You might think you know the road rules, but there's one law that's catching out both motorcyclists and car drivers alike—and the consequences can be devastating.
Lane filtering, the practice of motorcycles moving between lanes of slow-moving traffic, is legal across Australia, but get it wrong and you could face up to five years behind bars.
With motorcycle deaths reaching a 35-year high in 2024 at 278 fatalities—a 10.3 per cent increase from 2023—and overall road deaths hitting 1,300 people, understanding this rule isn't just about avoiding fines anymore.
It's become a matter of life and death on our increasingly congested roads.
Why older Australians need to pay attention
If you've been driving for decades, you might assume you've seen it all. But the relationship between motorcycles and other road users has never been more strained.
Research shows that older Australians aged 55-64 are the most frustrated by lane filtering, even though it remains the second most common annoyance for those without motorcycles.
A 2024 survey found that 74 per cent of Australians have experienced road rage, with 57 per cent being tailgated and 50 per cent having other drivers beep their horn at them.
For many older drivers, watching motorcycles weave between cars can be particularly aggravating, especially when they're unsure about what's actually legal.
Lane filtering quick facts
Lane filtering: Legal when moving between stationary or slow-moving vehicles at 30km/h or less
Lane splitting: Illegal everywhere—moving between vehicles at speeds over 30km/h
Maximum penalty for illegal lane filtering: $2,200 fine
Maximum penalty for malicious damage during filtering: 5 years imprisonment
The difference that could cost you everything
Here's where things get serious. Principal Criminal Lawyer Avinash Singh explains that if a motorcyclist sideswipes another vehicle while lane filtering, they can be charged with malicious damage under section 195 of the Crimes Act 1900, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.
The critical distinction lies in speed and safety. Lane filtering allows motorcycle riders to travel at no more than 30km/h between two lanes of stationary or slow-moving vehicles travelling in the same direction. Cross that speed threshold, and you're lane splitting—which is illegal everywhere in Australia.
'Motorcyclists caught moving between traffic at over 30km/h face heavy fines and 3 demerit points. If you don't lane filter safely, you can be charged with negligent, furious or reckless driving', according to NSW Transport.
'Lane filtering requires a high level of riding ability, road awareness and hazard perception, and is difficult for inexperienced riders to do safely'
The sobering reality of motorcycle safety
The numbers tell a stark story that should concern every road user. Motorcyclists made up 17 per cent of total road fatalities in 2015, but this has crept up to 21 per cent by 2024. Yet less than one in 20 vehicles is a motorbike, making them drastically over-represented in road death statistics.
In 2024, this proportion reached 21 per cent, while motorcycles make up less than one in 20 vehicles. For perspective, international research shows that motorcycle riders are about 34 times more likely to be killed in a crash than other road users.
State by state: what you need to know
While lane filtering is legal across Australia, the specific rules vary significantly between states, creating confusion for both riders and drivers:
New South Wales
Fully licensed motorcyclists must only lane filter when travelling less than 30km/h, and when it is safe to do so. Learner and provisional licence holders are banned from lane filtering entirely. Motorcyclists caught lane splitting face heavy fines and three demerit points.
Victoria
Similar rules apply—fully licensed riders only, under 30km/h, when safe. Filtering is prohibited around heavy vehicles and buses due to visibility issues.
Queensland
Open licence holders only, less than 30km/h when safe. No filtering during school zone hours or when 'no filtering' signs are present.
Western Australia
Lane filtering became legal on 29 March 2021, after amendments to the Road Traffic Code 2000. Over 18 months later, the Road Safety Commission conducted a review to assess the practical effects. Lane splitting remains illegal, with penalties including fines and 3 demerit points.
What car drivers should know
- Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes—motorcycles can appear quickly
- Maintain safe following distances—riders may need to swerve around road hazards
- Allow the same space when overtaking a motorcycle as you would a car
- Stay alert for legal lane filtering at low speeds in traffic
- Never deliberately block or intimidate filtering motorcycles
When lane filtering goes wrong
The consequences of getting lane filtering wrong extend far beyond fines. Take the case of Rachel Secker, a young Adelaide rider who was allegedly rammed by a driver in a road rage incident two years ago. She suffered devastating injuries requiring her right leg to be completely rebuilt and endured at least 20 surgeries.
'Even though I love riding, it's put a bit of a dampener on it for me. Every time I get on the bike, I wonder... is this going to be my last ride?' she told media during a recent rally against road rage.
The insurance angle you can't ignore
Beyond the legal penalties, lane filtering incidents can have serious insurance implications. If you're fined for unsafe driving or criminal activity that leads to an accident, your car insurer won't cover you.
