No, lane splitting remains illegal in Wisconsin under state statutes prohibiting motorcyclists from overtaking vehicles within the same lane. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) enforces this through Chapter 346 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which classifies lane splitting as unsafe and explicitly prohibits it. No legislative amendments in 2026 have altered this stance, leaving riders without legal recourse for the practice.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Wisconsin
- Statutory Prohibition: Wis. Stat. § 346.89(1) mandates that motorcycles occupy a full lane, barring any lateral movement between vehicles.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Milwaukee and Madison strictly cite riders for lane splitting under state traffic codes, with fines up to $200.
- No Exceptions: WisDOT’s 2025 traffic safety report reaffirms the ban, citing increased collision risks in urban corridors such as I-94 and US-41.
The Wisconsin Motorcyclists’ Advisory Council has lobbied for legalization, but no bills have advanced in the legislature. Riders must adhere to lane-sharing rules, where motorcycles may occupy a lane fully but cannot filter between vehicles. Federal studies, including NHTSA’s 2024 report, highlight Wisconsin’s strict enforcement as a deterrent to lane splitting-related accidents.