Traffic jams can test anyone’s patience. However, they bring a different kind of temptation for motorcyclists.
When the highway slows to a crawl, sliding between lanes is the quickest way to freedom. The move feels smooth, the gap seems wide enough, and the open space ahead calls your name. Yet this seemingly harmless shortcut could carry major legal and physical risks.
Before attempting it, riders need to know one key fact: Is lane splitting legal in Illinois? The short answer: it isn’t, and the long answer explains why taking that chance could cost far more than time.
Lane Splitting Legal in Illinois: The Law Explained
Not only is lane splitting illegal, but it is also dangerous and aggravates other drivers. The only state that does not have explicit laws against lane splitting is California. Unless you find yourself diving in the Golden State, the practice is illegal.
Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5/11-703 prohibits two-wheeled motor vehicles, such as a motorcycle or scooter, from passing between two vehicles where one vehicle is directly to the right and one directly to the left, unless the two-wheeled motor vehicle can use an entire lane doing so.
This is possible when a highway has three or more lanes traveling in your direction. In essence, driving between two vehicles is legal only when you are passing through your own lane to do so.
What Risks are Associated with Lane Splitting?
When a motorcycle or other two-wheeled vehicle splits a lane, the risk increases in proportion to how fast the motorcycle is traveling compared to the general flow of traffic. For example, if traffic is stopped and a driver decides to open their door, a motorcycle splitting the lane will have difficulty avoiding a collision if they are traveling at a high rate of speed.
If traffic is moving slowly and a driver changes lanes, a collision may be difficult or impossible to avoid if the motorcycle is splitting the lane at a high rate of speed.
Lane Splitting and Road Rage
When traffic is backed up, drivers commonly become annoyed. Drivers who see a motorcycle or other vehicle quickly approaching by driving between lanes may get angry.
It is common for angry drivers to pull to the edge of their lane to prevent lane splitting. If the vehicle is traveling too fast to stop in time, this may result in a collision.
Are there Consequences for Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting poses an obvious risk of injury to the driver of the two-wheeled vehicle and also to the drivers and passengers of the cars he is traveling between. In Illinois, a violation such as this is considered a Class A Misdemeanor if no accident with bodily harm occurs.
If an accident resulting in bodily harm does occur, the misdemeanor may be upgraded to a Class 3 Felony charge that may result in jail time.
To protect yourself legally and physically, refrain from lane splitting.
Injured in a Lane Splitting Accident? Let’s Get You Back on the Road
Accidents involving motorcycles can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial strain. If you were hurt in an incident tied to lane splitting or another traffic violation, Costa Ivone is ready to help you recover what you’ve lost.
Our firm represents victims across Illinois with dedication and experience. We handle cases involving personal injury lawyer claims, workers’ compensation lawyer representation, and other accident-related injuries.
Let’s talk about your case and your recovery. Reach out and connect with our team today. We’ll protect your rights and help you move forward, one road at a time.