Cutting in line at stoplights

[Kee]

.... splitting the lane and going to the front.  I know it is illegal in California but I am curious who actually does this and if they ever have been busted on it.  I've been really tempted, especially at lights where I know I will have to wait for a couple of greens.

[JeffD]

I believe it is not Illegal, but not legal either.  You might get some pissed off soccer mom on her cell phone in her SUV mad. so just be careful.  Big cars think it is an offense when you "get ahead" of them in line and could open doors, race you, pin you etc.

[The Buddha]

Its accepted by the public...they dont bother you much...Its their stupidity you need to worry about not their malice...So yea they will open their door an knock you down but that is more cos they didn't see you than cos they hate you...
Cool.
Srinath.

[pantablo]

CA is the only state that does not specifically outlaw lane splitting (either on freeway or to head of que at stoplight)..but its not specifically legal either. If you're riding like a squid the LEO's will get you for illegal lane change or (when at stoplight) stopping beyond the limit line, as you would have to do to get in front of the first car, or some such nonsense.

tolerated? Half and half maybe-some move to give room some close it down to prevent you from getting in front of them. I do it all (I mean ALL) the time. Traffic here in WLA sucks and thats the only way to get across town in a reasonable time.

[96gs]

well its illegal in alabama. i asked numerous cops that and they said it was illegal. same as the law here that says if you are 14 and 15 you can ride a motorcycle but it has to be under 175 ccs. but i got a bigger one newayz

[Kee]

When I took my MSF class, the instructor said it was not legal, but that you could split on the freeways. I just took his word for it.
I had always thought it was legal and used to move my car to give the motorcycles more space to get through.
Now if I can just get through that tight space....

[JamesG]

In Cali it may not be legal per say, but it is common practice becasue there are so many bikes (lucky bastards).

I've only lane split at stops a few times, either to catch up with someone, or if its excruciatingly hot, so can justifiy it that I have to keep ma aircooled bike moving.  

More often I squirt down the shoulder of a road if I am turning right and a car that wants to go straight is blocking up the turn.

[JohNLA]

Lane spliting rules.
It is really freaky to see a bike split your lane for the first time but out here the idiots are used to it and don't seem to take to much offense.
In Florida I am sure some moron named Bubba would try to hunt me down in his pick-up because he spilled his beer when I passed him. I think people just get used to it and they eventually realise we are the only vehicles not contributing to the grid lock.
Besides I drive an air cooled engine that needs MOVING air to stay cool.

[ladybrid]

There are a couple really good threads on this on the Bay Area Rider's Forum, they have cops and lawyers on that site that pitch in info.
For California (but not most other places) it would appear that "lane sharing" is legal... meaning if there is room and you are not hindering others or being unsafe, you can have your motor vehicle next to another, in the same lane... giving room for sneaking those right hand turns in a car and lane splitting on a bike.  You are *not* allowed to ride *on* the painted lines (and who'd want to, nasty slick surface even when dry).

[scratch]

I've been lanesplitting to the front for 16 years, past cops, next to cops, even motorcycle cops and have never been pulled over. It is not illegal, but it is up to the officer if he obseves you doing it and determines that it is dangerous.

[knut's96gs500]

I agree with scratch!  It is LEGAL to lane split in california.   But if a police officer thinks that you are endangering yourself or others, He can give you a ticket for reckless driving, or if you really piss him off he can give you a ticket for reckless endangerment!!!  Which will cost ya about a $2000 fine.  

 I got pulled over for about 8 years ago on my first gs500,  I was splitting lanes on the 99south, going like 100 miles and hour, zipping in and out of lanes Like an Idiot.  It cost me 2 grand, and almost cost me my license!!!

I still lane split today, but I just dont get stupid when doing it.

[scratch]

I agree (I've been saying that alot) to not being stupid about it. I remember reading somewhere (I have a photographic memory, which is really cool at the strip club. Oops, did I say that out loud?) that 10 to 15 mph over what the rest of traffic is doing is pretty safe, as a rule of thumb, I just watch the motorcops as they split lanes. They seem to do 10 to 15 mph faster when I see them split lanes.
Not to mention the damage to our image of cage drivers seeing lane splitting at high speeds.
Riding a motorcycle is in itself a controlled way of rebellion against society, but to continue the rebellion you must control oneself. Regulate yourself or be regulated. My name is Bond, motorcyclist double oh seven, licence to regulate or be regulated...

