Colorado Motorcycle Lane Filtering Law: Ride Safely

Motorcycle deaths throughout Colorado reached the highest level on record in 2022. The Colorado Department of Transportation tallied a total of 149 riders who were killed as a result of vehicle v. motorcycle accidents in Colorado. While motorcycles make up a small percentage of vehicles on the road, motorcycle deaths represented 20% of all car-accident-related deaths. This trend highlights the significant risk riders face in accidents.

As a result, Colorado enacted a new lane filtering law to improve safety for motorcyclists and manage traffic flow more effectively. The Colorado motorcycle accident lawyers at Bowman Law believe that understanding the new lane filtering law will help protect riders on the road and their legal rights following traffic accidents. This article will discuss the new motorcycle law in Colorado.

Brief History of Colorado Motorcycle Laws

Over the years, motorcycle laws in Colorado have evolved to address safety concerns, promote technological advancements, and improve perceptions of motorcycle use. In 1967, Colorado passed a law for all motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets. This mandate aligned with federal incentives at the time, as states that implemented helmet laws were eligible for federal highway funds. However, in 1977, Colorado repealed this universal requirement. The state shifted to a law that only required riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets. Riders 18 and older are no longer legally obligated to wear helmets. However, helmet use is still recommended for their safety.

A law mandating eye protection for all motorcyclists was also enacted. It emphasizes rider safety, as eye protection helps decrease the likelihood of accidents caused by wind, dust, or debris that impair the vision of the motorcyclist. According to the mandate, the best eye protection comes from a visor on a helmet. Riders and passengers of motorcycles can also utilize goggles and eyeglasses with lenses made from safety glass while navigating highways or local roads. 

Colorado also declared a law on handlebar height restrictions, citing that motorcycle handlebars could not rise more than 15 inches above the seat. Higher handlebars can lessen the ability of the rider to securely handle the motorcycle, particularly in emergency situations. This regulation was initiated to promote better control and maneuverability of motorcycles. 

Colorado then implemented a law on passenger restrictions, limiting passengers could only ride on motorcycles designed to carry more than one person. The law requires motorcycles to have a designated passenger seat and footrests if they are carrying more than one rider. Passengers must utilize the footrests, as they ensure safety, and stability of the passenger while on the motorcycle. They must also ride on the seat behind the operator or to the side, not in front.

In addition, Colorado banned lane splitting or riding between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. The state based this resolution on concerns about the extreme dangers of accidents when motorcycles pass closely between lanes, especially at higher speeds or in moving traffic. Lane splitting has remained forbidden in Colorado to prevent catastrophic collisions from occurring. 

What is Colorado’s New Motorcycle Law?

Recently, Colorado passed a new law authorizing motorcycle riders to pass between vehicles stopped traffic and traveling the same direction. The lane filtering law, effective on August 7, 2024, allows motorcyclists to safely navigate through stopped traffic. Under Senate Bill 24-079, the rider must assess each situation to determine if they can meet the legal requirements for safe filtering.

• The motorcycle passes on the left of the vehicle in front of them.
• The other vehicles are stopped and navigating the road in the same direction as the rider.
• The lane is wide enough to pass safely.
• When passing, the motorcycle does not exceed 15 miles per hour.
• When the stopped vehicles begin to move, the motorcyclist shall cease passing.

According to CDOT, the new motorcycle lane filtering law also emphasizes that the rider may not overtake or pass on the right shoulder or by crossing over the centerline into oncoming traffic.

The Colorado motorcycle lane filtering law aims to reduce the risk of fatal or serious injuries for riders. Lane filtering minimizes the chances of a motorcyclist being rear-ended by other vehicles in stopped or slow-moving traffic. Generally, motorcycles are smaller in size and lighter than cars. As a result, rear-end collisions, even at low speeds, can eject the rider from the motorcycle, resulting in life-threatening injuries or death.

As part of this legislation, CDOT will conduct a comprehensive analysis and present the findings by the beginning of 2027 to evaluate its impact. This report will compare crash data from both before and after the implementation of the law to assess its effectiveness and safety implications, including information on motorcycle rear-end and sideswipe collisions. The law will expire in September 2027, allowing lawmakers to review the data and make informed decisions about whether to continue, modify, or discontinue the regulation.

When Can Colorado Motorcycles Overtake a Vehicle Between Two Lanes?

In Colorado, motorcyclists are allowed to overtake or pass another vehicle within two lanes under specific conditions. This maneuver is permitted only if traffic is stopped, the road has lanes wide enough for a safe pass, the motorcycle is moving at 15 miles per hour or less, and overall conditions permit safe and prudent operation. These regulations are designed to ensure that motorcyclists can maneuver through traffic in a controlled and secure manner while minimizing the risk to themselves and others on the road.

What is the Difference Between Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting?

Motorcycle lane filtering and lane splitting are two different practices for riders in Colorado. Lane filtering is now legal in the state, while lane splitting remains prohibited due to safety concerns.

Lane filtering permits motorcycles to move between lanes of stopped traffic at low speeds, usually at or below 15 miles per hour. This is typically done when traffic is fully stopped, such as at a red light, to let motorcycles move safely to the front. Colorado allows lane filtering under strict conditions, such as wide enough lanes to ensure safe passing and prudent riding conditions.

Meanwhile, the Colorado State Patrol defines lane splitting as the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of moving traffic or stopped traffic traveling in the same direction. Riders perform this maneuver even when vehicles are traveling at higher speeds. Lane splitting commonly involves operating the motorcycle down the painted line that separates the lanes. Under Colorado law, this action is illegal as moving at high rates of speed between lanes can increase the chances of traffic collisions.

Is Lane Splitting Dangerous?

Lane splitting is dangerous, particularly when done at high speeds or in unsafe conditions. While lane splitting allows motorcycle riders to move between lanes to prevent traffic congestion, it also brings risks due to the close proximity to other vehicles and reduced reaction time for both motorcyclists and drivers. 

Lane splitting between moving vehicles limits the time motorcyclists and drivers have to respond to abrupt changes such as changing lanes, braking, or swerving. Another factor that contributes to the hazards of lane splitting is blind spots. Several vehicles, especially large trucks, have blind spots where motorcyclists become completely invisible from the view of other motorists. Generally, drivers of larger vehicles do not expect other road users to approach from between lanes. Therefore, motorcycle riders in the blind spots are in extreme danger of being hit or not noticed during lane changes, turns, or other driving maneuvers and increase the likelihood of collisions.

Limited space also factors in. Motorcyclists have very little room to maneuver between vehicles. As a result, any sudden movement by a vehicle, such as changing lanes, swerving to avoid an obstacle, or opening a door, can cause a crash.

In addition, higher speed differences increase the risks. The larger speed differences between the motorcycle and surrounding traffic, the more dangerous lane splitting becomes. At high speeds, minor obstacles or abrupt lane changes by drivers can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Contact Colorado’s Premiere Motorcycle Accident Law Firm

When motorcycle accidents occur during lane filtering, the consequences can be devastating. At Bowman Law, we understand that these collisions significantly affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Our legal team has expertise in motorcycle accident cases and a proven track record of successfully advocating for riders and their families. We are committed to establishing liability for our clients and pursuing just compensation for their injuries, damages, and recovery needs.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a motorcycle lane filtering accident, our skilled Colorado personal injury lawyers are here to support you throughout the legal process. We will assess your case, explain your legal options, and work vigorously to secure the settlement you need to move forward. Contact our law firm at 720-863-6904 for a free evaluation. Let us fight for your rights and obtain the justice you deserve.

Our office is situated in Denver and serves the Front Range, including Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora.