Can Learners' Lane Filter in Victoria?
This change in legislation is only applicable to motorcycle license holders, and not to those who only possess a learner’s permit.
It is an offense for a rider who holds a Learners Permit to Lane Filter.
In 2015, the legislation regarding lane filtering in Victoria was changed.
The change in legislation allowed motorcyclists and scooter riders to practise lane Filtering.
This revised legislation came after motorcyclists argued the safety of lane filtering, and claiming that it would also decrease traffic congestion.
Can Learners' Lane Filter in Victoria?
Lane Filtering and passing traffic at speeds over 30 km/h, is still illegal and carries certain penalties, as it poses potential hazards to not only the motorcyclist, but others around them due to unpredictability at higher speeds.
Lane filtering is only permissible if certain conditions on the road are met; such as if you are passing between moving or stationary traffic and a parked car, or another moving vehicle in the same directions; but only if it is safe to do so.
Can I Use Bike Lanes?
Motorcyclists are still prohibited from using bicycle lanes or boxes to pass traffic, or to pass when between traffic and an adjacent kerb.
Further limits regarding lane filtering include only practising it when it can be done safely, and only unless if it’s not otherwise marked. If a motorcyclist or scooter rider attempts to practise lane filtering between adjacent traffic and oncoming traffic, however, then it is still illegal, as it poses a hazard to the vehicle being passed, the rider, and the person or persons in the oncoming lane.
What about Lane Filtering Near a School Zone?
It is still illegal, however, for any scooter rider or motorcyclist to lane filter in school zones during school zone hours, which could pose a hazard to road users, as well as pedestrians nearby.
During the revision of the law, other factors such as Australian and international lane filtering research, approaches to, and safety of filtering were taken into account, as well as the findings during the test; all of which led to the conclusion that lane filtering can reduce some traffic congestion, and if done properly, can be practised safely.
During a two month period of study, various groups including the NSW police force, the City of Sydney Council, and the Roads and Maritime Servies, working with the Motorcycle Council of NSW and NSW Motorcycle Alliance measured the safety of lane filtering, and found that there were no reported crashes during the test.
During the test, in the Central Business District, it was also found that in short distances, the travel times of motorcyclists and scooter riders were also decreased.
The revised law only allows motorcyclists to pass traffic if their speed is under 30 km/h and certain safety precautions are met.
After the revision was made, a campaign to bring about awareness to the change was made to educate all road users regarding the difference between lane filtering and Filtering, how filtering can be done safely for everyone, and possibly most importantly, the need of others to be aware of motorcyclists that may be lane filtering.
Ride-Tek is conveniently located at the Sandown Racetrack, at Gate 16 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale Victoria
Lane filtering is when a motorcycle or scooter rider travels at low speeds through stopped or slow-moving traffic. It is legal in Victoria, Australia, and affects all road users.
Definition of lane filtering
The Victorian Road Rules define lane filtering as follows:
Motorcycle lane filtering means the riding of a motorcycle along a length of road between:
(a) two adjacent lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the motorcycle; or
(b) two vehicles (regardless of whether the rider remains within a single marked lane) and each vehicle is travelling in
(i) the same direction as the motorcycle; and
(ii) separate, but adjacent, marked lanes; or
(c) a vehicle travelling in the same direction as the motorcycle and an adjacent parked vehicle or line of parked vehicles but does not include overtaking.
Why do we have lane filtering laws?
Lane filtering laws help to clarify what motorcyclists and scooter riders can and cannot do, and help road users to understand what is and isn’t permitted.
Victorian Road Rules 151A and 151B permit lane filtering:
For motorcycle licence holders (not motorcycle learner permit holders)
At speeds up to 30 km/h, with a penalty for exceeding 30 km/h while filtering
If ‘safe to do so’
Unless otherwise signed
Benefits of lane filtering
Lane filtering has a number of benefits, including:
Reduced congestion: Lane filtering can help to reduce congestion by allowing motorcycles and scooters to move through stopped or slow-moving traffic.
Improved safety: Lane filtering can also improve safety by reducing the risk of rear-end collisions between motorcycles and cars.
Reduced travel time: Lane filtering can reduce travel time for motorcyclists and scooter riders, especially in congested areas.
How to lane filter safely
If you are considering lane filtering, it is important to do so safely. Here are some tips:
Only lane filter if it is safe to do so. This means that you should check for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists before filtering.
Travel at a slow speed, no more than 30 km/h.
Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Signal your intentions to other road users.
Be courteous and respectful of other road users.
Lane filtering is a legal and safe way for motorcyclists and scooter riders to move through stopped or slow-moving traffic. It can help to reduce congestion, improve safety, and reduce travel time.
