Is it legal to change lanes while driving through an intersection in Illinois?
Have you ever realized you need to make a turn soon and wondered if you could legally change lanes in the middle of an Illinois intersection?
You may want to consider best practices for safety, as well as state law when deciding whether to change lanes in an intersection, as they tend to be a dangerous place to drive. About 25% of traffic fatalities and roughly half of all traffic injuries in the U.S. are attributed to intersections each year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Speeding and improper lane usage are among the issues contributing to St. Clair County’s fatal crash rate, which has increased in recent years, according to a June report from the East-West Gateway Council of Governments.
Here’s what to know when considering changing lanes in an Illinois intersection.
Is it legal to change lanes in an Illinois intersection?
Illinois law does not specifically prohibit changing lanes within an intersection, Illinois State Police Trooper Genelle Jones said in a recent email to the BND, but the law does have other provisions regarding lane changes and driving through intersections.
For example, one Illinois law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to any vehicle already in an intersection. Another state statute requires drivers to use their turn signal an adequate distance before turning or changing lanes.
“A signal of intention to turn right or left, change lanes, otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course, move right or left upon a highway, or when required must be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle within a business or residence district, and such signal must be given continuously during not less than the last 200 feet traveled by the vehicle outside a business or residence district,” the relevant Illinois law says.
Yet another Illinois law says drivers must make sure it is safe before changing lanes or passing another vehicle. So while changing lanes inside an intersection may not be explicitly prohibited, doing so in a way that violates other lane-changing laws may land you in trouble.
Safety tips for Illinois drivers
Infrastructure, such as road diets, bike lanes, separate bike and pedestrian trails, traffic calming measures and more play an important role in road safety, but there are also steps drivers can take to mitigate risks.
Here are some best practices to follow for safe driving, from the Illinois Department of Transportation:
Avoid distracted driving.
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Wear a seatbelt, and make sure your child is in an appropriate car seat.
Avoid aggressive driving, such as speeding, running red lights or stop signs, tailgating, cutting off another vehicle, yelling or repeatedly honking your horn.
Follow construction zone speed limits.
Slow down and move over for police and other emergency vehicles.
Follow school zone speed limits and stop for school buses that are loading or unloading.
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