READ: Pulled over Lane Splitting Cali - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

dmdan · 07-12-2004, 10:51 PM

Ok here we go.
This morning I set out, same bat time (6am), same bat channel (M-F). I cruized from an on ramp into traffic as I usually do (it was pretty light) over 4 lanes into the carpool lane. My movement across the lanes was slightly abrupt, but checking to the left with my head, then foward (to make sure traffic was not stopping) and then in my mirrors. I still was cutting across at a moderate pace. I then proceeded to come to a cruizing speed of 80 (glanced down at times and saw 88 which is 80 in reality) (this was a 65mph zone). I passed every car I came too, or split traffic aka lane shared. It was at my normal pace, not endangering everyone, maybe a bit more speed to get by, then returning to 75-80mph. I passed about 20 cars, and was in the clear, going around 75 when i heard the siren. Motorcycle cop (CHIPS!) came up right to my left, he pointed right, I nodded and proceeded slowly with blinkers on.

Here's how I saw my future.

Speeding 16+ (3 points)
Reckless driving (who knows)
Not using turn signals (who knows)
Following/passing too close (1 point)
Illegal equipment (inverted licence plate on swing arm)(no lights on plate)
Listening to music with both ears (who knows)
Not having Licence with me (left it in my friends car yesterday)

He said he saw me cross over all the lanes entering the highway and thats why he stopped me. He had been following me for 2 miles, and was making people nervous passing them, because I couldn't hear his sirens till he got up on me. He said that that kinda scares people, and puts us all in danger. He said, he was late for work as well, and routinely splits lanes in the same behavior that I did, doing 80 while doing it wasn't that bad (WHAT!). But the merge was. I had my USDA fed gov't badge on, and showed him it as ID in lew of identification. He looked at my papers, double checked the badge and told me that he is giving me a warning today, because I worked for the gov't!!!!!!! He said NOTHING about the license plate or the lack of lights. He did say to use one earphone, as I couldn't here his sirens, and told a story about a tire blow out that happened next to him, if he couldn;t hear it, he would've been in danger. He then said stay safe and SHOOK MY HAND! He added a story that he knows i could probably pull a wheelie down the entire highway but that doesn't make it right if it scares other people, adding he knows I am very skilled at manuevering around traffic (aka splitting lanes). He was calm during the whole encounter, suggesting that my lane splitting behavior was not uncommon.

This is my story and I'm sticking with it. I want to add he said nothing about my inverted plate. Idunno if that makes it legal, but I am getting the sense that it may just be ok, if i can get lights on it. Also this cops additude could be completely different from all others, so its not law. I almost wanted to get his name and badge number so I could write a note to the station, about how this officer fufilled his duty to remind me to keep safe but not ruin my life in the process. A true Peace Officer.