Ducati Monster Forum

This evening: I got pull-over by a CHP cop.
I was lane-sharing on the one-lane part of 580-101N junction at San Rafael.

CHP cop told me: You don't have the right to lane-share here, because it's "one-lane". So basicely, it's ok to do it where there more than one lane, but not with only one lane. [bang]
Seriously... If it's OK to lane-share, to me you can lane-share evrywhere as you're SHARING one lane with another vehicle... What's number of lane as to do with it?
The cop agreed: I was not speed, I was not on the zebras (which is worse as I've been told)... I was just lane-sharing where I can't... While the cop was telling me that, 5 or 6 bikes did the same... [moto]
Each times, he told me, "see? this in forbidden"... :o


I didn't get the ticket though. he has been called elsewhere and had to leave before writing the ticket.... [popcorn]

Cops will pull you over on any pretense...if you haven't violated a law, they'll "figure something out." I hesitate to split lanes around cops, just to be safe.

I don't know where, but someone somewhere told me to only split/share between lanes (going the same direction), and not against a shoulder.  I think it was during the MSF course where they stated that they do not condone it, but also state that it is not illegal, nor legal.  It's a grey area if you must.   :-\

It's a grey area just like all of lane sharing.  He's both right and wrong, but it doesn't have anything to do with it being one lane.  Passing on the right is a different story, however. 

Basically, if you lane share, be prepared on rare occasions to get pulled over by an officer.   Goes with the territory.

There's even a Wikipedia entry on it  :o http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting

This is also interesting http://www.laneshare.org/ca.htm

And the CHP says:
(http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html)

So what's with passing on the right? Its a no-no I gather. However, passing on the left inside the DY is ok? or gray/ok?

If you are in a situation where splitting is prudent, there will probably be a lot of traffic.  

If it wasn't a bike cop, just gun it and see if he can catch you next time.  If it is heavy traffic, I bet he won't get you.  Unfortunatly the next moto rider that officer pulls over will feel the wrath of your exodus.  

 [drink]  [moto]   [evil]

I learned the hard way that pulling over and being a law abiding citizen is costly.   ;D

I generally dont lane share if I see a cop unless traffic is at a dead stop.

The fact of the matter is they can pull you over for anything and make crap up.

Just hope someone didnt piss in his or her wheaties that day or your screwed  ;D

I've found that moto cops are the worst when it comes to "enforcing" lanesharing, so don't expect any camaraderie when you see one on the road. [leo] [roll]

You wouldn't believe how fast they can catch up when they turn the sirens on and everyone gets out of the way.  [cheeky]
I saw that once. I was so glad it wasn't me.

I remember reading somewhere that it's "OK" to lane share only between two lanes of cars going in the same direction, and that it's "not OK" to pass on either side of a one lane road.

Basically, in order to "legally" lane share you need at least two lanes going in the same direction.

To lane split, yes, I understand that you need 2 lanes... That makes sense, mathematically. But to lane SHARE, you need... a lane to share, not two!!! [bang]
This none-written rule/law sucks!!!!

Hmmm.... maybe I remembered incorrectly, or maybe whoever wrote the one lane thing was wrong...

Take a look at this thread:

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154980 (http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154980)

Still amazes me to go splitting by police cars and not have them put on the flashers.   ;D
Also amazing how often it actually happens! Gone zipping by several in just the last couple days.

The worst feeling ever is splitting to the front of the line at a traffic light, only to find the first car inline is a cop staring you down.
I've never pulled away from a light so slowly before or since.   [moto]

Thanks Ride_sf.
Citing "motorman4life", a LEO moderator:
"If there is room to share, you can share. One lane or multiple lanes. It is just that with one lane, you have fewer places to go if something goes wrong. Be safe, consider your skills, the bike's capabilities, the various conditions, the other driver's awareness and skills and how badly you NEED to get by them right then. Act accordingly, remember all the choices being made are not up to you and accept the consequences if you screw up."
Which is pretty what I am saying. So what to do next time? showing that citation to the cop?
Jammen is right, most of the time, cops just let you do. I mean on 18000 miles in 18 months I haven't be told anything except this time... and I usually don't refrain to lane-share in front of cops...

Anyway, would I win in court if this happens again?

That's the one I would have referenced if you hadn't already noted it.  The Law Enforcement Officers that participate in the LEO section of BARF are great.  They'll even help you fight tickets if they think there is a way you might get out of one.  [leo]

LOL

I had a similar experience.

The Cop was on the right so I pulled out and went into the left lane and stayed a little under the speed limit  [thumbsup]

He did stare me down though. I pulled in the clutch to make the bike less loud  :P

Ok, update: I ask a CHP motocop yesterday. Very nice guy. Told me the same thing: only OK with 2 lanes. Every CHP will pull over anyone doing lane sharing on one lane road. They think it's too dangerous because, with one lane drivers don't know on which side you can come. with 2 lanes, they're exepcting you in the middle.
Not very smart IMHO, but at least it makes some sense.

So, be cautious. 2 or more lanes: OK, one lane: ticket.

Oh, and BTW: you'll loose in court: cop will say "it was dangerous in his opinion". Period. You're dead. >:(