Do Motorcycles Have the Right of Way?

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | July 6, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents

Do Motorcycles Have the Right of Way?

Motorcycles are common on California roads. But one question that often arises is whether motorcycles have the right of way. The short answer is no: motorcycles do not have an automatic right of way over other vehicles. However, there are specific traffic laws that affect motorcycles in California. Here is what you need to know.

Right-of-Way Rules That Apply to Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are bound by the same traffic rules and right-of-way laws as other motorists. 

Here is how a motorcyclist should react in certain situations:

  • Intersections: The first vehicle to arrive, or the one to the right if multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously, has the right of way.
  • Yielding to pedestrians: All vehicles, including motorcycles, must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
  • Stop signs and traffic signals: Motorcycles must come to a complete stop at stop signs and obey all traffic signals without exception.
  • Turning at intersections: Motorcyclists must yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn, including to vehicles going straight or turning right, unless otherwise directed by traffic signals or signage.
  • Roundabouts: Before entering a roundabout, motorcyclists must yield to traffic already circulating within it. Lane position within the roundabout should be chosen carefully to maintain visibility and avoid blind spots.
  • Emergency vehicles: Motorcyclists must pull over to the right and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches using sirens or flashing lights. They should not proceed until it is safe to do so.

Riding a motorcycle does not grant any special priority on the road. It simply puts the rider on equal legal footing with other drivers.

Do Motorcyclists Have The Right to Lane Split?

California is currently the only U.S. state where lane splitting is explicitly legal. This means that motorcycles can legally ride between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction. 

However, it is important to understand that:

  • Lane splitting does not equate to a right of way.
  • Motorists are not allowed to intentionally block or impede motorcyclists who are lane splitting legally.
  • Motorcyclists are required to split lanes safely and responsibly. Reckless or excessive-speed lane splitting can be used as evidence of fault in an accident.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recommends that motorcyclists lane split at no more than 10 mph faster than the surrounding traffic and avoid splitting at speeds over 30 mph. Following other lane-splitting tips can help keep motorcyclists safe on California roadways.

How to Share the Road Safely with Motorcycles

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other drivers due to their smaller size and lack of physical protection. Sharing the road responsibly can help you be a safe driver for motorcyclists, whether you are behind the wheel of a car, truck, or other vehicle. 

Following these tips can help reduce accidents:

  • Check blind spots frequently: Motorcycles can easily disappear into vehicle blind spots. Double-check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or merging, especially in dense traffic.
  • Use turn signals early and clearly: Activate turn signals well in advance to give motorcyclists time to react and maintain a safe distance.
  • Maintain a safe following distance: Leave at least a 3–4 second following distance between you and a motorcycle to prevent rear-end collisions.
  • Avoid distractions: Focus on the road and avoid texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while driving.
  • Respect lane positioning: Motorcyclists often shift within their lane to improve visibility or avoid obstacles on the road. Do not crowd their lane.
  • Be cautious at intersections: Look twice before turning left or pulling out from a stop, and be aware that motorcycles may appear farther away or slower than they are. Many motorcycle accidents happen at intersections.

Driving attentively and respectfully can help reduce motorcycle-related crashes and damage on the road.

Contact the San Diego Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Motorcycles are subject to the same traffic laws and expectations as cars and trucks, but California’s lane-splitting law is unique to riders. However, this should not be confused with an automatic right of way. 
Whether you are a motorcyclist or a driver sharing the road with one, it is essential to understand that the right way is not based on vehicle type. If you have been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, the San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000