Significant changes to traffic laws and infrastructure can lead to confusion and collisions. For example, drivers who have never encountered roundabouts may make questionable decisions when approaching one for the first time. Their lack of familiarity could lead to a preventable collision.
Similarly, when traffic laws change, drivers may be unaware or may fail to properly adjust their habits to account for the new regulations. Motorcycle riders generally have more risk on the road than most other people. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, they are very vulnerable to severe injuries.
The upcoming modification of traffic statutes, effective as of July 1st, 2025, could help reduce collision risk in the long run. However, confusion about the law might lead to more crashes initially. What can motorcycle riders expect as the law changes?
What is Lane Splitting/Filtering?
The term lane splitting, also known as lane-filtering, refers to scenarios in which motorcycles share a single lane on the road with another vehicle. Lane splitting is legal in other states, including California. Motorcycle riders can avoid congestion and possibly even limit their crash risk in heavy traffic by appropriately splitting lanes with other vehicles.
The new law allows lane splitting in scenarios where vehicles travel at speeds no higher than 25 miles per hour (mph). Additionally, the motorcycle operator cannot travel at speeds more than 15 mph faster than the other vehicles on the road.
Lane splitting technically involves vehicles in motion. Lane filtering or proceeding around stopped vehicles in traffic jams is also theoretically legal under new lane-splitting laws. Riders intending to maneuver around slow-moving or stopped vehicles need to be very cautious to ensure their safety.
Unfortunately, drivers who don’t watch for motorcycles may fail to notice them, especially when they move unexpectedly through traffic, as occurs in a lane-splitting situation. When drivers cause motorcycle collisions due to negligence or non-compliance with the law, riders may have grounds to take legal action.
Riders need to be aware of the law and proactive about safety to protect themselves from crashes. If they do end up injured, they will likely need help holding the party at fault accountable and pursuing compensation. Filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle collision may be necessary, as insurance may not be enough.