[Casimir]

[Pkaaso]

California - When I lane split/share to get to the front of a red light, I usually wait until traffic is at a stop. So I can see that there is room and no cars/trucks are moving and could put the squeeze on either intentionally or inadvertently.

Paul

[TheGoodGuy]

I have only once lane split to a light.. and that was on PCH (coming out of the mclure tunnel off the 10). The first light is the california incline and I felt if I was goign to wait out back in the line i would miss pablo and gang.. so I carefully lane split..

otherwise i dont lanesplit to the light.. i see no use.

[Blueknyt]

In FLA it is not legal to share/split lanes, only exception is 2 motorcycles side by side.   2 days ago i was on my way to work, boping along at 70mph in left lane.  now i tend to ride on right hand side of left lane and left hand side of right lane,  for some reason a guy in a Lexus 2 door decides to pass me on my left within my lane. he looked right at me as he passes me and speeds on.  Frankly, this pissed me off. he then cut across 3 lanes to the right to exit,  i followed, he stopped at the light, i rolled up and rapped on  window, HARD, he rolls down asking "what?"   i felt it was my duty to inform the nice gent that he was an a$$, and he replyed "what
?" again as if this was the first time he had seen me.

now, i must be getting mellow in my age,
i have taken out 2 side windows,a headlight, 1 windshield, and kicked in 3 doors all on the fly during my years of being on a bike. I deside where and how i risk my life, NO ONE has ANY right to Endanger me Further then i endanger myself. I WILL fight as if you threatend my life. Road rage? perhaps, but then, dont put me in more danger then i put myself.

[Pkaaso]

Right on BlueKnyt!!!    Always be careful of idiots with guns who are already on the edge.

I tested my Motoboss gloves w/kevlar knuckles the other night.

Two girls in a car that were stopped at the light ahead of me thought I was a little to close as we left on the green and just going into second gear, she slams her brakes, looking at me in the mirror.  I grab brake and she starts to go again. I start to go and she does it again.  This time I swing around the passenger side right up along side her right front fender and BAM! I left a nice fist imprint on new Celica's bonnet.

I realize it was crazy as she could have swerved into me easlily, but I was pissed and I can't agree with you more.

Don't put me in more danger than I already am putting my self in.

Excellent words to crack heads by.

Paul

[brandiwine]

boping along at 70mph in left lane..

ANYBODY boping along at a measly 70mph in the left (passing lane) always pisses me off.  if you wanna cruise, get outta the way and move to the right!   yeah, i know i'm gonna hear that 70 is probably 10 mph over or 20 even, depending on the limit on that road, but in my opinion, it curtosy to move out of the way of faster moving traffic.  that's why people on cell phone, using latpops, and eating in the car irritate me.

hummm, that sounded bitchy!  ...sorry, but it is my opinion.  

brandi

[JeffD]

70 is the speed limit on most highways in FL.  Hell people scream by me at 80+ when Im sitting in the right lane cruising along.  I even had some ass in a harley lane split on me doing 80+,  I was sitting in the right side of the Right lane just heading home from tampa and I hear blah, blap blah blap and a quick glance in my mirror then a small roar goes flying by me in my lane and acted like nothing happend.

[JohNLA]

I have only once lane split to a light.. and that was on PCH (coming out of the mclure tunnel off the 10). The first light is the california incline and I felt if I was goign to wait out back in the line i would miss pablo and gang.. so I carefully lane split..

otherwise i dont lanesplit to the light.. i see no use.

What do you mean you do not see the point
Allow me to list the reasons why you should lane split.
1. You live in the state where it is legal so why not take advantage of it.
2. You make the cages more aware of you presence when your at the front where everyone is looking and not tucked behind some SUV.
3. Did you read the story Casimir copied? What about GS Jack getting hit from behind posted recently. If you are in between the cages you are not going to be rear ended.
4. If you feel guilty about going ahead of all the high milage cages then give it a little gas on the green and let them forget about you as you become a speck in the distance.
5. It is safer than doing it on the highway when traffic is moving which I have seen you do.
Sorry to rant but having ridden many years without this wonderful law makes me really appreciate it.