California Vehicle Code 80361A: Motorcycle Lane Splitting Rules

CVC 21658.1 (not 80361A — that's a common mis-citation) defines legal lane splitting in California. 80361A does not exist in the CVC.

The Actual Law: CVC 21658.1 (Effective 2017)

Lane splitting = a two-wheeled motorcycle riding between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane.

• Legal if done safely and prudently.
• CHP Guidelines (not law, but enforcement standard):
  • Speed differential ≤ 10 mph faster than traffic.
  • Don't split > 30 mph traffic speed.
  • Avoid splitting near exits, merges, curves, poor visibility.
  • Stay in lane 1/2 (leftmost) — safest.
  • Signal intent.
• Illegal: Riding on shoulder (CVC 21758), splitting at high speed, weaving unsafely (CVC 22350 basic speed law).

Why the Confusion?

"80361A" appears in some outdated cheat sheets / DMV practice tests as a question code, not a statute. The real statute is 21658.1.

Practical Advice

• Lane split only when traffic ≤ 30 mph and you're ≤ 10 mph faster.
• Wear high-vis gear. Assume drivers don't see you.
• If cited: CVC 22350 (unsafe speed) or 21658 (unsafe lane change) — fight with CHP guidelines as evidence of "safe/prudent."

California = only US state with explicit legal lane splitting. Ride like you're invisible—because you are.