Funny seattle kat.
Nice work on calling the mass police, great idea, I am suprised you got that much information.
I live in california and commute everyday (hey yellowbee! was that the sonoma nascar event?). I would have to say that California is the most liberal lane splitting state, I followed a motorcycle cop lane splitting when traffic was going 35+. I know I know, what he does doesn't mean I can do it.
Anyhoo. I have never gotten a clear definition of the lane splitting rules. The most common explaination I get is "Lane splitting is permited as long as its REASONABLY SAFE". Once again, rememeber California is super liberal with this fact, and always has been. As opposed to Hawaii, in which you NEVER see lane splitting (even tho it is hotter), because I imagine the rule originated due to air cooled motorcycles overheating in the heat if idling in traffic.
Back to california. I don't know If I am correct, but have seen and done the following.
I split on all divided highways with more than two lanes.
I split at all traffic slowdowns, no matter the speed.
If someone is going below the posted speed limit even by a few miles an hour, I split where safe.
Commuter lane splitting is done alot.
I split at traffic lights, and stop signs when congested (middle or right).
I generally don't exceed 45-50mph (40-45 actual) when traffic is jammed.
I use my highbeams at all times during these activities.
Usually in 2nd gear at 6k rpm (loud).
Splitting is almost exclusively done between the far left and 2nd lane, where cars expect you to be splitting.
I split toll conjestion, all the way up to the front.
I split on/off ramps when completely stopped.
Here are some additional thoughts on my experiences.
I split traffic lights and stop signs because I am afraid of getting rear ended.
The most dangerous lane splitting is the first moment traffic jams up, and people start puddle jumping.
Ironically, the faster the cars are going, the safer the lane splitting. This is because faster moving traffic/cars change lanes slower. In slower or completely stopped traffic, cars yank the wheel to get in the other lane. Splitting in traffic that is going 25 miles an hour is always safer than stopped traffic.
Identify puddles (open spots) in the traffic ahead as danger points. Approach these cautiously as cars tend to jump into them. Go as far as to pull into them if they are big enough.
Identify drivers actions by looking at thier heads, see if they are looking at you in thier drivers side or rear view mirrors, reading the paper, drinking coffee, talking on cell phones or looking around quickly ready to jump.
When splitting at high speeds do it casually and slowly (2 seconds to pass) so as to not startle the cagers.
Discover real quick how wide your motorcycle is. If in doubt slow down to pass. Watch out for mirrors of the larger pickup trucks, they extend out for trailer pulling.
Let cars with blinkers on move to the next lane, notify them with a wave, of the hand, they get confused easily into a game of chicken.
Be more cautious on curves (of course), or not at all.
Don't hang out in between two cars.
Personally I avoid going multiple speeds (slow then speed up). It helps me concentrate, when going one speed.
If you wonder how quickly you can stop, practice by driving at a speed along a row of parallel parked cars. Stop as quickly and safely as possible. You shouldn't travel faster than that which lets you slow down in one car length. Usually a puddle jumper misses you when you are one and a half car lengths behind him.
I hope that helps. Once again, these are my observations, it shouldn't be taken as truth, MSF course material, or backed up by the laws of California. Also what may work for my skills may not apply to yours.