What is Lane Filtering?
Lane filtering is a driving maneuver in which a motorcyclist can move their motorcycle between slow-moving vehicles. The maneuver is typically used at low speeds, such as when cars are stopped in traffic but moving enough for the motorcyclist to safely pick up more speed. "Filtering" is also known as riding between lanes, which has been the primary term so far in Illinois legislation regarding motorcyclists moving in between lanes of traffic. To filter, riders generally accelerate slowly to move between the vehicles. From behind, filtering drivers may appear as if they are passing the line of other stopped vehicles. However, filtering does not require the motorcyclist to move at a high speed or to change lanes from one side to the other. The maneuver is also often confused with lane splitting , which refers to the act of moving a motorcycle from side to side in a lane and across the divider when cars are at a stop. When a motorcycle is lane splitting, it is typically between the double-yellow lines that separate the lanes. In contrast, when a motorcyclist is filtering, he or she is maneuvering between the lanes — not directly between the lines — and in the process swapping lanes to the other side of the dual yellow lines. Lane splitting is illegal in Illinois, while lane filtering is being considered for legal status. Lane filtering is so tightly regulated in America that as of 2017, it was only permitted in the state of Utah. Now, however, other states have taken steps toward legalizing the maneuver.
Lane Filtering Law in Illinois
Lane filtering is currently illegal in Illinois. The Illinois Compiled Code that governs vehicle and traffic safety makes it clear. According to 625 ILCS 5/12-213.1, lane filtering, or "splitting" as it is referred to in the law, is listed with speeding and other dangerous driving practices. Essentially, the law states that if motorcyclists travel between lanes of stopped traffic, it is illegal.
Some states have gone so far as to provide safe zones or technical loopholes by which lane filtering becomes legal. In some instances, these laws are based on temprature and the conditions of the roads. Recent legislative movements have buttressed the codified anti-splitting text. In August 2018, a motorcyclist was killed in Chicago when he made a lane splitting move between two cars and crashed into the vehicle in front of him. A bill to legalize lane splitting was introduced in the Illinois House at the end of 2017, but it stalled out at committee. Even though numerous other states have legalized lane filtering, Illinois has demonstrated a rather conservative approach.
Other States’ Lane Filtering Laws
The overall stances of other states on this issue are, not surprisingly, similar to Illinois. Lane splitting is very rarely allowed anywhere, with California being one of the exceptions. Lane filtering is similarly not allowed in many states, but there are a few exceptions.
States that allow filtered lane driving include:
Alaska: Filtering is legal for all motorcycles.
California: Filtering is legal for all motorcycles. Filtering is defined by the state to mean driving a motorcycle past stopped or slower-moving vehicles in the same lane or adjacent lane.
Colorado: Filtering is legal in Colorado for all motorcycles.
New Mexico: Filtering is legal for all motorcycles in New Mexico, although motorcyclists are encouraged to use caution and use their best judgment.
Tennessee: Filtering is legal for all motorcycles in Tennessee.
Texas: Filtering is legal for all motorcycles in Texas, although motorcyclists are required to adhere to all safety protocols while filtering.
States that have considered legislation recently in this area include Minnesota, Idaho, and Florida. While none were passed, they give us insight into what most states think about this issue. For the last several years, these states have considered bills that would have allowed lane splitting in some form, but did not pass nonetheless. In 2012, Alaska’s legislature introduced a bill that would have differentiated lane splitting (driving in between lanes) from lane filtering (bicycling in the same lane). That bill was not enacted either.
Lane filtering needs to be considered carefully because if it were to be legal in Illinois, there could be a corresponding uptick in accidents where a motorcyclist strikes a fixed object. This could occur for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, poor roadway conditions, driver inattention or inability to see a motorcycle, and improper and negligent lane changing on the road.
Pros and Cons of Lane Filtering
Various arguments have been put forth both in favor of and against motorcycle lane filtering. These include safety, traffic flow, and motorcyclist advocacy perspectives.
Safety Proponents argue that lane filtering improves safety by helping to reduce motorcycle rear-end collisions with other vehicles while they wait in traffic. In recent research that focused on (at least in part) rear-end collisions, motorcycle lane filtering was found to be statistically associated with reduced accident severity. Additionally, lane filtering proponents have argued that lane filtering provides a larger buffer zone between motorcyclists and other vehicles in heavy traffic. Even if lane filtering does enhance safety, it would be difficult to say empirically whether this effect offsets the additional conflicts created by lane filtering, particularly at low speeds. On the one hand , for instance, lane filtering makes it easier for motorcyclists to avoid risky rear-end collisions with other vehicles but, on the other hand, increases exposure to side-swipe and merging accidents.
Traffic Flow At its core, lane filtering is a way to make better use of limited roadway space. Proponents have argued that the adoption of lane filtering would save time for all road users by alleviating traffic congestion and decreasing the time and fuel cost associated with the longer runs of motorcyclists stuck in traffic.
Motorcyclist Advocacy Lane filtering proponents have also argued that the practice would increase motorcyclist awareness and understanding among car and truck drivers. Additional on-road exposure of motorcyclists may provide an opportunity for them to engage other drivers, thereby increasing the socialization of motorcyclists and motorists.
Motorcyclist Safety Tips
It is especially important if you are going to lane filter in Illinois that you be extremely cautious. For example, the space that is available to you to pass other vehicles may not be level or smooth. The angle of the road where there car you are passing is on could be different from where your bike is. This means you have to be careful not to slip off the edge and potentially fall under the wheels of the vehicle you just passed.
It also bears repeating about how short you are and how big your front end is. Drivers may not see you at all and thus not be paying attention to you at all when they try and open a door without looking. Be extremely careful of parked cars along the road.
The Future of Lane Filtering in Illinois
The future of the lane-filtering laws in Illinois is an ongoing question. There are several motorcycle groups and associations which believe that lane filtering should be legal everywhere and advocate for the law to be changed. For example, the American Motorcyclists Association actively proposes lane splitting legislation every year in the Illinois Legislature. Unfortunately, the various legislative proposals have yet to garner widespread support. As of the date of this article , the idea has not gained traction with the Illinois legislators.
A representative from the Illinois Department of Transportation recently indicated that lane filtering may eventually be legalized in the state. While that thrill ride may take some time, it is on the road map sometime in the future.
As of now, motorcyclists all know the rules. Lane filtering is not legal anywhere in Illinois, so it is best to avoid lane filtering in Illinois until the laws change.