Posted October 31, 2026 - by Law Offices of J.Chrisp
Founding Attorney
Not automatically. A 2016 Assembly floor analysis states that in California lane splitting is neither expressly authorized nor prohibited, and that CHP guidelines had said lane splitting done in a safe and prudent manner is not illegal (Assembly Floor Analysis, AB 51 (2015-2016), Aug. 3, 2016). If the other side claims the rider was negligent, it must prove the rider was negligent and that this was a substantial factor in causing the harm, and then damages are reduced by the rider’s percentage of responsibility (CACI No. 405, Comparative Fault of Plaintiff).
California defines lane splitting as driving a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane (Vehicle Code section 21658.1). The CHP may develop educational guidelines on lane splitting to keep riders and surrounding drivers and passengers safe.
No one may drive faster than is reasonable or prudent given weather, visibility, traffic and the surface and width of the highway (Vehicle Code section 22350).
California assigns responsibility for damage in direct proportion to each party’s negligence (Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804).
Results shown on chrisplaw.com include $10,000,000 and $6,015,000 in motorcycle versus car cases. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The bill that added the lane splitting definition dropped an earlier Assembly version that would have authorized lane splitting under speed conditions (Assembly Floor Analysis, AB 51 (2015-2016), Aug. 3, 2016).
If you were hurt while lane splitting, call the Law Offices of J. Chrisp 24/7 at 877-J-CHRISP (877-524-7477) for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win.
The Law Offices of J. Chrisp is a Northern California personal injury law firm founded by attorney Jesse Chrisp, who was raised in Lake County. The firm represents injured people, with offices in Lower Lake (main office), Santa Rosa and San Francisco, and serves Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties and the San Francisco Bay Area. Consultations are free, the firm works on a contingency fee with no fee unless the firm wins, and the phone is answered 24/7 at 877-J-CHRISP (877-524-7477). The firm was named to Best Law Firms 2026 (Tier 1, Santa Rosa, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs). Jesse Chrisp has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2024 and selected to Super Lawyers from 2023 to 2026.
Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804, Justia
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information about California law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated November 2026.
Since founding his law firm in 2010, Jesse Chrisp has built a reputation as a dedicated personal injury trial attorney serving Northern California’s Bay Area.
He has represented thousands of injured clients and holds the record for the highest personal injury verdict in Lake County. Mr. Chrisp was selected to Northern California Rising Stars from 2013 to 2019, an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Jesse Chrisp, who has been continuously recognized as a leader in personal injury law since starting his law firm in 2010.
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