The insurer is also likely to increase your premiums substantially if you're fined because you'll be considered a risky driver.
However, the news isn't all bad. If you're involved in an accident that wasn't your fault—for example, if you're hit from behind by a tailgater—they'll typically be considered to blame and your insurance should cover you.
Expert insight: why the law exists
Lane filtering advocates argue that it gives motorcyclists more control on the roads and allows them to move through heavy traffic into safer positions.
Research shows that riding between lanes at more than 30km/h increases crash risk for motorcyclists and other road users, which is why limiting speeds to 30km/h and below is consistent with safe riding approaches throughout Australia.
An analysis of more than 5,000 two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in the United States found the motorcyclist was at fault in less than one in three cases. This highlights that educating drivers of other vehicles matters just as much as educating motorcyclists themselves.
Making our roads safer for everyone
Creating safer roads depends on mutual awareness and responsibility. Car drivers should regularly check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles, especially before changing lanes or turning, maintain safe following distances, understanding that riders may need to swerve to avoid hazards like oil, gravel or potholes, and stay alert for lane filtering where riders legally travel between lanes of slow or stationary traffic at low speeds.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Lane filtering requires such a high level of riding ability that learner riders are banned from doing it in all Australian states and territories. Road authorities recognise it's too dangerous for inexperienced motorcyclists to attempt safely.
The next time you see a motorcycle filtering between lanes of traffic, remember that recognising motorcyclists as vulnerable road users, alongside pedestrians and cyclists, is key to making roads safer for everyone. A moment of patience and understanding could literally save a life.
What This Means For You
Understanding lane filtering isn't just about knowing the law—it's about sharing our roads safely as the number of motorcycles continues to grow. Whether you're behind the wheel of a car or on two wheels yourself, staying informed about these rules could prevent both legal troubles and genuine tragedy.
What's your experience with lane filtering on Australian roads? Have you found yourself frustrated by motorcycles moving between lanes, or do you think it's a sensible way to ease traffic congestion? Share your thoughts below—your perspective could help other readers understand this complex issue better.
Original Article
https://www.news.com.au/technology/...349c1343ec3df099c7fa9d7f805cf9?from=rss-basic
Motorcyclists Rally Against Road Rage Following Shocking Incident—Australian Motorcycle News
Cited text: Motorcycle deaths reached a 35-year high in 2024, with 278 fatalities, marking a 10.3 per cent increase from 2023. Overall, 1,300 people lost their lives on A...
Excerpt: With motorcycle deaths reaching a 35-year high in 2024 at 278 fatalities—a 10.3 per cent increase from 2023—and overall road deaths hitting 1,300 people
https://amcn.com.au/editorial/motorcyclists-rally-against-road-rage-following-shocking-incident/
Motorcycle accident survey & statistics | Budget Direct
Cited text: Older Australians aged 55-64 seem to be the most frustrated by lane filtering. Lane filtering remains the second most common annoyance for those witho...
Excerpt: Research shows that older Australians aged 55-64 are the most frustrated by lane filtering, even though it remains the second most common annoyance for those without motorcycles
https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/motorcycle-insurance/research/motorcycle-accident-statistics.html
Road Rage Statistics in Australia 2024—Car Insurance
Cited text: A 2024 Finder survey has found that 74 per cent of us have experienced road rage. 57 per cent of the 1,056 people we surveyed have been tailgated by another driver an...
Excerpt: A 2024 survey found that 74 per cent of Australians have experienced road rage, with 57 per cent being tailgated and 50 per cent having other drivers beep their horn at them
https://www.finder.com.au/car-insurance/road-rage-statistics-australia
Motorcyclists | Transport for NSW
Cited text: · property damage offences under the Crimes Act 1900, if the damage is done intentionally or recklessly.
Excerpt: Principal Criminal Lawyer Avinash Singh explains that if a motorcyclist sideswipes another vehicle while lane filtering, they can be charged with malicious damage under section 195 of the Crimes Act 1900, which carries a maximum penalty of…
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/motorcyclists
Lane Filtering
Cited text: Lane filtering is a manoeuvre where a motorcycle rider travels at low speed—no more than 30 km/h—between two lanes of stationary or slow-moving ve...
Excerpt: Lane filtering allows motorcycle riders to travel at no more than 30km/h between two lanes of stationary or slow-moving vehicles travelling in the same direction
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/lane-filtering
Motorcyclists | Transport for NSW
Cited text: · Motorcyclists caught moving between traffic at over 30km/h face heavy fines and 3 demerit points. · If you don’t lane filter safely, you can be cha...
Excerpt: 'Motorcyclists caught moving between traffic at over 30km/h face heavy fines and 3 demerit points.
