, some states have laws that prohibit passing on the right or riding between lanes of traffic, which could be interpreted to include lane splitting and filtering. A: Lane sharing is when two vehicles traveling in the same direction at the same time are in the same lane. Lane splitting, also known as lane filtering, is the act of riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. ”. Splitting lanes reduces the amount of space both the motorcyclist and the motorist have in their lane for reacting to maneuvers made by other. Lane splitting was common in. As of the time of writing, lane splitting is not legally recognized in Florida according to Florida Statute 316. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? [ANSWERED 2023] by E. No. The legislative and law enforcement advice that follows this list does not mention lane splitting or suggest laws be changed with regard to lane splitting. Pros of Lane Splitting. “When accidents occur from lane splitting, the motorcyclist will be on the losing side,” Sgt. The 2016 rule allows motorcycles to travel between lanes at speeds up to 10 mph, provided that traffic is moving at 30 mph or less. S. What is Lane Splitting? Is it Legal in Colorado? Lane splitting is the act of a motorcycle rider moving between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. Passing legislation to permit lane splitting may be the easiest part of the process. While this practice is controversial, it has become popular among motorcyclists in recent years as a strategy to minimize traffic congestion and enhance overall traffic flow. This meant that it was technically legal, but many police officers turned a blind eye to it. The only kind of legal lane splitting in Colorado is when the splitting involves two motorcycles using the same lane. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, but the Colorado State Patrol reminds motorcyclists that sharing a lane or co-riding with another motorcycle is permitted. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. The 4-year-old law lets motorcycles move between stopped. Lane filtering, also known as lane splitting or lane sharing, where motorcycles share lanes with cars and trucks to reduce traffic congestion, is a widespread practice around the world. 309-550-7543; Home; Quotes; Why Us? Blog; Contact; About. In Utah, lane splitting and filtering is allowed when traffic is moving between 0 and 15 miles per hour. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. In California, lane splitting is prohibited near freeway exits and onramps. Depending on the county you are driving in, the penalties for alleged lane splitting will vary. The study proposed in House Bill 23-1059. 1 defines lane splitting “as driving a motorcycle. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. However, motorcycle drivers must follow lane-splitting etiquette. Four states permit the maneuver. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. It is called "lane splitting" -- motorcycles maneuver between the cars. In California, motorcycles cannot exceed ten mph above the speed of surrounding traffic when lane splitting. Motorcyclists are allowed to split lanes when the speed limit is 45 mph or lower, and the motorcyclist must travel at a speed of 10 mph or less than the surrounding vehicles. In 31 states, including Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal. In NJ, motorcycles can go in the HOV lanes. (719) 888-HURT. Abrupt lane changes, unaware drivers, and narrow spaces can lead to accidents. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. Legislatively, there has been activity on lane splitting in several states, but only California has enacted a law. That would be lane splitting. While Arizona may not allow lane splitting currently, laws can change, and staying informed is essential. Note that states sometimes change their laws, and some states have revisited lane splitting laws in recent years. 51. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. They are: Alabama, Arizona, California. No, lane splitting in Pennsylvania is not allowed. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. Motorcycle speeds can not be more than 15 mph when filtering. Lane splitting, or the act of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, is a controversial topic. After being “not illegal” and common practice for many years, it was made explicitly legal in 2016. ”. states. Traffic Lane Use: Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? A new law may help pave the way A new bill has been presented at the Capitol that may help pave the way for lane splitting in Colorado. States without laws regarding lane splitting or filtering include: Washington DC also does not have laws pertaining to lane splitting. Prospects for Change in Colorado’s Lane-Splitting Law. As a car driver I also appreciate that for every 20 bikes that lane-split past me on the highway to work, is 20 less vehicles in the length of the queue in peak traffic. Legal. S. Régis Guyot, a prefect (state official) said, “It seems preferable to acknowledge [lane. It may be legal or illegal, depending on local laws. Arizona’s law focuses on lane filtering in specific instances, like the few other states that have legalized this practice. - The road has 2 or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel. Jerry Brown in 2016. Neither explicitly legal nor illegal, lane-splitting has had the tacit approval of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Do you think motorcycle lane-splitting should be legal? It probably won't be permitted soon in Colorado, but a new bill gives it a chance. This means it is never legal on the freeway. Allegations of lane splitting in Florida motorcycle accident claims. This can be done either while the traffic in the adjacent lanes is stopped or moving slowly. Title 42. A rider who is caught lane splitting can be fined. Presently, Colorado prohibits lane splitting, or passing another vehicle while traveling in the same lane or between rows of vehicles. A handful of states have legalized lane filtering. S. This maneuver is especially used when traffic is moving. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. Under current law, the driver of a motorcycle is prohibited from overtaking or passing a motor vehicle by driving in the same lane as the motor vehicle or between. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. Obviously, the point of this is only being able to do it during slow traffic. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. If you own and ride a motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that motorcycle laws vary from state to state, especially in regards to lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. In Texas motorcycle riders are not allowed to split lanes in any situation. Lane splitting is not legal in most states. You knowingly break the law whenever you split lanes. