Motorcyclists can’t split lanes by repeatedly going over double yellows
Q. Dear Honk: I read your column last week about moving over in the lane in slow traffic on the freeway to let motorcycles pass, which makes sense. My question is whether it is legal for motorcycles to split lanes from the carpool lane to the adjoining lane while crossing over the double-yellow lines? I see this every day when in the carpool lane; this seems very dangerous to the motorcycle riders, and I can’t imagine it is ever legal to cross lanes in this manner.
– Dave Hayes, Huntington Beach
A. “A motorcyclist cannot cross over double-yellow lines,” said Tino Olivera, an officer and spokesman for the California Highway Patrol in the Santa Ana office. “Cannot. It’s a violation.”
If Olivera sees a motorcyclist cross over to avoid getting hit by a vehicle, that is fine. But if a biker is weaving back and forth just to get around cars or trucks, he or she is susceptible to a ticket – just as a car’s driver would be, he said.
Honk sees this violation, too, Dave, but officers can’t be everywhere.
The legal practice of motorcycles going up to 10 mph faster than cars and trucks in real slow traffic is better called lane-sharing, rather than lane-splitting.
Q. There is a new 55-mph speed limit on the I-405, between the 73 Toll Road and the I-605. When is this going to be enforced? In non rush-hour times, traffic is going much faster than 55. The California Highway Patrol would need all available officers to ticket all offenders. In other words, near-impossible enforcement.
– Jim Fuchs, Costa Mesa
A. Yes, drivers must now be careful in that 16-mile stretch during the five-year project to widen the 405, because the speed limit was dropped by Caltrans from the typical 65 mph there to 55 in an effort to increase safety.
Don’t expect to see a bunch of officers out there, but …
“Enforcement will be conducted around-the-clock with increased patrols through the area,” said Duane Graham, an officer and spokesman for the California Highway Patrol based in Westminster.
“We’d ask all motorists to pay additional attention when driving through the area,” he said. “For the next few years, this portion of the highway will be going through a transition until construction is complete. The way the highway looks one day may not be the way it looks the next.”
In the end, if you get pulled over and say you didn’t see the new speed-limit signs out there, it is the cop’s discretion as to whether the citation book comes out.
Honkin’ tip: When your children reach age 18, have them sign up for Lyft or Uber and tie the account to your credit card. Tell them: “When you need to get home, use it. Never drive too tired or intoxicated. Your friends need a lift? Get them a ride on me.”
I know, your underage kids don’t drink. And maybe they don’t. But maybe their friend who is driving does.
And tell them to text you the photo and name of the driver provided to them, and to tell you when they have arrived. Or sign up for a family account so you can see what is going on via your app.
They are worth it.
To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk.