Motorcyclists may split a lane of traffic to move past slower-moving vehicles. Although it is a common practice in Europe and Asia, the U. Larry George's Office, both bills are currently considered "dead. Is Lane Splitting Legal In Illinois? Conclusion. Lane splitting may be illegal in Illinois, but motorcyclists have certain rights on the road that protect them from blame if a collision occurs. The law was passed to legally define lane splitting so California Highway Patrol officers could more easily discern between. In 2016, lane-splitting was made explicitly legal. LANE SPLITTING — Defined by California Vehicle Code Section 21658. ” An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic: shall drive as nearly practical entirely within a single lane; andThe law in Texas regarding lane splitting could indeed change, and there have been attempts made to do so. I am wondering what states allow lane splitting, and rather than do any research I thought I would just ask here. Not specifically prohibited in state law. You can be stopped and penalized for the practice. The state has no tolerance for this kind of behavior, and the penalties are severe. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. However, all riders are required to wear a helmet. This practice is called lane splitting. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. 51 was signed by the governor of California, thus making lane splitting explicitly legal in the state. Illegal in Illinois and a class A misdemeanor. Lane splitting gives them a fighting chance in traffic most motorcycle crashes occur from getting rear ending. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. 1. Lane splitting is a hot topic of debate among riders and non-riders alike, but can be safe and beneficial to all if it's done properly, says Bret Tkacs. The motorcycle rider is not going over than 15mph when filtering. In all other states, lane splitting is generally considered illegal, and motorcyclists can face serious consequences if caught doing so. 11-908) Sec. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. March 6, 2015 4:52 pm ET. News ReviewsIs Lane Splitting Legal Date: Mar 29, 2019It is very likely that you have observed the following scenario – a rider on a motorcycle driving between slow traffic on the highway. 1 as driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. 660, article 5 states: A person operating a motorcycle, moped, low-speed vehicle, electric personal assistive mobility. Montana enacted their law in early 2021. Lane splitting is a way to avoid getting rear-ended if. state where zipping between lanes of cars on a motorcycle is legal. Without lane-splitting, motorcyclists are forced to sit in a death-zone every time traffic comes to a stop. Time. Summary of the Key Findings. In 2016, the Colorado legislature attempted to pass HB 16-1205, which would have legalized lane splitting in limited situations. A. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. California may soon be the first state to explicitly make motorcycle lane-splitting legal. (625 ILCS 5/11-709) (from Ch. In California, motorcycles cannot exceed ten mph above the speed of surrounding traffic when lane splitting. Lane splitting refers to the process of a motorcycle riding between two lanes of stopped traffic. 1-800-525-7111. I slow, black Surburban behind me locks up. I’ve been lane splitting for 5 years all around the Dallas Fort Worth area. Call Now Open 24/7. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs. The practice known as lane splitting or stripe riding is illegal in Minnesota, said Lt. Lane splitting in IL? Any Ilini on here? Can you lane split in Illinois? With the Dan Ryan tear up I got to find a way to cut down on the commute. As of 2021, California still remains the only state to permit lane splitting, providing that the maneuver is executed in a safe and prudent manner. 95 1/2, par. Lane-splitting motorcyclists were also less likely to have been using alcohol and less likely to have been carrying a passenger. But according to an unnamed staffer in Oregon State Sen. New York, NY 10123. On February 6, 2023, House Bill 1046 was introduced in the state of Missouri. Be respectful of others on the road. Lane splitting is prohibited in Texas, but there is no specific law prohibiting it. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person. Is lane splitting legal in Illinois? Unfortunately, 625 ILCS 5/11-703 explicitly bans lane splitting in IL. AMA does a good overview of the laws by state which turns and references the same code you're reading. The law allows for motorcyclists to split lanes, or ride between lanes of traffic, when traffic is stopped or moving slowly. Thanks for your help. Lane splitting is not mentioned in any of Kentucky’s traffic laws, so it is not explicitly legal nor is it explicitly illegal. 11-709) Sec. Is lane splitting legal in Illinois? Lane splitting, which is also referred to as lane sharing, is the act of driving a two-wheeled vehicle between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. While this law falls under the purview of each state, only California has currently made it legal. It’s often associated in North America with California – hence the term the “California Roll”, where it’s legal under. This implies that motorcyclists should not pass between two vehicles, one on their right and one on their left. Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys have the experience needed to help you get the compensation you deserve. In 2016, it was declared legal across the state. California has always “allowed” lane splitting, but only formalized this into law in 2016. However, New York law. In recent years, 8,694 motorcycle accidents resulted in 544 fatalities and over 10,000 injuries. Lane splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle or scooter between lanes of traffic on a highway. 2. This is called lane-splitting. In Illinois, lane splitting would be suicidal for the most part, because we spend less time waiting on long lines in traffic lights, even up in Chicagoland -- at least. BobM June 21, 2023 At 11:49 am. And other lane splitting issues that frequently come up. Category 1: Legalized – This is California, Montana and Utah, where it is fully legal to lane-filter in the manner I described above. The Committee is currently debating the bill. We usually invoke the no-lane-splitting option, otherwise each output file from our NextSeq is divided into four (one for each lane on the flowcell). No, lane splitting is illegal in Illinois. In the state of Washington, it is legal to lane split, or filter, as long as it is done safely and cautiously. April 29, 2022 Personal injury. Chicagoland’s premier personal injury attorney call (312) 346-8465 now and speak directly to william turner. For roadways that are divided into “two or more clearly marked lanes," motorcyclists may change lanes, but may not drive between them. Lane-splitting takes what is already a dangerous practice and cranks the risk factor up to 11. Lane splitting, also called white-lining or stripe riding, refers to riding on the line between lanes of traffic. But now other states are pushing to legalize it too. Whether or not a state has official laws against lane-filtering doesn’t really affect local LEO’s perception of it. In California, lane splitting has been legal since 2016, but some restrictions exist. You must abide by the rules while riding a motorcycle as Pennsylvania considers it illegal. This can include in divided and undivided roadways, highways, and streets. During rush hour in Los Angeles, it can take an hour to drive a mile across town. This practice involves riding a motorcycle between two lanes of stationary or slow-moving. Lane-splitting allows motorcycles to avoid coming to a stop on busy highways. In most of these 12 states, the decision of. House Bill 23-1059, introduced in mid-January, proposes creating a study that looks at potential benefits of allowing lane splitting – the act of traveling in between lanes on a motorcycle, typically only when traffic is moving at a lower rate of speed. The State of Illinois does not have any specific lane-splitting law in the books, but standard right-of-way laws do prohibit it. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. It involves passing between stopped or slowed lanes of traffic. What Is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving traffic. We cover the details of what lane splitting is, if it's legal, and more in this article. Lane splitting is not permitted in Mississippi, but it is not illegal in other states. Motorcyclists typically lane split to avoid stopping in heavy or stopped traffic. Though lane splitting is considered to be the fastest way to reach your destination, it is one of the most dangerous acts performed on the road. If enacted, it would amend existing Missouri state law. Thus, it is an unacceptable act. No, lane splitting is not legal in North Carolina. What is the petty traffic violation for lane. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. This doesn't mean you can't get a citation while lane-splitting in these states. Hawaii Lane Splitting. Illinois; Chicago, IL; Motorcyclist struck and killed by a semi while lane-splitting on Route 41 in Lake Forest, Illinois. Estimated time that lane-filtering can be practiced before traffic stop initiated: Infinite*. Atlanta Office (470) 568-2670 245. Illinois; Chicago, IL; Motorcyclist struck and killed by a semi while lane-splitting on Route 41 in Lake Forest, Illinois. In Texas, lane splitting is unlawful, but most states have no laws prohibiting it. California, Utah, Montana, Hawaii and Arizona allow some form of lane splitting in state law. The definition of lane splitting, also known as white lining or stripe riding, is the action of driving in the area between two lanes of traffic, where the white line is painted (hence the name). Lane splitting is legal only in a single state in the United States. It also means that a motorcycle could cross a lane’s dashed lines to maneuver around a slow-moving or stopped car. Although it is a common practice in Europe and Asia, the U. Lane filtering is another related practice. The state has no tolerance for this kind of behavior, and the penalties are severe. When sharing the road with bikers, drivers must be sensitive to the phenomenon of lane splitting to avoid accidents. Petty Traffic Violation Penalties. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, which can help them avoid being hit from behind by another vehicle in stop-and-go traffic or other precarious traffic situations. lane splitting occurs on the freeway and on every other public road, be it city or state, county, federal, rural,or scenic. Filtering is legal in certain circumstances. Lane splitting, also known as “white lining” and even “lane filtering” in some regions, is a practice where a motorcyclist rides their bike between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic on a multi-lane road. Lane Splitting: The Pros And Cons. There's a motorcycle who does this every morning on Hubbard heading east into downtown. As a motorcyclist, you are not permitted to travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than the surrounding traffic. [1] [2] It is sometimes called whitelining, or stripe-riding. The second type happens when a motorcycle rides between two lanes – often on the. Request Consultation Chicago Personal Injury Attorneys. Lane splitting is only fully legal in one US state, California. Don’t lane split if traffic is moving faster than 30 mph. And then parks illegally all day in front of my office building with yesterday's parking ticket stuck to the motorcycle. These Illinois motorcycle laws where confirmed accurate as of the time of publishing and are provided to you as a reference only. With safety in mind, the California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. Lane splitting is a practice some bicycle and motorcycle riders engage in. The Committee is currently debating the bill. In fact, the only state that currently allows lane splitting is California, so if you’re not in the Sunshine State, avoid tickets and fines by following the same protocols for passing as you would in a car. The only state that allows this is California. Moving “across two lanes to the front of vehicles halted at a junction,” is legal according to the Utah Department of. Police and fire crews were dispatched shortly after 4 p. Lane splitting is legal only in a few areas due to dangers and road hazards. Even more troubling is the fact that 7 percent of respondents admitted that they have. Under the new law, lane-splitting is legal in Arizona, but there are certain conditions that must be met. Washington. However, the prohibition of lane splitting does not apply to law enforcement or firefighters while on duty. Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. Rise in motorcycle ownership combined with post-Floyd policies have led to a loosening of restrictions on lane-sharing. Besides the District of Columbia, 19 other states require all riders to wear helmets, regardless of age. . Schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to determine liability in your lane-splitting accident in Mooresville, Monroe, or Uptown Charlotte. California. Arizona. Free consultation!. Because of. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. In the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and other urban pockets of California, bumper-to-bumper traffic is a regular part of everyday life. Both lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal in SC, but lane sharing is permitted. Accident Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023. If the motorist is going slower than 50 mph, he or she can pass safely in the passing lane. The decision to outlaw lane splitting for motorcycles and riders is a disappointing oversight of riders' rights and will have little positive impact. Lane-splitting is dangerous because: The motorcycle might not be visible to other vehicles who are maneuvering traffic because they’re blocked by another vehicle. And then parks illegally all day in front of my office building with yesterday's parking ticket stuck to the motorcycle. The golden rule! Treat others as you want to be treated. The American Motorcyclist Association quietly released an updated position on lane splitting in early November. Contact us today for a free consultation. Whether it's legal in Illinois. Lane splitting can also reduce the risk of overheating for motorcycles. Lane-splitting is specifically legal only in California. The practice is dangerous because it. Utah has its own rules on the matter. The North Carolina law that most closely addressed lane splitting is GS 20-146. . Being in front of potentially distracted drivers in traffic is one of the most dangerous spots for a motorcycle rider to be, but riders have no choice, if traffic is slow we. Lane splitting is driving through traffic congestion or slow-moving vehicles in the area between two traffic lanes. Chicago, IL. Lane splitting is downright dangerous. G. Although it might save time and be convenient, lane splitting is a risky driving behavior, and therefore, illegal in Illinois. And no, lane splitting is not legal in Illinois. Schroeder's maneuver, known as lane filtering or lane splitting, was legalized in Montana two years ago, when the Legislature passed Senate Bill 9. Lane Filtering is not allowed in school zones during school hours. S. There were around 284,000 motorcycles registered in Illinois in 2021. May 29, 2015 2:44 PM PT. In all other states, it is currently illegal. The washington state legislature passed a law in 2019 making it legal to lane split on motorcycles. The goal of the law is to help reduce traffic congestion and make commutes safer for everyone. 11-908. As of 2023, Maryland was considering House Bill 917, which legalized a regulated form of lane splitting. It simply lists which states have explicit laws prohibiting lane splitting. Others, like New York and Florida. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF LANE SPLITTING. This section of the North Carolina motor vehicle code specifies that vehicles are. Had Gixxer brah been busted by police, lane splitting would have been the least of his legal worries. September 18, 2023 2:09 PM. Because of the option to proceed laws, it is an explicit violation of traffic rules, which will bring you a ticket for violation in case a cop you find splitting lanes. Montana enacted their law in early 2021. Filtering is safer for motorcyclists than riding behind and infront of cars in traffic. Image: Wikimedia Commons. Drivers do not expect a motorcyclist to be in between their vehicle and the one adjacent. (a) For the purposes of this section, “ lane splitting ” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of cars that are driving in the same direction–this maneuver is illegal in Colorado. This is referred to as lane sharing when two or more motorcycles travel side-by-side in the same. Motorcycles take up less space on the road than cars, so allowing them to move between lanes can help ease traffic flow. However, lane splitting is illegal in Illinois. Lane Splitting is Illegal in New York. Perfect mornings are followed by too-hot evening commutes, and freezing mornings are followed by pleasant afternoons. Several other states do not allow lane splitting. Lane splitting is the act of driving in the leftmost lane while on a multi-lane road. Brooklyn, NY 11242. S. In some states and counties, lane splitting is a common occurrence. Each accident is unique, and what constitutes “ reasonable care ” will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Lane filtering is only permitted when the following conditions are met: The speed limit is 45mph or fewer. But now other states are pushing to legalize it too. Here are three ways lane splitting helps both drivers and motorcyclists. The law is not entirely clear on the practice. Let us see is lane splitting. The only state that does not have explicit laws against lane splitting is California. No, lane splitting is not legal in Illinois. But is it allowed? North Carolina Can motorcyclists legally split lanes on NC roads? What the state law says By Chyna Blackmon. St. If lane splitting is the only violation, and is not combined with speeding for example, the ticket may be for a petty traffic violation and cost anywhere between $1-$1000. Legal. S. State statute 625 ILCS 5/11-703 prohibits lane splitting by those on motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. Is lane splitting legal in Illinois? Do you need a motorcycle license for 150cc in Illinois? Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a trike in Illinois? Can you practice driving without a permit in Illinois? Is it legal to ride dirt bikes on the street in Illinois? Can motorcycles ride side by side in Illinois?Today, only three states have not enacted a helmet law of some kind — Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire. 00, with the other items remaining the same. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. They may choose to do this for a variety of reasons. In 31 states, including Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal. Learn more about the legality of lane splitting in Georgia and other essential motorcycle laws. I don't feel safe, I know I don't have the reaction time or the skill, and I know people. Law Offices of Jay S. " No, lane splitting isn’t legal in Illinois. Shocking YouTube Video Shows Potential Dangers of Lane Splitting on Chicago Expressways. Whether you. Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 (312) 500-2901. Lane splitting. Lane splitting is not permitted in Illinois because it is a dangerous driving behavior that may save time and make driving easier. Lane splitting (white lining) – a motorcyclist weaving between moving traffic at a higher speed 2. Lane splitting poses a threat to motorcyclists. Jan 31, 2023. Lane splitting is not legal in Texas as of 2023. They are: Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. In Florida, lane splitting is not legal. City-Data Forum > U. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. Lane splitting contains several of advantages for motorbike riders. Motorcycles may filter under 10 miles per hour. 209 (3) reads “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” making this practice illegal throughout the state. Usually, this means that the motorcyclist creates their own lane down the center line of two lanes going in the same direction. When motorcycles move into the space between lanes, they free. It basically boils down to a case-by-case basis. In 2016, the Assembly Bill No. There were around 284,000 motorcycles registered in Illinois in 2021. The prohibition on lane splitting appears in Section 55-8-182 of the Tennessee Code. This is a smart thing to do regardless of whether the law requires it. This method is formally acknowledged as authorized solely within the state of California. Is lane splitting legal in Illinois? Lane splitting may be illegal in Illinois, but motorcyclists have certain rights on the road that protect them from blame if a. 0605 (a) (3), which says the operator of a motorcycle may not:Another 12 states have no laws defining and allowing lane splitting, but no laws expressly prohibiting a motorcycle rider from doing it either. A patrol officer may view lane splitting as reckless driving, in which case the. Chicago, IL. Using headlights during the day can help to increase your visibility to other drivers. The law allows motorcyclists to travel up to 15 miles per hourLane-splitting – also known as “white-lining” or “filtering” – is a motorcycle-riding technique in which a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Cecilia Gutierrez-Ramos, 29, and Angel Gutierrez, 8 months, killed in collision on Green. A: Splitting lanes is only legal when traffic is moving 40 miles per hour or slower. I like this one for Illinois. This statute prohibits motorcycles from passing a vehicle on. In Illinois, moped riders need a current valid driver’s license of any classification. ”. Jerry Brown in 2016. First, it can help riders avoid being rear-ended by other vehicles. Whether lane splitting is safe is an open-ended question for most people, but it is currently illegal in Florida. “A motorcycle’s narrow width can allow it to pass between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars on roadways where the lanes are wide enough to offer an adequate gap. The main statute that makes “lane splitting” illegal is Transportation Code Section 545. Currently reconsidering its state laws governing lane splitting. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Chicago and/or Illinois? Lane splitting is illegal in both Chicago and the state of Illinois. On October 1, 2021, Montana became the 3rd state to legalize lane splitting with the passing of S. This didn't explain why it should be illegal. It is legal to lane split in California, but not in Illinois. The 625 ILCS 5/11-703 explicitly prohibits lane splitting in Illinois. I think most dissenters (nawinter77 here is a prime example) are missing the point of lane splitting; it's not some adrenaline fueled thing that is done recklessly, or a way to "cut in line", but has many advantages for both biker and the motorists in cars. Lane splitting in IL? Any Ilini on here? Can you lane split in Illinois? With the Dan Ryan tear up I got to find a way to cut down on the commute. While a lot of. According to 625 ILCS 5 - Illinois Vehicle Code, lane splitting is specifically prohibited by law, even if some motorcyclists. The Committee is currently debating the bill. The safety tips include messages for other vehicle drivers, which state clearly, for the first time, that it is illegal for other drivers to block or interfere with lane-splitting. The state of North Carolina does not currently have a specific law which bans lane splitting, thought it is always. r/motorcycles. Lane splitting is discouraged when the flow of traffic is faster than 30 mph and it is recommended that riders white-line between the first and second lane (left and middle lanes of a three-lane. Utah and Montana allow motorcycles to do something similar to lane splitting in very restricted conditions. The only state that does not. That’s called lane splitting and it’s illegal in Illinois except in certain circumstances. Lane splitting is legal in California and is seen as a way to reduce traffic congestion. Particularly when the locals don't dig it. As of 2023, Oregon was considering House Bill 2314, which would allow motorcycles to travel between cars on roadways where the speed limit is 50 mph or greater and traffic was moving at ten mph or slower. 26 Court St Suite 2511. 209 (3) reads “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” making this practice illegal throughout the state. The situation with lane splitting in Arkansas is a tad bit confusing. Lane splitting became legal in California in 2016. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703(c), any person who is operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or scooter may not pass two vehicles simultaneously. , lane splitting is considered illegal, unless you’re lucky enough to either live or be riding in one of the few places where it is (hello, California). Home;. A great example is Virginia, which technically has no laws against lane-sharing but has been shown by a lot of online. Other states, such as Utah and Montana, have laws that allow lane-splitting but refer to it as “lane filtering,” which is only legal under certain, highly restricted conditions. The AMA endorses lane splitting, given the long term success in California and the University of California study by Berkley researchers showing that it enhances motorcycle safety. But lane splitting doesn't only benefit motorcyclists. jimzx9r Expert Class Posts: 451: posted March 31, 2006 01:08 PM. It’s usually related in North America with California – therefore the time period the “California Roll”, the. A study from 2013 found that lane splitting can be safe when traffic is moving 50 miles per hour or less. The state defines the practice as “A motorcycle ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. Illinois is an excellent candidate to pave the way. 1. The law is clear. Inattentive drivers or other motorcyclists can hurt them if their speed increases. This is the first time such a survey has been conducted in California. Dive into our comprehensive guide on Motorcycle Laws in Illinois, understand key regulations on helmet usage, lane splitting, insurance requirements and ride safely. The short answer is no, Colorado law forbids lane splitting for all drivers. Read moreLane-splitting, when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of stopped or slower-moving cars, is a controversial topic. ” Lane splitting is considered illegal in. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. In Illinois, a motorcycle license is not required to operate a 125cc motorcycle. What the penalty is in Illinois for splitting lanes. recognizes lane splitting as a threat to everyone on the highway. Your girlfriend is absolutely right—lane splitting is illegal in Kansas. Hawaii allows for motorcycles to use the shoulder when traffic is stopped. As a result, lane splitting is not yet legal in Illinois because it is illegal but not recommended because the risk of getting a traffic ticket increases. When a motorcyclist is riding a few. This site is maintained for the Illinois General Assembly by the Legislative Information System, 705 Stratton Building, Springfield, Illinois 62706 Sure, it could save tons of time for bikers waiting in traffic. We’ve been serving clients in Texas for over 25 years and have experience trying a wide variety of cases, including motorcycle accidents. ”. Under current law in Colorado, it is illegal for motorcycles to overtake or pass a motor. tslewisz Expert Class Posts: 328: posted March 31, 2006 04:27 AM It isn't legal. 880 21st ave n. (718) 802-1600. Florida Statute 316. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. Whether it's legal in Illinois. 1. First, not only is lane-sharing or lane-splitting legal in California, but the CHP wrote the safety guidelines as instructed in AB51, which was approved by Gov. Lane filtering. Still, all parties involved in the accident should take pictures/videos of the scene and their injuries. Despite a lengthy list of severe injuries, he posted his footage of the. Lane splitting is still a very risky driving behavior and also illegal in Illinois. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. This is because Illinois has not passed any specific laws that address the practice. Have you ever been in slow-moving or stopped traffic and seen a motorcycle weaving between lanes of. (a) For the purposes of this section, “ lane splitting ” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. In Chicago and all of Illinois, lane splitting and lane filtering are both illegal. The penalties for lane-splitting violations vary by state, but they can include fines, points on your driver’s license, and even jail time in some cases.