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. The legislative and law enforcement advice that follows this list does not mention lane splitting or suggest laws be changed with regard to lane splitting. Currently reconsidering its state laws governing lane splitting. Florida: Illegal: Georgia:Technically, lane splitting is the term for riders who are moving while the traffic around them is also moving. Lane splitting is not allowed in Pennsylvania. The breach resulted in the. Vehicles and Traffic. However, under House Bill 917, it will be legal for motorcycles to go between lanes, provided that they run at five to 15 mph above the surrounding traffic. Some of these are considering legislation to legalize the practice, but those bills have not come. Number 2 Lane). The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. California was one of the first states to embrace lane-splitting even before it was legalized; motorists and motorcyclists respected the practice for years. One such law is Colorado’s left lane passing law. The CHP’s guidelines are meant to somewhat regulate the practice of lane splitting to make it safer for both. S. The Colorado State Patrol is reminding motorcycle riders in our state that lane splitting is illegal. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. As a motorcycle rider, that means you need to remain stationary when traffic is stuck, even if you feel that you can slip through the lanes and reach your destination. If you ever become an accident victim, contact our Law Tigers team at 1-888-863-7216 for assistance. The California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. It is sometimes called “lane splitting,” “white-lining,” “stripe-riding,” or “filtering. Colorado Motorcycle Road Laws. Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic. Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of cars that are driving in the same direction–this maneuver is illegal in Colorado. Contrary to some media reports, the new Arizona lane filtering law differs from the California lane splitting law. Furthermore, lane splitting can create conflicts with other road users. However, the political leanings and rurality of the state still make it somewhat hostile to lane-sharers Colorado. In California, it is legal to lane split and it is. In certain places, lane splitting is expressly prohibited. In these situations, then the legality and whether or not to ticket a driver is. Two. Moved to Colorado in 2017 and still do some filtering. In the states not mentioned, lane splitting is completely illegal, and lane-splitting motorcyclists may end up in. In fact, it is only legal in California and only under certain circumstances. It is considered the best position for keeping a safe distance from. HB 4122 is the first. Lane splitting is illegal. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. Posted on: May 5, 2023. 7 percent). Unfortunately, lane splitting is illegal in. Had Gixxer brah been busted by police, lane splitting would have. . At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. That being said, lane splitting is only considered illegal since you cannot find any specific laws that permit or allow motorbike riders to move between automobiles that are within their lanes. California:. California is the only U. The definition of lane splitting, also known as white lining or stripe riding, is the action of driving in the area between two lanes of traffic, where the white line is painted (hence the name). Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. Lanes might be wide enough, but to dodge the potholes puts you closer. California is the only state in the USA where lane splitting is legal. For instance, Colorado is considering a law to study the viability of lane splitting, and Arizona's law legalizing lane filtering was passed just recently in 2022. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Under current law in Colorado, it is illegal for motorcycles to overtake or pass a motor. It is illegal for a motorcyclist to engage in lane splitting or share a lane with a standard passenger vehicle in Colorado. have anti-lane-splitting laws. Alabama -P Alaska -P Arizona -P Arkansas - California -33 Colorado -33 Connecticut -P Delaware -33 Florida -P Georgia -P Hawaii. Someday, lane splitting may become legal in Oregon. Lane Filtering: Lane filtering is a practice among motorcycle operators. Filtering is a high risk endeavor rewarded with opportunities to maximally accelerate on. ”Bill Summary. Lane splitting is legal in some states, while it is illegal in others. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass. The intention of legal lane splitting is within slow-moving or stopped traffic. Legislation was introduced in 2017 to make lane splitting legal in Massachusetts. The Colorado State Patrol said lane splitting is a traffic maneuver in which a motorcyclist drives between two rows of vehicles traveling in the same direction. As of January 13, 2020, it has retained its current status andcan still be passed. The study proposed in House Bill 23-1059 would examine allowing motorcycle drivers to practice lane splitting. You're just being a nuisance if you're going more than ~20mph over the rate of traffic and going to get yourself killed. While many. ”. Lane Splitting is illegal in the rest of the country, including the Mitten State. This can, in some cases, improve the flow of traffic and help motorcyclists be more visible to nearby drivers. There is no law in CA that states "how many vehicles per lane". According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. “When accidents occur from lane splitting, the motorcyclist will be on the losing side,” Sgt. In 12 other states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio. Florida Statute Section 316. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. California. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is explicitly prohibited in Colorado, and the chances for legalization appear dim. Gordon Klingenschmitt (R-15. In 2016, Colorado lawmakers proposed a bill to make the practice legal in the state, in limited situations. H. Currently, California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. states. Depending on the circumstances, the penalty for lane splitting is fine, ranging from $15 to $100. Lane-splitting is not legal in Colorado. states. The other vehicles must be fully stopped, and you can’t go any faster than 45 mph. 309-550-7543; Home; Request; Why Us? Blog; Contact; About. It reduces traffic congestion: When motorcycles are allowed to split lanes, they can weave through congested traffic much more easily than cars, which helps ease traffic jams. Splitting when you arent blasting between cars is safe. The bill requires the Colorado department of transportation, in collaboration with the Colorado state. However, it is legal for two motorcyclists to ride side-by-side in the same lane. The practice is legal in California, Utah, and Montana, but it is illegal in all other states; Colorado is one of those states where lane splitting is illegal. As a new Cali resident I've found lane splitting to be much safer, the cars can't move. Lane-sharing or lane-splitting rules vary by state.