Colorado State Patrol explains ‘lane filtering’ ahead of motorcyclists being allowed to ride between stopped vehicles

DENVER (KKTV) - The Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Department of Transportation are trying to keep the state informed as we get ready for a change in the law for motorcyclists.

Starting on Aug. 7, 2024, “Lane filtering” will be legal in Colorado. Lane filtering occurs when a motorcyclist moves between vehicles that are sitting still in the same lane.

“This is a significant change for Colorado motorists and riders, and we want awareness to spread to all roadway users as well as a clear understanding of the rules of filtering for the state of Colorado,” explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “When the practice becomes legal in August, we expect riders to practice it safely. We also expect all road users to treat each other respectfully.”

Colorado State Patrol provided the following rules for filtering:

• The motor vehicles ahead have come to a complete stop.
• The width of the lane is sufficient to accommodate both a vehicle and a motorcycle side by side.
• The rider is not going faster than 15 mph.
• The rider can filter only in safe conditions and must be able to maintain control of the motorcycle.
• The rider must pass on the left of the vehicles in the same lane without entering the lane dedicated to traffic moving in the opposite direction.

“CDOT’s priority is to keep our roads safe and make sure all motorists are aware of and understand this new law,” said CDOT’s Highway Safety Office Manager Glenn Davis. “By providing clarity on lane filtering and emphasizing the importance of safe riding and driving practices, we aim to promote a culture of responsibility among all road users.”

The law change comes thanks to SB24-079. The change may not be permanent however, after three years the bill requires the state to determine if lane filtering is a safe practice.

ALSO FROM CSP:

• This bill allows a practice called lane filtering or lane passing.
  Lane Filtering is when a rider moves between stopped traffic in the same lane.
• This bill does NOT legalize lane splitting or white lining.
  Lane splitting is when a rider drives in between two rows of vehicles or between two lanes of traffic with the vehicles in motion
  

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