Question:
I would like to know what the law says in regard to motorcycles riding within the space to the right of the fast lane, or right-most lane, on South African (specifically Johannesburg) highways. I often take the highway to work, and prefer to drive in the fast lane.
Motorcycles regularly come speeding past in the area beyond the solid white line, next to the concrete dividers along the center of the highway. At the same time, other bikers prefer to ‘lane split’ between the vehicles in the middle and those in the right lanes.
This would mean that if a car in the fast lane were to move over slightly to allow the ‘lane splitting’ motorcycle through, that car would run the risk of colliding with a motorcycle traveling in the area next to the concrete barrier to the right of the traffic. Surely the use of the area beyond the solid white line along the center of the highway by any vehicle (with the exception of emergency vehicles that need to bypass congested traffic) is totally illegal?
If so, why are so many motorcyclists disregarding the rules of the road by riding in that area on a daily basis as if they own it?
Answer:
It is illegal. The area left of the yellow line and the area right of the white line is not for use by drivers of any vehicles. Technically motor cycle riders are not allowed to drive between the other lanes. A motor cycle is a motor vehicle like any other vehicle and the rules of the road does not allow passing in the same lane.
The white line is a right edge line marking – marking RM 4.2 and prohibits motor vehicles to be to the right of the line.
Also view:
Lane Splitting Advice and Guidelines for Bikers from the Experts
What are the Rules of the Road on Lane Splitting by bikers/ motorcyclists in South Africa?