(COLO) – A new law (SB24-079) allowing motorcyclists in Colorado to lane filter is now in effect. With motorcycles now legally practicing this maneuver, some questions Colorado State troopers are being asked are who would be at fault if a lane filtering maneuver results in a crash. To answer that question, Colorado motorists and motorcycle riders should refer back to the law which explains the five rules of filtering in our state:
Lane Filtering is Legal in Colorado Under These Conditions
1. To pass, traffic in the riders lane and adjacent lanes going the same direction
must be at a complete stop.
2. The lane must be wide enough to fit the vehicle and motorcycle while passing.
3. The motorcycle must go 15 mph or less.
4. The rider must pass safely and control the motorcycle.
5. The rider must pass on the left and not enter the oncoming traffic lane.
“Based on our law, if vehicles are moving, even slowly or for a short distance, the motorcyclist would be at fault,” stated Col. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
“Riders are responsible for ensuring that all conditions are met to safely and legally filter.”
Riders must also ensure that there is enough room for them to pass on the left side of the vehicle while staying in the same lane. If the lane cannot accommodate both
vehicles, the motorcyclist should not pass.
“While there may be times a rider would like to pass, the conditions may not allow it to be done legally,” explained Col. Packard. “Whether you have two wheels, four wheels or eighteen, one thing no one can legally do is ride or pass on the shoulder of the road. This area is littered with debris, roadkill and other hazards.”
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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.