Motorcyclists often want to ride between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic to avoid congestion. Illinois riders may wonder if lane splitting is legal as they travel in the state. The answer is no, lane splitting is currently illegal throughout the state. Under Illinois law, a motorcyclist must remain in a single lane and cannot ride between two lines of vehicles.
This rule applies across all Illinois roadways, including highways, interstates, and local streets. Riders attempting to split lanes risk being ticketed or blamed for an accident, even if other drivers also behaved recklessly. Understanding the rules, risks, and potential changes to lane-sharing laws can help riders protect their rights and stay safe on the road.
Contact us today at 331-295-8005 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Illinois
Lane splitting refers to a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic, often to bypass slow or stopped vehicles. Certain parts of the United States permit the practice under specific conditions. However, laws vary widely from state to state, and not every jurisdiction treats lane splitting the same.
In Illinois, lane splitting is not allowed, regardless of the road type. Whether riding through downtown Naperville or on a major highway near Chicago, riding between lanes is against the law. Even in heavy, slow traffic, splitting lanes remains a violation in Illinois. These offenses can result in fines and driving record infractions. If an accident happens while a rider is lane splitting, they may also face legal or financial consequences tied to the violation.
Safety Risks of Lane Splitting in Illinois Traffic
Although many riders argue that lane splitting increases safety by avoiding rear-end collisions and reducing congestion in heavy traffic, Illinois law has not adopted this view. The practice remains prohibited due to several safety concerns.
Some risks associated with lane splitting include:
- Sudden lane changes by unaware drivers,
- Reduced reaction time in congested conditions,
- Limited space for maneuvering around larger vehicles,
- Unexpected door openings in urban traffic, and
- Visibility challenges for other drivers.
These hazards are especially pronounced in areas like Naperville, where drivers may not expect to see motorcycles moving between lanes. Illinois traffic laws prioritize predictability and discourage actions that increase the likelihood of a crash. Lane splitting, under current rules, is considered a threat to both rider and driver safety.
Examples of Lane Splitting Scenarios
Consider a situation where a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of stopped traffic on I-88 and sideswipes a car’s mirror. Even if the vehicle did not change lanes or contribute to the collision, the rider may still be held liable. In another case, a driver may open a door on a congested urban street, unaware that a motorcyclist is approaching between lanes. The result could be a serious injury, and under Illinois law, the motorcyclist’s decision to split lanes could significantly affect any injury claim and the amount of compensation available.
Illinois does allow some lane sharing between motorcycles. Two riders may travel side-by-side in a single lane if both agree; this is the only exception. Riding between rows of traffic, whether on a highway or downtown road, violates the law and places the rider at increased risk.
Can Motorcycles Split Lanes in Illinois? Enforcement and Legal Consequences
Although Illinois law clearly prohibits riding between lanes of traffic, how this rule is enforced and its impact on a crash claim are just as important for motorcyclists to understand. Police officers who observe a motorcycle splitting lanes may issue a citation on the spot. In addition to fines, these citations can affect insurance rates and driving records. If an accident happens while a rider is splitting lanes, they may be held partially or fully responsible, even if the other driver contributed to the crash.
Under Illinois’s modified comparative fault rule, an injured party cannot recover any damages if they are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the crash. Even if their fault is less than 50 percent, the compensation will be reduced by the percentage of responsibility. If they were splitting lanes when the crash occurred, that fact may heavily influence how fault is assigned.
Is Lane Filtering Legal in Illinois?
Lane filtering is often confused with lane splitting in Illinois, but the two are not the same. Lane filtering usually refers to a motorcycle moving between stopped vehicles to reach the front of an intersection at a red light. While some states allow filtering under limited circumstances, Illinois does not.
There is no separate statute that authorizes lane filtering in Illinois. Riders must wait in traffic like any other vehicle. Moving between rows of stopped cars, even at low speeds, can result in a citation or be used against a rider in an accident claim.
FAQs
Will Lane Splitting Ever Be Legal in Illinois?
There are no current laws in Illinois allowing lane splitting. While some rider groups continue to push for changes, no bill legalizing the practice has passed.
What Is the Difference Between Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting involves riding between moving or stopped vehicles to pass traffic, while lane filtering refers to moving between stopped cars to reach the front at an intersection. Both are illegal in Illinois.
Get Legal Guidance from Marker Law After a Motorcycle Accident
If a rider is cited for lane splitting or involved in a motorcycle crash where lane position is questioned, Marker Law, LLC can review the case and explain available legal options under Illinois law. The firm’s Naperville attorneys understand how traffic rules and fault determinations impact compensation.
Contact Marker Law today to learn how the firm can help protect a rider’s rights and pursue the best possible outcome.