Sharing the road
Which statement about sharing the road with motorcycles in California is correct?
- Lane splitting is legal, but you must never try to pass a motorcycle within the same lane. Correct answer
- Lane splitting is illegal, so a motorcycle may never ride between lanes of traffic.
- You may pass a motorcycle in the same lane if it keeps to the right side.
Why
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, and California is unusual in that sharing a lane with a motorcycle, known as lane splitting, is legal. The permission runs one way: the motorcycle may share your lane, but you must never try to pass a motorcycle within the same lane, no matter where in the lane it rides. Whenever possible give a motorcycle the full lane, allow a three-second following distance because a rider can brake or fall suddenly, check for motorcycles before changing lanes or opening a door next to traffic, and when you can, move to one side of your lane to give a rider more room to pass.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025). The correct answer is Lane splitting is legal, but you must never try to pass a motorcycle within the same lane..