Michael Pines | November 18, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
San Diego’s warm climate, coastal roads, and scenic highways make it one of the most popular places in California for motorcycle riders, which unfortunately also means the city sees its share of motorcycle accidents. With heavy traffic, multilane freeways, and busy intersections throughout the city, questions often arise about who has the right of way in different traffic situations.
Many drivers are unsure how to safely share the road with motorcycles, and misunderstandings frequently lead to collisions. Knowing how California law treats right-of-way issues helps both riders and drivers make safer decisions on San Diego roads.
How California Law Defines Motorcycle Right of Way
Under California law, motorcycles are treated the same as any other motor vehicle, meaning riders in San Diego have identical rights and responsibilities on the road. They must obey traffic signals, yield when required, and follow lane markings just as drivers of passenger cars do.
Motorcycles generally do not receive special right-of-way preferences. Instead, the same rules apply to all vehicles unless a specific statute creates an exception. California Vehicle Code § 21800 sets out the state’s standard intersection rules, including when drivers must yield to one another.
These requirements apply fully to motorcycle riders in San Diego. Whether approaching a four-way stop, an uncontrolled intersection, or a T-shaped roadway, motorcyclists must follow the same right-of-way guidelines as everyone else. The same holds true when navigating roundabouts, making left turns, or merging into traffic.
When Motorcycles Do and Do Not Have the Right of Way
Right-of-way rules for motorcycles in San Diego depend on the traffic situation—not the type of vehicle. The scenarios below highlight how these laws typically apply.
1. Intersections
Motorcycles must follow the same intersection rules as all drivers. At a stop sign, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way; if vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right proceeds first.
Many motorcycle crashes occur because other drivers underestimate a rider’s speed or fail to notice an approaching motorcycle.
2. Left Turns
When a motorcycle is traveling straight and another vehicle turns left across its path, the motorcycle generally has the right of way. Left-turn collisions are common in California because drivers often misjudge a bike’s distance or speed.
Even when a rider has the right of way, they still need to proceed cautiously since other drivers may fail to yield.
3. Lane Changes and Blind Spots
Motorcycles do not automatically have the right of way during lane changes. Riders must signal and check traffic like any other driver. At the same time, motorcycles are entitled to the full width of their lane, and other drivers cannot crowd or merge into their space.
4. Lane Splitting
California is the only state where lane splitting is expressly permitted. While legal, lane splitting does not give motorcycles priority over surrounding traffic. California Vehicle Code § 21658.1 promotes safe, prudent lane-splitting practices but does not grant special right-of-way status.
Drivers must still check mirrors and blind spots before merging.
5. Merging on and off Freeways
On freeways such as I-5, I-8, and SR-163, motorcycles follow the same merging rules as all vehicles. Traffic entering the freeway must yield to vehicles already in the lane, and motorcycles receive no special merging privileges.
Together, these scenarios show that right of way depends on the specific traffic situation rather than on the type of vehicle involved.
Why Motorcycle Right-of-Way Issues Lead to So Many Accidents in San Diego
Despite clear legal rules, misunderstandings and visibility issues contribute heavily to motorcycle collisions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Low visibility: Motorcycles have a much smaller profile, making it harder for drivers to see them in mirrors or during quick lane checks. This lack of visibility often leads to right-of-way violations.
- Speed misjudgment: Drivers frequently misjudge how fast a motorcycle is traveling. This is a major factor in left-turn accidents and head-on collisions.
- Distracted driving: Texting, navigation use, and multitasking behind the wheel increase the likelihood of missing a motorcycle that legally has the right of way.
- Unsafe lane changes: Because motorcycles occupy less space, drivers sometimes think they have enough room when they do not. This leads to sideswipe accidents and cut-offs.
Combined, these issues show how easily right-of-way errors can escalate into serious motorcycle collisions on San Diego’s busy roads.
How Right-of-Way Rules Affect Liability in San Diego Motorcycle Accidents
Right-of-way rules play an important role when determining fault after a motorcycle accident. If a driver fails to yield properly at an intersection, during a lane change, or while making a left turn, they may be held liable for the collision.
California uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means fault can be divided among multiple parties. Even if a motorcycle rider partially contributed to an accident, they may still recover compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned to the other driver.
Police reports, dash camera footage, witness statements, and traffic signal data all play a role in determining who had the right of way and whether a violation occurred.
Understanding Motorcycle Right-of-Way Rules in San Diego
Motorcycles in San Diego do not receive special right-of-way privileges. California law treats them like any other vehicle, applying the same duties and protections. By staying alert, yielding as required, and recognizing the visibility challenges motorcycles face, riders and drivers can help prevent avoidable collisions across San Diego.
If you’ve been in an accident, contact Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers. We offer a free consultation with a San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer.
Contact a San Diego Motorcycle Lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego, San Diego County, and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
