Colorado State Patrol Urges Drivers and Motorcyclists to Follow New Lane Filtering Law
With warmer weather bringing more motorcyclists back to the roads, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is reminding both riders and drivers about the state’s new lane filtering law—now in its first full year of enforcement.
Implemented in August 2023, the law allows motorcyclists to share a lane with stopped vehicles under specific conditions. However, CSP emphasizes that lane filtering is not the same as lane splitting, which involves weaving between moving cars and remains illegal in Colorado.
“Some people think lane filtering means riding on the dotted line while cars are moving. That’s not true,” said Trooper Sherri Mendez.
🏍️ What the Law Allows
Motorcycles can filter between vehicles only when:
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Traffic is completely stopped (such as at a red light or stop sign)
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The motorcycle is traveling no faster than 15 mph
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There is enough space to safely share the lane
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Filtering occurs on the left side of the vehicle—not the right
⚠️ What’s Not Allowed
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Filtering while traffic is moving
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Riding on or over lane dividers
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Cutting in from the right side of a vehicle
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Intentionally blocking or confronting motorcyclists
“If traffic is moving, even slightly, filtering is not legal,” Mendez clarified. “Blocking motorcyclists can also result in serious injury—remember, they don’t have airbags.”
While CSP has not released data on accidents related to lane filtering since the law went into effect, Mendez encourages anyone who witnesses unsafe filtering to report it. Include a description of the motorcycle so law enforcement can follow up.
The message is clear: whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, understanding and following Colorado’s lane filtering rules is essential for safety.
