Lane splitting is a driving maneuver that many motorcyclists practice across the country. Also known as “white lining,” it allows bikers to bypass congestion, reduce the chance of a rear-end collision, and improve traffic flow, particularly in multi-lane roads.

But riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic could be more than dangerous: it may be illegal. Learn more about lane splitting laws in Illinois, and how McCready Law could help if you were injured by a motorcyclist.

Does Illinois Law Permit Motorcyclists to Lane Split?

While some motorcyclists routinely lane split, the practice is illegal in Illinois. According to the General Assembly, this moving violation falls under 625 ILCS 5/11-703, which states that motorcycles must occupy a single lane and are not permitted to pass between vehicles in adjacent lanes.

Lane filtering (moving to the front of a line of traffic at a red light) is also banned alongside lane splitting. The law states that bikers must follow the same rules, signs, and signals as other vehicles and cannot use the shoulder to bypass traffic.

What Types of Injuries Could a Driver Experience From Lane Splitting?

When a biker splits lanes, the primary risk is to the rider, but drivers in adjacent lanes could experience significant injuries too. These types of maneuvers are dangerous due to reduced reaction time, limited visibility in driver blind spots, and the high risk of sideswipe collisions when cars change lanes unexpectedly.

Drivers may also be susceptible to injuries resulting from secondary accidents caused by swerving to avoid the motorcycle. You may even experience whiplash from sudden impacts or evasive maneuvers. Lacerations from shattered glass if the motorcycle breaks a side mirror or window and psychological shock or trauma from lane splitting accidents are all too common on Illinois roads.

What Happens if a Biker is Stopped for Lane Splitting?

Despite the perceived benefits of lane splitting, violating this law could land a motorcyclist with a Class A misdemeanor. This traffic citation is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If that individual lane-split and caused an accident that left you with bodily injury, that charge would likely be elevated to a Class C felony. Potential penalties for a conviction for a Class C lane splitting felony in Illinois are severe, including between 2 and 5 years in jail and $25,000 in fines.

Reach Out and Learn More About Lane Splitting Laws in Illinois

If you were injured by a motorcyclist that violated lane splitting laws in Illinois, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Our skilled legal team has worked hard to prove the other driver was negligent in order to maximize your compensation for many years.

Get in touch with one of our four offices near you and set up a time for your free consultation. We have helped secure large settlements for our automobile accident clients and we would love to add your name to our roster of successes.