New lane filtering laws for Victoria

The Victorian Government has delivered on its commitment to change laws to allow motorcycles and scooters to lane filter.

Following consultation with motorcyclists, cyclists and drivers, the changes to the current road rules will come into effect on November 2.

Lane filtering is the practice of motorcycles and scooters travelling at low speed through stopped or slow moving traffic, for example at traffic lights.

While not explicitly banned, riders who filter are at risk of committing an offence under a number of Victorian road safety laws.

A statement released by the government today (September 29) says the changes affect a wide range of community members, not just motorcyclists, and it is important that all road users are aware of the new laws.

The Government has extensively sought people’s opinion on the changes, with a community meeting in June and over 1000 online survey responses.

The new lane filtering measures do not permit lane splitting, which is when motorcycles travel between moving traffic at high speed. This is currently unlawful and will remain so because of the danger it poses.

The new regulations do not change how motorcyclists interact with special-purpose lanes, such as bike lanes, bike boxes and tram lanes.

The changes include permitted filtering:
>> Between lanes or lines of traffic in the same direction
>> Between lanes or lines of traffic and parked cars
>> For full motorcycle licence holders (not learner permit holders)
>> At speeds up to 30km/h (penalties will apply for filtering in excess of 30km/h)
>> Unless signed otherwise.

VicRoads has said it will support the law change with a public awareness campaign for all road users.

More detailed information on the new filtering measures can be found at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Commenting on the changes to the laws, Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said: "Motorbike and scooter riders can now move ahead of slow or stationary traffic with confidence that they are not breaking the law.

"The Victorian Motorcycle Council welcomes the legalising of motorcycle lane filtering for Victoria, showing that riders and Government can successfully work together to improve rider safety and reduce congestion, benefitting all road users," the Minister added.