Motorcycle lane filtering rules explained

Lane filtering is the process of a motorcycle rider moving past stationary or slow-moving vehicles safely at a speed of 30km/h or less.

Lane filtering is legal in most Australian states and territories, however, the rules around it may differ.

On the other hand lane splitting, is where a motorcycle rider moves past vehicles at an unsafe speed of more than 30km/h. Although lane splitting is illegal in some states, it’s safest to assume that lane splitting is illegal across all states.

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory

Consider the following conditions to minimise safety risks when lane filtering:

• Only when it’s safe to do so
• Only when you’re driving at a speed of 30km/h or less
• Only allowed by fully licensed riders (i.e. riders on their L or P plates will not be allowed to lane filter)
• Not allowed in a school zone during school zone hours
• Not allowed next to the kerb or parked vehicles.

Lane filtering is legal across Australia as long as you’re driving at 30km/h or less and it’s safe to do so, but rules can still vary from state to state.  

In New South Wales lane filtering is not allowed if ^[1]:

• You’re next to the kerb
• You’re next to parked vehicles
• You’re in school zones
• It isn’t safe

In New South Wales motorcyclists caught lane splitting face heavy fine and three demerit points.

In Victoria lane filtering is not allowed if ^[2]:

• You’re riding at a speeding that exceeds 30km/h while filtering
• You’re a learner or provisional licence holder
• It isn’t safe

A motorcycle rider is not allowed to lane filter around heavy vehicles and buses and should always look out for pedestrians and cyclists.

In Victoria there are penalties for exceeding 30km/h while filtering.

In Queensland lane filtering is not allowed if ^[3]:

• You’re at a speed of more than 30km/h
• You’re in school zones during school zone hours
• You’re a learner or provisional licence holder
• A “no filtering” sign applies to the length of the road
• It isn’t safe

A motorcycle rider is not allowed to lane filter in a bicycle lane or next to the kerb.

In Western Australia lane filtering is not allowed if ^[4]:

• You’re approaching or riding on a children’s or pedestrian crossing
• You’re in a school zone or shared zone
• You’re between one or more heavy vehicles
• The vehicles the rider is riding between are merging
• You’re trying to overtake another vehicle
• You’re in a roundabout
• You’re in or next to a bicycle lane, bus lane or other special purposes
• You’re next to the kerb or edge of the road, or alongside parked cars
• It’s unsafe to lane filter

In WA lane splitting is illegal.

In South Australia lane filtering is not allowed if ^[5]:

• You’re riding at speeds of more than 30km/h
• You’re in a school zone, across pedestrian and children’s crossings
• You’re next to parked cars, between vehicles and the edge of the road or on roundabouts
• You’re in a bicycle or tram lane
• You’re a person with a P1 Provisional or Learner’s permit

Moped riders with a car licence must not lane filter.

The penalty in SA for unlawful lane filtering is an expiation fee and 3 demerit points.

In Tasmania lane filtering is not allowed if ^[6]:

• You’re riding at speeds greater than 30km/h
• You’re in a school zone during school zone hours
• You’re between the edge of the road and other vehicles

You’re next to parked cars

In the Australian Capital Territory lane filtering is not allowed if ^[7]:

• You’re driving at a speed greater than 30km/h
• You’re on the kerbside next to a footpath or in bicycle lanes or breakdown lanes
• You’re riding in any 40km/h zones (school zones, roadworks, and city centres)
• You’re riding past heavy vehicles and buses
• You’re a learner or provisional licence holder

In the ACT lane splitting is not permitted.

In the Northern Territory lane filtering is not allowed if ^[8]:

• You’re travelling at speeds greater than 30km/h
• You’re on your learners or provisional licence
• You’re in school zones during school hours
• You’re next to the kerb or parked vehicles

See more of Budget Direct’s motorcycle safety guides.