Lane Filtering

Lane Filtering

The following information has been provided by the Motorcycle Riders Association of S.A. (MRA SA). The AMC appreciates that MRA SA has granted us permission to use this information. Further information can be found at

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Lane Filtering - Background and History

What is Lane Filtering?

 Lane filtering is the practice of motorcycles moving between stopped or slow-moving cars. This contrasts with riding between fast moving traffic which is termed lane splitting and is illegal. Benefits from lane filtering include reducing the risk of riders being caught up in a rear end collision, and has the potential to help ease traffic congestion. Rear enders are a common collision and can result in a rider being severely injured.

 

Here is a table outlining lane filtering abilities in each state, current as at 1 May 2021.

Notes in Table
(1) – Can not filter around heavy vehicles, in merging traffic, in reduced speed zones, at roundabouts or in a special purpose lane.
(2) – Can not filter around heavy vehicles or buses.
(3) – Two year trial commenced 1 February 2015 and concluded on 31 January 2017. Following the trial, filtering became legal.
(4) – Not permitted in bicycle, bus or tram lanes, between vehicles and the kerb, or on roundabouts.
(5) – Not permitted between the edge of the road and other vehicles. Not permitted next to parked cars.
(6) – Unique and nationally inconsistent rules for filtering on road shoulders and in emergency lanes
(7) – The Motorcycle Safety consultation paper was launched on 23 June 2018, closed 23 July 2018. New legislation effective 29/3/2021. Refer item 130B.

NSWACTQLDVICSATASWANT
Lane FilterYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Provisional LicenceNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Learers LicenceNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Only When Safe To Do So YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Speed Limit30km/h30km/h30km/h30km/h30km/h30km/h30km/h30km/h
School ZonesNoNot during School Hrs Not during School Hrs Not during School Hrs Not during School Hrs Not during School Hrs Not during School Hrs No
Other Notes(2)(2) (3)(5) (6)(4)(2) (5) (1) (7)
Link to Relevant WebsiteSee Below See BelowSee BelowSee BelowSee BelowSee BelowSee BelowSee Below
Date Introduced1/7/20141/2/20151/2/20152/11/201515/4/201729/1/201829/3/20211/8/2019

Link to relevant website

NSW

ACT

QLD

VIC

SA

TAS

WA

NT