Motorcycle filtering

In Victoria, motorcyclists are legally allowed to ride between lanes in slow or stationery traffic moving.

This is called motorcycling filtering and can be done when it’s safe and at speeds of up to 30km/hour in the same direction.

Motorcycle riders can only filter where there is enough space and time to safely merge back into traffic.

It's legal in Victoria and we’re reminding all drivers and motorcycle riders about lane filtering road rules. 

For a quick explanation of motorcycle lane filtering, take a look at this short video . 

Why do we have lane filtering road rules?

Motorcycling filtering benefits all road users by keeping traffic moving.

The road rules help clarify what motorcyclists and scooter riders can and cannot do and help road users understand what is and isn’t permitted (see table below).

Drivers

Read the transcript

Look out for motorcyclists on the road as they may be filtering. 

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than other road users, so saving riders’ lives and preventing injuries remains a critical road safety challenge.

Look left, look right, look bike!

  • Always look out for motorbikes before changing lanes as they are hard to see 
  • In slow moving traffic - give motorcyclists enough space on the road 
  • In slow moving traffic - look twice, check your mirrors, and do a head check for blind spots.
  • It’s legal for motorcyclists to ride between lanes in slow or stationery traffic.

Share the road to keep everyone safe. 

Motorcycle riders

Read the transcript

Filter safe! 

  • Motorcyclist can only filter between lanes in slow or stationery traffic moving in the same direction at speeds up to 30km/h and only when it’s safe to do so.
  • Filter when you have enough space either side of you and safely merge back into the traffic stream.
  • Keep out of blind spots of all vehicles as drivers may not be able to see you.
  • If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you. 
  • Avoid filtering near trucks and buses.
  • Always make sure you are visible and wear protective gear on every ride.

It is illegal to lane filter on your Learners.

Road Rule 151A and B

Motorcycle lane filtering is defined as when the rider of a motorcycle rides along a length of road between:

  • two adjacent lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the motorcycle; or
  • two vehicles (regardless of whether the rider remains within a single marked lane) and each vehicle is travelling in
    • the same direction as the motorcycle; and 
    • separate, but adjacent, marked lanes; or
  • a vehicle travelling in the same direction as the motorcycle and an adjacent parked vehicle or line of parked vehicles but does not include overtaking.

A line of traffic is defined as one or more vehicle travelling along a road in a line (whether moving or not) irrespective of lane markings.

In what situations is lane filtering legal?

Situation Filtering
Between lines of traffic in the same direction? Yes, if safe to do so
Between vehicles travelling in the same direction in adjacent marked lanes? Yes, if safe to do so
Between a vehicle and another vehicle? Yes, if safe to do so
Between parked cars and traffic? Yes, if safe to do so
In all speed zones?  Yes, unless otherwise signed and if safe to do so. 
In bicycle lanes?
 No
On all types of roads? (local, rural, freeways etc.)
 Yes, if safe to do so 
In the CBD?  Yes, if safe to do so 
In areas where there are schools or strip shopping? 
 Yes, if safe to do so 
On roads with two or more lanes of traffic in the same direction?
 Yes, if safe to do so
Through an intersection? 
 Yes, if safe to do so
Between traffic and an adjacent kerb? 
 No
Between lines or lanes of traffic travelling in  opposite directions?
 No
In special purpose lanes?  These changes do not affect how motorcyclists may currently use special purpose lanes. 

Visit the motorcycle road rules page to learn about other important road rules. 

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