Lane splitting & motorcycles: Is it legal in Australia?

LHD Lawyers

Lane splitting & motorcycles: Is it legal in Australia?

Key Summary

Lane filtering is legal across all Australian states and territories in safe circumstances, but subject to numerous state-specific restrictions.
Most states allow filtering at speeds up to 30 kmph; exceeding this is regarded as lane splitting and is unsafe.
Liability after a filtering crash depends on case specifics; gather evidence at the scene to strengthen any compensation claim.
Safety measures: avoid filtering beside heavy vehicles or parked cars, watch cyclists, and wear high-visibility clothing and full protective gear.

Lane filtering is the process of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of slow or stationary vehicles heading in the same direction.

To most motorcyclists, this is one of the perks of riding a bike during heavy traffic. However, riding a motorcycle through such a tight space risks a serious accident, and it’s not always easy to determine who is at fault.

In which states is lane filtering legal?

Lane filtering in safe circumstances is legal in all Australian states and territories, but with numerous restrictions. It pays to be aware of these before you next try to skip a traffic jam.

State/Territory	Legality	………Restrictions………
VIC	Legal for riders on open licenses travelling up to 30 kmph, including between parked vehicles and traffic.	Illegal when: – In bicycle lines – Alongside a kerb
QLD	Legal for riders on full licenses travelling up to 30 kmph.	Illegal when: – In a school zone – In a turning lane – In a bike lane
TAS	Legal for riders on open licenses travelling up to 30 kmph.	Illegal when: – In a school zone – Next to parked cars or the road edge
NSW	Legal for riders on full licenses travelling up to 30 kmph.	Illegal when: – In a school zone – Crossing a pedestrian crossing – In special purpose lanes – On roundabouts – Next to parked cars, the kerb, or road edge
SA	Legal for R or R-date license holders travelling at up to 30kmph.	Illegal when: – In a school zone – Crossing a pedestrian crossing – In special purpose lanes – On roundabouts – Next to parked cars, the kerb, or road edge
WA	Legal when travelling 30kmph or less, provided you are a P-plate or full license holder on a two-wheeled bike.	Illegal when: – In the vicinity of a pedestrian crossing – In school or shared zones – Between heavy vehicles – Between merging vehicles – In an area where overtaking is not permitted
NT	Legal for unrestricted, full or open license holders travelling 30kmph or under.	–
ACT	Lane filtering is currently legal while it undergoes an extended trial.	–

What about lane splitting?

Lane splitting is filtering done at unsafe speeds over 30 kmph. While some states don’t have specific regulations prohibiting lane splitting, it’s generally regarded as a dangerous practice that should be avoided.

Who is liable for a lane filtering accident?

Liability for a lane filtering accident will depend on the specifics of each case. If you are injured in an accident while filtering between lanes, gather as much evidence as you can at the time to better your chances of a successful claim.

Lane splitting safety tips

Motorcyclists are some of Australia’s most vulnerable road users, but there are measures you can take to improve your safety and reduce the risk of serious injury when undertaking a maneuver such as lane splitting.

Avoid lane filtering between heavy vehicles and buses which have diminished visibility
Watch out for fellow cyclists
Wear high visibility clothing
Wear full protective gear
Avoid filtering next to parked cars, whose doors may open suddenly

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