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Motorcycle lane filtering is a hot topic among Australian riders and other road users alike. The rules can feel confusing, especially when terms like lane splitting, bus lanes, bicycle lanes, and tram lanes get thrown into the mix. Let’s clear the air and explain what lane filtering actually means, the laws across different states, and how it impacts motorcycle riders in everyday traffic.
What is Lane Filtering?
Lane filtering is when a motorcycle rider moves between stationary or slow-moving vehicles that are travelling in the same direction. It’s designed to help ease traffic congestion, particularly in city centres where heavy traffic and slow-moving vehicles are common.
Lane filtering is not the same as lane splitting. Lane splitting generally refers to riding at an unsafe speed between vehicles travelling at higher speeds, which is illegal across Australia.
When done correctly, lane filtering allows riders to move past stationary vehicles heading in the same direction, saving time and helping reduce the pressure on our already crowded roads.
Lane Filtering Laws in Australia
Lane filtering rules are not identical across every state or territory. Here’s how some regions approach it:
New South Wales Lane Filtering
- Riders with a full motorcycle licence or an open motorcycle licence are allowed to lane filter.
- Filtering must only occur at speeds less than 30 km/h (or 30km h).
- Lane filtering is not permitted in school zones during school hours, alongside parked vehicles, or next to a pedestrian crossing or marked foot crossing.
- Riding in bus lanes, tram lanes, or bicycle lanes is unlawful unless specifically signed.
- Breaking these lane filtering laws can result in three demerit points and a fine.
Victoria Lane Filtering
- Permitted only for riders with a full motorcycle licence.
- Riders cannot filter next to the kerb or an adjacent kerb, nor in breakdown lanes.
- Lane filtering rules prohibit filtering through children's crossings and school zones during school zone hours.
South Australia Lane Filtering
- Riders with a car licence who also hold a motorcycle endorsement are not automatically cleared.
- Lane filtering is allowed only for those with a full motorcycle licence.
- South Australia lane filtering laws stress avoiding filtering next to parked cars or parked vehicles.
Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, ACT & Northern Territory
Each state has its own interpretation of motorcycle lane filtering laws, but the common thread is:
- Filtering only in stationary or slow moving traffic.
- Keeping speeds under 30 km/h.
- Not filtering in school zones, tram lanes, or near foot crossings.
- Unlawful lane filtering attracts penalties, from fines to licence restrictions.
Safety Considerations for Lane Filtering
Even though lane filtering can reduce frustration during heavy traffic, safety must always come first. Key risks include:
Vehicles changing lanes suddenly.
Filtering next to parked cars, where doors might swing open.
Reduced visibility near school zones or pedestrian crossings.
Dangers from heavy vehicles with large blind spots.
Filtering at speeds greater than 30 km/h is considered unsafe speed and is treated as unlawful.
Why Lane Filtering Matters
Motorcycles, whether you ride KTM bikes, a BMW Motorrad, or a Kawasaki, are smaller and more agile than cars. Allowing lane filtering in slow moving traffic helps reduce bottlenecks in city centres, cuts commute times, and makes efficient use of road space.
However, road rules differ from state to state, so riders, whether interstate learner, provisional licence holder, or seasoned—must always check the applicable speed limit and lane filtering laws in their jurisdiction before weaving through traffic.
Final Word
So, lane filtering isn’t just about getting ahead in traffic, it’s about riding responsibly, legally, and safely. When done within the rules, lane filtering benefits both the motorcycle rider and other road users by reducing traffic congestion.
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