Police have become aware that some motorcycle riders and other road users may be confused about the rules for lane filtering and riding on road shoulders for motorcycles.
Lane filtering
Lane filtering is when a motorcyclist rides at low speed between stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction. However, if one of the lines or lanes is a dedicated turning lane (left or right) they must not lane filter using this lane.
Motorcyclists are only allowed to lane filter in Queensland if they hold an open licence for the motorcycle they are riding and:
- their speed when filtering is 30km/h or less
- it’s safe to do so.
- at a speed more than 30km/h
- in school zones during school zone hours
- if they’re a learner or provisional licence holder
- if it isn’t safe.
To ensure pedestrian safety, lane filtering is only allowed between stationary or slow moving vehicles, not between a vehicle and the kerb. Any vehicle, including a motorcycle may overtake to the left of a stationary vehicle. Read more about overtaking to the left.
Riding on the road shoulder
If someone holds an open licence for the motorcycle theyare riding, they can ride on road shoulders and in emergency stopping lanes on major roads—such as highways, freeways and motorways past stationary or slow moving traffic if:
- the speed limit is 90km/h or more
- their speed is 30km/h or less
- they give way to cyclists or other motorcycle riders already using the shoulder
- it is safe to do so
- they are not riding on any unsealed parts of the road.
But motorcyclists be warned - if the speed limit on a major road is reduced to less than 90km/h for any reason, for example by a variable speed control sign or because of roadworks, then they can no longer legally ride on the road shoulder or in an emergency stopping lane.
(Source: adapted from information in a Neighbourhood Watch Queensland blog article entitled "What is lane filtering and when can I ride on road shoulders" posted 28 Aug 2017)
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