Colorado’s New Motorcycle Lane Filtering Law: What Riders Need to Know

On August 7, 2024, Colorado joined a small but growing number of states that allow motorcycle lane filtering. This practice is supposedly designed to enhance safety for motorcyclists. Colorado Senate Bill 24-0749 was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis It allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of stopped traffic under specific conditions.

The law is a significant change in how motorcyclists can navigate congested roadways in Colorado. Proponents claim that it will reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, which is a common type of accident involving motorcycles. In 2022, 149 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado’s roads, which equates to 20 percent of all fatalities that year. This number is significant since motorcycles only made up 3 percent of all vehicle registrations.

What is Lane Filtering?

Lane filtering allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of stationary or slow-moving traffic, typically at intersections or during heavy congestion. This is different from lane splitting, often seen on highways in California, where motorcyclists ride between moving vehicles, forming their own lane. Lane filtering is only allowed when traffic is at a complete stop. Under the new Colorado law,  motorcyclists must adhere to a speed limit of 15 mph or less while filtering.

Key Provisions of the Law

The new law outlines several conditions under which lane filtering is permitted:

• Traffic Conditions: The vehicles being overtaken must be completely stopped. When the vehicles start to move, passing must stop.
• Speed Limit: Motorcyclists must not exceed 15 mph while filtering.
• Safe Passing: The road must have lanes wide enough for the motorcyclist to pass safely.
• Restricted Areas: Motorcyclists are prohibited from filtering on the right shoulder, in the far-right lane of non-limited-access highways, or in lanes moving in the opposite direction.

This new motorcycle law is a three-year pilot program. It is set to expire on September 1, 2027, unless extended by further legislation. During the trial period, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will collect safety data to assess the impact of lane filtering on road safety.

Why is This Important?

Lane filtering can reduce rear-end collisions, which are one of the most dangerous scenarios for motorcyclists. By allowing motorcyclists to move ahead of congested traffic, the law attempts to prevent situations where they might be hit from behind be a car or truck. Additionally, it is believed it can improve traffic flow allowing motorcycles to maneuver around stopped vehicles, especially during peak traffic hours.

This new motorcycle law requires public awareness. Drivers need to be aware of the new law so that they know that a motorcycle may be unexpectedly passing between cars, especially when drivers are changing lanes or moving from a stop.

Looking Ahead

Only time will tell whether the introduction of SB24-0749 will improve road safety for motorcyclists in Colorado. As CDOT monitors the effects of this law, the data collected will determine whether lane filtering should become a permanent fixture in Colorado’s traffic laws. Understanding this new law will be crucial and the consequences of not knowing the law can be deadly.

Conclusion

It is our hope that our roadways become a safe place for riders and drivers alike. We are hopeful that this new law will reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities in Colorado. Following the rules of the road is essential to making that happen.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash or a car crash, or if you have lost a loved one because of the negligence of another person, we can help you. Let us take the burdens of dealing with these heavy events off your shoulder so that you can focus on what matters most to you.

Call us at (303) 442-0176 to learn more about how Debbie Taussig and her team can help you.