It’s possibly one of the most unknown laws regarding motorbikes – and lane splitting.
Lane splitting is legal in South Africa!
Yes, there is legislation in place that motorcycle riders are allowed to ride between the traffic/ lanes/ cars.
Obviously in a safe manner, and within local laws regarding safety to others etc, but it is allowed.
Now, often when driving to work/ office/ university, riders come across drivers who don’t know the above law, think that the riders are breaking the law, and because they are the upholders of everything sacred they decide it is their duty to move across the lane to restrict the rider from proceeding. This is breaking the law! You are not allowed to purposely restrict the flow of traffic, and this includes motorcycle riders.
You are endangering the life of the rider, and should there be an incident, you will be held liable – because the rider is in his rights to lane-split.
So, to those of you out there who think motorbike riders are just law breakers, or who think it is your moral duty to enforce the law (as you understand it), get educated before you try to enforce your version of the law. Don’t be surprised if an irate rider teaches you some manners.
