(COLO)—Last year, Colorado passed a lane filtering bill that went into effect late in the riding season, August 7, 2024. This is a significant change for Colorado motorists and riders, so as the new riding season begins, motorists and riders may need a refresher to practice it safely and with respect for one another. Motorcyclists are responsible for ensuring they possess the individual skills to safely and legally perform this maneuver. Like any skill that hasn’t been used for a few months or ever, it is crucial to begin with some caution and practice in a safe environment.
According to Colorado’s new lane filtering law, a motorcycle rider must not exceed 15 mph when filtering, and all vehicles traveling in the lane or adjacent lanes in the same direction must be at a complete stop.
“Driving at low rates of speed, such as 15 miles per hour or less on a motorcycle, is more challenging and requires a higher level of skill,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Newer riders or folks that could brush up on this skill should seek hands-on training before implementing this new practice in real traffic situations.”
Colorado’s Motorcycle Operator Safety Program (MOST) is a reliable resource for training riders at all experience levels. Three programs, the Basic Riders Course, the Experienced Riders Course, and the Three Wheel Course, help riders gain additional experience in a safe and controlled setting.
This law also puts the rider in the position to assess each situation to determine if he/she can meet the legal requirements for safe filtering. The rider should not pass if they can’t follow the law or perform the maneuver safely.
Changes to road rules take time to catch up with the vast motoring public. However, Coloradoans need to know that lane filtering is not new; it is just new to Colorado. Limited forms of filtering are already legal in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Montana and Utah. California is the only state that permits lane splitting.
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO: 5 Rules of Lane Filtering
###
ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.