New Law: Colorado Motorcyclists Allowed to Lane Filter

Starting August 7^th, a new law will take effect, affecting all Colorado Drivers. In the 2024 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly passed bill SB24-079: Motorcycle Lane Filtering & Passing. The new law allows motorcyclists to lane filter, but it does not permit lane splitting. What does that mean?

It  allow motorcyclists to ‘filter’ through gridlock, provides some insight on the difference between lane filtering and lane splitting and how the new law will impact Colorado roads.

LANE FILTERING allows motorcyclists to pass non-moving vehicles traveling in the same direction.

LANE SPLITTING is the act of motorcyclists weaving n and out lanes, typically to evade traffic.  Lane splitting is still illegal!!

The law that allows Lane Filtering has some rules. The driver of a 2-wheeled motorcycle to overtake or pass another motor vehicle in the same lane if:

• The traffic is stopped;
• The road has lanes wide enough to pass safely;
• The motorcycle is moving at 15 miles per hour or less; and
• Conditions permit prudent operation of the motorcycle while overtaking or passing.

A motorcycle driver overtaking or passing under the act must not overtake or pass:

• On the right shoulder;
• To the right of a vehicle in the farthest right-hand lane if the highway is not limited access; or
• In a lane of traffic moving in the opposite direction.

In Colorado, motorcyclists make up only three percent of the driving population. At the same time, that small group accounts for twenty percent of all transportation deaths.

While this new law gives motorcyclists more liberty on the roads, they must still be conscious of the law and only lane filter when permitted. In short, this law permits optional, not mandatory, ability for motorcyclists to lane filter. Therefore, drivers should be more aware when sharing the road with motorcyclists. As always, stay safe out there!