Some car drivers who make a daily journey on Interstate 5 (I-5) in California have pretty much become immune to those two-wheel daredevils who could probably make a small fortune in a circus. While they think their driving is cute, most civil minded drivers pound their steering wheel in frustration over what they believe to be reckless endangerment and speeding on California highways, this includes other law-abiding motorcyclists. I-5 drivers hope the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will enforce the law on these reckless motorcyclists.

Proper Lane Changes

Any California driver who passed the written exam surely read the section about legal and proper lane changes. Some motorcycle drivers on I-5 probably think that a proper lane change means that it was okay to jump into another lane without notice or signal, barely missing the driver in the other lane. Now, that is not to say that all motorcycle drivers are driving reckless, speeding, and failing to follow driver etiquette, but they are the bad apple that makes a lot of noise. No one seems to notice the motorcyclists that are doing the right thing. And, when you are stuck in traffic, late for work, and upset already, they become an easy target of your frustration. However, lane splitting is legal and “Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal,” according to CVC 22400.

Motorcycle Exceptions for California Highways

Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 51, making the State of California the first state in America to officially legalize lane-splitting or lane-sharing. This move defines an older state Bill allowing lane-splitting for the first time so that motorcyclists can get quickly through traffic. Lane-splitting is specifically designed to help lessen the horrible congestion that plagues most of our streets and highways in metro Los Angeles and across SoCal. Law enforcement agencies will allow lane-splitting if they do it safely. Motorcyclists, however, are not allowed to cross any double-yellow lines in the process and speeding while weaving to change lanes is still unlawful.

Reckless Driving on a Motorcycle

California’s I-5 can be as straight a freeway as there is anywhere. A driver can see for miles and miles in front, as well as see what's coming from the rear in a rearview mirror. That's the good news. The bad news, as stated by many California drivers is it is a horrible setup for many motorcyclists, who already think they own the road and weave in and out of traffic while speeding by ten or more miles per hour over the limit. The maximum speed limit on I-5 in California is 70 mph. If you have been accused of speeding or reckless driving and need sound legal advice, call the law office of Bigger & Harman today, 661-349-9300. En español, llame al 661-349-9755. Or, send us an email: attorney@markbigger.com.