Motorcycle lane filtering: what are the rules in every Australian state?

Motorcyclists will avidly spruik the many advantages of their two-wheeled machines: the freedom they afford, their low cost of ownership, and their ease of use for inner-city commuting regularly top of the list.

While motorcycles aren’t for everyone, they do hold one undeniable advantage over other motor vehicles in congested traffic – the ability to lane filter.

Lane filtering is where a motorcycle ‘filters’ or rides between slow or stationary traffic at low speeds. It is particularly handy when there is a long line of built-up traffic, or a slow-moving intersection or set of lights, as motorcycles can quickly get to the front of the queue.

Lane filtering differs from lane splitting, which is performed at higher speeds and is usually deemed illegal.

Not only does lane filtering expedite the commute, it is also an important safety measure for motorcyclists (reducing the risk of being caught in a rear-end collision) and helps ease traffic congestion.

Thanks to relatively recent revisions to different laws around the country, it is now legal to lane filter when riding a motorcycle in all Australian states and territories. But there are caveats, including the maximum permissible speed and stipulations around where and when you can filter.

Some common rules include the proviso that motorcycles may only lane filter ‘when it is safe to do so’, and the maximum speed for lane filtering is capped at 30km/h.

Additionally, lane filtering rules generally do not apply to cyclists.

Here is a rundown of motorcycle lane filtering laws in each Australian state and territory:

New South Wales (NSW)

Fully licensed motorcyclists are permitted to lane filter at speeds at or below 30 km/h, in situations where it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is not allowed next to the kerb, next to parked vehicles, in school zones, or between opposite direction lanes.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Fully licensed motorcyclists are permitted to lane filter at speeds at or below 30 km/h, in situations where it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is not allowed next to the kerb, in bicycle/breakdown lanes, in 40 km/h zones (e.g. school zones, roadworks), or past heavy vehicles and buses.

Queensland (QLD)

Fully licensed motorcyclists are permitted to lane filter at speeds at or below 30 km/h, in situations where it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is not allowed in turning lanes, next to parked cars, or in school zones during school hours. Designated 'no filtering' signs override other road rules.

Victoria (VIC)

Fully licensed motorcyclists are permitted to lane filter at speeds at or below 30 km/h, in situations where it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is not allowed in bicycle lanes or between traffic and kerb. Additionally, motorcycles cannot filter between opposite direction lanes, but it is permitted in “areas where there are schools” if it is safe to do so. Designated 'no filtering' signs override other road rules.

South Australia (SA)

Fully licensed motorcyclists are permitted to lane filter at speeds at or below 30 km/h, in situations where it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is not allowed in bicycle or tram lanes, next to the edge of the road or parked cars, in school zones during school hours, near pedestrian crossings, or in roundabouts. You can only filter between two separate but adjacent lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction.

Tasmania (TAS)

Fully licensed motorcyclists are permitted to lane filter at speeds at or below 30 km/h, in situations where it is safe to do so. Lane filtering is not allowed in school zones during school hours, next to the kerb or edge of the road, and next to parked vehicles. Additionally, 'no filtering' signage overrules other laws.

Western Australia (WA)

Fully licensed motorcyclists are permitted to lane filter at speeds at or below 30 km/h, in situations where it is safe to do so.

Lane filtering is prohibited in areas where the speed limit is less than 40 km/h (e.g. shared zones, school zones) and on or approaching pedestrian crossings. Lane filtering is also not allowed near heavy vehicles, in roundabouts, next to the kerb/edge of the road or parked cars. Motorcycles cannot filter in 'no overtaking' zones.

Northern Territory (NT)

Fully licensed motorcyclists are permitted to lane filter at speeds at or below 30 km/h, in situations where it is safe to do so.

Motorcycles are not permitted to lane filter in school zones during school hours, next to the kerb, or beside parked vehicles. You are permitted to filter between vehicles moving in the same direction as you.

Note: this article offers advice only. Individual state laws may be updated, so always check the most recent road rules or transport authority publications in the state you’re riding in.