CSP marks 1 month of lane filtering law with rule recap

(COLORADO) — It’s been a month since Colorado’s Lane Filtering Law took effect for motorcyclists on Aug. 7, and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has received questions, concerns, and complaints from riders and drivers. As a result, CSP is reminding the public of the filtering rules.

Reckless riding, weaving through traffic, passing on the shoulder, and driving along the lane line while vehicles are moving are illegal and always have been in Colorado. Motorists and motorcyclists need to know the law, which includes five rules for lane filtering in the state:

1. The vehicle/s a rider wants to pass and vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes going
   the same direction must be at a complete stop.
2. The lane must be wide enough to fit the vehicle and motorcycle while passing.
3. The motorcycle must go 15 mph or less.
4. The rider must pass safely and control the motorcycle.
5. The rider must not enter the oncoming traffic lane.

Drivers should check side mirrors and allow motorcycles to re-enter traffic as it starts moving. The law aims to protect riders from rear-end collisions in stopped traffic. Motorcyclists must follow the law for everyone’s safety, giving drivers time to adjust to the new rule.

Riders must ensure there’s enough room to pass while staying in the same lane. If not, they shouldn’t pass. If both vehicle and motorcycle can’t fit in the same lane, the motorcyclist should not pass. Because of this, drivers need to get used to motorcycles slowly passing when stopped.

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