Motorcycle lane filtering laws in Australia

Lane filtering is a big issue for many motorcyclists, and increasingly important when it comes to improving road safety and traffic congestion. Advocates of legal lane filtering argue that it gives motorcyclists more control on the roads and allows them to move through heavy traffic and into safer positions.

Despite calls to standardise lane filtering legislation, the laws and penalties remain inconsistent across Australia. If you're driving across state lines, this can result in frustration and confusion not just for you as a rider but for other road users too.

At Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, we are strong advocates for a uniform national lane filtering standard. But while this is being developed, it's important the riders know what is legal, and what's not, right now. So what can you do, what can't you do, and where are the differences?  

What is lane filtering?

Lane filtering occurs when a motorcyclist or motorised scooter rider travels through stagnant or slow-moving traffic.

When is lane filtering allowed?

A rider is lane filtering when they travel between:

• two adjacent lines of traffic, with all vehicles travelling in the same direction as the motorcyclist,
• two vehicles, where each vehicle is travelling in the same direction as the motorcyclist in separate but adjacent marked lanes, and
• a vehicle travelling in the same direction as the motorcyclist and an adjacent parked vehicle or row of parked vehicles (with the exception of overtaking)

As with all road manoeuvres, lane filtering is only legal if it is safe to do so. If conditions aren't safe, don't risk it. 

When is lane filtering now allowed?

There are four situations where lane filtering is illegal Australia-wide. You aren't allowed to lane filter:

• in bicycle lanes
• between the kerb
• into oncoming traffic 
• if it is unsafe to do so

Lane filtering in these circumstances not only puts you at risk but can also cause injury to someone else. You can also face penalties if caught. 

Lane filtering laws: A state-by-state guide

We strongly recommend using this guide to understand what is legal in your state so you can lane filter in your daily routine knowing you are safe to do so. You can also refer to this article at any time before you plan your next interstate road trip.

Victoria

Fully licensed motorcyclists in Victoria must only lane filter when travelling less than 30 km/h, and when it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is illegal in Victoria:

•  when travelling over 30 km/h
• between traffic and an adjacent kerb
• between lines of traffic travelling in opposite directions
• in a bicycle lane, shared path, or shoulder of the road
• if otherwise signed

Read Victoria’s lane filtering rules in full detail.

New South Wales

Fully licensed motorcyclists in New South Wales must only lane filter when travelling less than 30 km/h, and when it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is illegal in New South Wales:

• next to the kerb
• next to parked vehicles
• in school zones
• when motorcyclists are not fully licensed
• above speeds of 30km/h

Read New South Wales lane filtering rules in full detail.

Queensland

In Queensland, motorcyclists with an open license must only lane filter when travelling less than 30 km/h and when it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is illegal in Queensland:

• at a speed more than 30km/h
• in school zones during school zone hours
• if you're a learner or provisional licence holder
• when a 'no filtering' sign applies to the length of road
• if it isn't safe.

Read Queensland’s lane filtering rules in full detail.

South Australia

In South Australia, R and R-Date licensed motorcyclists must only lane filter when travelling less than 30 km/h, when it is safe to do so and there is sufficient clearance between vehicles.

Lane filtering is illegal in South Australia:

• for persons with a P1 Provisional or Learner’s permit and moped riders with a car licence only must not lane filter
• in a school zone or across pedestrian and children's crossings
• next to parked cars, between vehicles and the edge of the road, or on roundabouts
• in bicycle or tram lanes

Read South Australia’s lane filtering rules in full detail.

Tasmania

Motorcyclists who hold a full motorcycle licence are allowed to lane filter in Tasmania when it is safe to do so, and when they are travelling at no more than 30 km/h.

Lane filtering is illegal in Tasmania:

• at speeds greater than 30 km/h
• in a school zone during school zone hours
• between the edge of the road and other vehicles
• next to parked cars
• when a ‘No filtering’ sign applies to the length of road
• if the rider does not have a full motorcycle licence
• if it is not safe.

Read Tasmania’s lane filtering rules in full detail.

Western Australia

Fully licensed motorcyclists are allowed to lane filter in Western Australia if you’re travelling at no more than 30 km/h – between two lanes of stationary or slow-moving vehicles travelling in the same direction

Lane filtering is illegal in Western Australia when:

• the rider is approaching or riding on a children’s crossing, marked foot crossing or pedestrian crossing
• the rider is in a school zone or shared zone
• the applicable speed limit is 40 km/h or below
• the rider is between one or more heavy vehicles
• the vehicles the rider is travelling between are merging
• no overtaking is allowed
• the rider is in a roundabout
• the rider is in or next to a bicycle lane, bus lane or other special purpose lane
• the rider is next to the kerb or edge of the road, or alongside parked cars
• it is unsafe in the circumstances to lane filter

Read Western Australia’s lane filtering rules in full detail.

Australian Capital Territory

Fully licensed motorcyclists in the ACT are allowed to lane filter at speeds of up to 30 km/h only when it is safe to do so

Lane filtering is illegal in the ACT:

• in emergency lanes or bike lanes
• between or past buses and other heavy vehicles
• in 40 km/h zones (for example a school zone or road works)
• between a vehicle and a curb

Read the ACT’s lane filtering rules in full detail.

Northern Territory

Motorcycle riders in the Northern Territory with an unrestricted, full or open motorcycle licence are permitted to lane filter between stationary or slow-moving traffic moving in the same direction of travel, provided they do not exceed 30km/h and it is safe to do so.

Lane Filtering is illegal in the Northern Territory:

• for riders on their learner, provisional or restricted motorcycle licence
• in school zones during school zone hours
• next to the kerb or parked vehicles

Read the Northern Territories lane filtering rules in full detail.

We firmly believe that a national standard of lane filtering legislation would ensure motorcyclists and road users enjoy the peace of mind that comes with clear laws, and safer roads.

As the conversation around developing a national standard increases, we encourage you to make your voice heard. Hearing from riders first-hand about what works, and what doesn't, is important. This ensures that legislation developed covers the reality of riding - keeping lane filtering safer and easier for everyone.