Is it legal to pass on the right in Wisconsin? Can you use the shoulder or cycle lane to pass on the right?
From crossing bike lanes to using the shoulder to merge a little further on the interstate, you’ll see it all when driving in Milwaukee.
But what does the law say about overtaking from the right on road shoulders and cycle lanes?
Is passing over the shoulder legal?
Can’t. You must not use “should” to pass even if it is paved unless it can be done safely under specific conditions.
You must stay in the main driving part of the road to overtake on the right.
When is overtaking from the right allowed?
You may pass another vehicle on the right only if the driver can stay on the road or paved shoulder under the following conditions:
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When the overtaken vehicle is making or about to turn left or U-turn.
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When driving on a clear street or highway that is wide enough to accommodate two or more trains of vehicles traveling simultaneously in the direction of passing traffic.
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When traveling on a one-way street or divided highway, there is enough space for two or more trains of vehicles to legally travel in the same direction at the same time.
Subject to these conditions, vehicles should pass on the left.
What are the penalties for overtaking on the shoulder?
Under Wisconsin law, passing a vehicle on the shoulder is illegal and may result in a fine of $30 to $300. This offense falls under the wider category of improper overtaking rules, as drivers are not allowed to use the shoulder to overtake.
Kurt Rutkoski, back, and Richard Jones install a Jersey wall on the North Avenue Bridge on Thursday. New concrete barriers installed on two bridges on Milwaukee’s east side will provide more protection for bike lanes.
Is it legal to overtake on a bike lane?
No, it is illegal in Wisconsin for a motor vehicle to pass another vehicle in a bicycle lane.
Drivers of motor vehicles may only enter a bicycle lane when entering a driveway, merging before turning at an intersection, or entering or exiting a parking space adjacent to a driveway. In these exceptions, drivers must yield the right of way to any cyclist.
You may not drive on a cycle path for any other reason than the exceptions above.
The dangerous practice remains a persistent problem in Milwaukee, with many people on social media calling the phenomenon the “Milwaukee Slide” or using the “Milwaukee Lane.”
The North Avenue and Locust Street bridges over the Milwaukee River are two places where the effects of the “Milwaukee Slide” were evident, prompting the city to add protective bollards to both bridges in 2018 and install the first set of bike lanes completely separated from traffic.
Anna Kleiber can be contacted at akleiber@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: In Wisconsin, is it legal to pass on the right side if you use your shoulder?
