What is lane filtering?
Lane filtering is when a motorcycle or scooter travels at low speeds through stopped or slow moving traffic.
It is legal in Victoria and affects all road users.
Definition of lane filtering
Motorcycle lane filtering is defined as when the rider of a motorcycle rides along a length of road between:
(a) two adjacent lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the motorcycle; or
(b) two vehicles (regardless of whether the rider remains within a single marked lane) and each vehicle is travelling in
(i) the same direction as the motorcycle; and
(ii) separate, but adjacent, marked lanes; or
(c) a vehicle travelling in the same direction as the motorcycle and an adjacent parked vehicle or line of parked vehicles
but does not include overtaking.
A line of traffic is defined as one or more vehicle travelling along a road in a line (whether moving or not) irrespective of lane markings.
Why do we have lane filtering laws?
These laws help clarify what motorcyclists and scooter riders can and cannot do and help road users understand what is and isn’t permitted.
Victorian Road Rule 151A and B permit lane filtering:
• For motorcycle licence holders (not motorcycle learner permit holders)
• At speeds up to 30 km/h, with a penalty for exceeding 30 km/h while filtering
• If ‘safe to do so’
• Unless otherwise signed
In what situations is lane filtering legal?