What is motorcycle lane filtering and is it legal?
9 minute read
If you’ve driven a motor vehicle in Australia, you will certainly know about ‘lane filtering’. You’ll have seen motorcycles, scooters and mopeds snaking through traffic while cars and trucks sit idle. And if you’ve driven a motorbike yourself, you’ve likely done the same.
Here we explain what type of lane filtering is legal in Australia, how lane filtering law differs per state and territory and how we can help if you’re caught in an accident due to lane filtering.
What’s the difference between lane splitting and lane filtering?
At its most simple, lane filtering is just the act of driving between lanes. However, it generally refers to riding a motorcycle (scooter or moped bike) at less than 30km/h between two rows of slow-moving or stationary vehicles heading in the same direction as you.
If you’re a motorbike rider, you’ve probably lane filtered before. If you’re not a rider yourself, you've likely seen lane filtering in action when traffic gets heavy. Lane filtering is generally legal, as long as it’s done following the laws of the state or territory where you live.
Lane splitting, on the other hand, is the act of moving at an unsafe speed of 30km/h or more past slow-moving or stationary vehicles. We’re often asked, ‘is lane splitting legal in NSW’ or ‘is lane splitting legal in WA’, for example. No matter what state you’re in lane splitting is illegal.
Motorcycle lane filtering laws in your state
Queensland
Lane filtering in QLD is only legal when you hold an open licence and:
the traffic lanes are travelling in the same direction
you’re travelling at 30km/h or slower, and
it’s safe to do so
Lane filtering in QLD is illegal:
if one of the lanes is a dedicated turning lane
in a bicycle lane
between a vehicle and the kerb
in a school zone during school zone hours, and
where there are ‘no filtering’ signs present
New South Wales
Lane filtering in NSW is legal at speeds of up to 30km/h for fully licenced motorcyclists, where and when it is safe to do so.
Lane filtering in NSW is illegal:
between a vehicle and the kerb
next to parked vehicles
in bicycle lanes
in school zones, and
between lanes of traffic travelling in opposite directions
Victoria
Lane filtering in Victoria is legal:
for fully licensed motorcycle riders
at speeds of up to 30km/h
it's safe to do so
between parked vehicles and traffic
unless otherwise signed
Lane filtering in Victoria is illegal:
in bicycle lanes
between traffic and an adjacent kerb, and
between lanes of traffic travelling in opposite directions
Australian Capital Territory
Motorcycle lane filtering is legal in the Australian Capital Territory:
for fully licensed motorcyclists
travelling at speeds of up to 30km/h, and
when safe to do so
Is it illegal to lane filter:
on the kerbside next to a footpath
in bicycle or breakdown lanes
in any 40km/h speed zone (e.g., school zone, city centres or through roadworks), and
past heavy vehicles or buses
South Australia
In South Australia lane filtering is legal for motorbike riders:
who hold an R or R-Date licence class (who do not have to display L or P plates). This is the same for interstate riders visiting South Australia
travelling at speeds less than 30km/h, and
when it is safe to do so
It is illegal to lane filter:
when travelling through a school zone or across pedestrian crossings
in bicycle, bus or tram lanes
between the side of the road and other vehicles
next to parked cars, and
on roundabouts
Tasmania
Lane filtering is legal in Tasmania for fully licensed motorcycle riders travelling at speeds of up to 30km/h when safe to do so.
It’s illegal to lane filter:
for those who hold Tasmanian or interstate learner and provisional licences
travelling through a school zone during school hours
next to parked cars, and
between the side of the road and other vehicles
Western Australia
In March 2021, the Western Australian government passed legislation allowing motorcycle riders to lane filter in certain circumstances.
In Western Australia, lane filtering is legal for motorcycle riders travelling at no more than 30 km/h, between two lanes of stationary or slow-moving vehicles travelling in the same direction, when it is safe to do so.
It's illegal to lane filter:
across pedestrian, children’s or marked foot crossings
within school or shared zones
when the signed speed limit is 40km/h or below
between one or more heavy vehicles
around a merging vehicle
in a ‘no overtaking’ zone
on a roundabout
next to a bicycle lane, bus lane or other special purpose lane
next to the kerb or road edge, or alongside parked cars, and
on a learner's permit
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory motorcycle lane filtering is legal:
if you hold an unrestricted, full or open motorcycle licence
when travelling 30km/h or less, and
if it is safe to do so
It is illegal to lane filter:
in school zones, during school zone hours, and
next to the kerb or parked vehicles
How motorcyclists can stay safe on the road
Know your skills: Know your limits as a rider and remember the road rules so you can enjoy your trip. Refresh and further develop your skills through online training facilities, safe riding courses and group rides.
Check your bike: Always check your bike before you set off, especially if it's been a while since your last ride. Check that all your lights are working (including headlights, taillights, brake lights and indicators). Make sure the brakes, steering and suspension are all in working order. You should also give the horn a quick test before setting off.
Stay sober: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only does it impair your senses, it puts your life and the life of every other road user, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, in danger.
Always be alert: Riding a motorcycle is more physically and mentally demanding than driving. Riders need to have their full attention on the road and their surroundings. Take regular rest stops (especially on long journeys) to keep yourself fully alert.
Increase your visibility: Motorcycles fit all too easily into a car or truck's blind spot, particularly if you are lane filtering, and can make you invisible to other drivers. Maintain a safe distance, assume that vehicles around you can't see you, and anticipate their likely actions.
You can also increase your visibility as much as possible by wearing a fluorescent vest, brightly coloured clothing or reflective strips.
Shine Lawyers - we're here to help
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident (or any type of motor vehicle accident) whether or not caused by lane filtering, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our team of motorcycle accident claim experts can help you to understand your rights and access your full entitlements on a no win, no fee basis*. In some cases you may also be eligible to access benefits through your superannuation.
The advice our team will provide you is tailored to your situation to ensure we seek the best possible outcome for you.
To get started, use our free claim checker below or speak to one of our experts over the phone.
*Conditions apply.
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