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, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Lane splitting is legal, but you must never try to pass a motorcycle within the same lane.
The rule behind this one
Sharing the road in California goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on sharing the road
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- An average passenger vehicle at 55 mph can stop within 300 feet. How much room can a large vehicle need at the same speed?