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/motorcyclists
In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer : Find an Expert : The University of Melbourne
Cited text: In 2015, they made up 17 per cent of total road fatalities. In 2024, this has crept up to 21 per cent.
Excerpt: Motorcyclists made up 17 per cent of total road fatalities in 2015, but this has crept up to 21 per cent by 2024
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au...ths-is-a-motorcyclist.-we-can-make-them-safer
In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer : Find an Expert : The University of Melbourne
Cited text: So, less than one in 20 vehicles is a motorbike.
Excerpt: Yet less than one in 20 vehicles is a motorbike
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au...ths-is-a-motorcyclist.-we-can-make-them-safer
In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer : Find an Expert : The University of Melbourne
Cited text: In 2024, this has crept up to 21 per cent.
Excerpt: In 2024, this proportion reached 21 per cent, while motorcycles make up less than one in 20 vehicles
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au...ths-is-a-motorcyclist.-we-can-make-them-safer
Motorcyclists | Transport for NSW
Cited text: International research shows that motorcycle riders are about 34 times more likely to be killed in a crash than other road users.
Excerpt: international research shows that motorcycle riders are about 34 times more likely to be killed in a crash than other road users
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/motorcyclists
Motorcycle Lane Filtering Laws in Australia | Maurice Blackburn
Cited text: Fully licensed motorcyclists in New South Wales must only lane filter when travelling less than 30 km/h, and when it is safe to do so.
Excerpt: Fully licensed motorcyclists must only lane filter when travelling less than 30km/h, and when it is safe to do so
https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/blog/road-injury/lane-filtering-in-australia/
Motorcycle lane filtering rules explained | Budget Direct
Cited text: In New South Wales motorcyclists caught lane splitting face heavy fine and three demerit points.
Excerpt: Motorcyclists caught lane splitting face heavy fines and three demerit points
https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/mot...otorcycle-lane-filtering-rules-explained.html
Motorcycle Lane Filtering Laws in Australia | Maurice Blackburn
Cited text: Fully licensed motorcyclists in Victoria must only lane filter when travelling less than 30 km/h, and when it is safe to do so.
Excerpt: Similar rules apply—fully licensed riders only, under 30km/h, when safe
https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/blog/road-injury/lane-filtering-in-australia/
Motorcycle Lane Filtering Laws in Australia | Maurice Blackburn
Cited text: In Queensland, motorcyclists with an open license must only lane filter when travelling less than 30 km/h and when it is safe to do so.
Excerpt: Open licence holders only, less than 30km/h when safe
https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/blog/road-injury/lane-filtering-in-australia/
Lane Filtering
Cited text: ... On 29 March 2021, amendments to the Road Traffic Code 2000 came into effect to permit motorcycle lane filtering in certain circumstances. Over 18 ...
Excerpt: Lane filtering became legal on 29 March 2021, after amendments to the Road Traffic Code 2000.
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/lane-filtering
Motorcycle lane filtering rules explained | Budget Direct
Cited text: In WA lane splitting is illegal.
Excerpt: Lane splitting remains illegal
https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/mot...otorcycle-lane-filtering-rules-explained.html
Motorcycle lane filtering rules explained | Budget Direct
Cited text: The penalty in SA for unlawful lane filtering is an expiation fee and 3 demerit points.
Excerpt: penalties including fines and 3 demerit points
https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/mot...otorcycle-lane-filtering-rules-explained.html
Motorcyclists Rally Against Road Rage Following Shocking Incident—Australian Motorcycle News
Cited text: On Sunday Feb 9th, nearly 80 motorcyclists participated in the ‘Ride Against Road Rage’ event in Adelaide, rallying in support of Rachel Secker, a you...
Excerpt: Rachel Secker, a young Adelaide rider who was allegedly rammed by a driver in a road rage incident two years ago.
https://amcn.com.au/editorial/motorcyclists-rally-against-road-rage-following-shocking-incident/
Motorcyclists Rally Against Road Rage Following Shocking Incident—Australian Motorcycle News
Cited text: After a driver allegedly rammed into her motorbike, she suffered devastating injuries that required her right leg to be completely rebuilt.
Excerpt: Rachel Secker, a young Adelaide rider who was allegedly rammed by a driver in a road rage incident two years ago.
https://amcn.com.au/editorial/motorcyclists-rally-against-road-rage-following-shocking-incident/
Motorcyclists Rally Against Road Rage Following Shocking Incident—Australian Motorcycle News
Cited text: “Every time I get on the bike, I wonder… is this going to be my last ride?” · She endured at least 20 surgeries to reconstruct her leg and will face t...
Excerpt: Rachel Secker, a young Adelaide rider who was allegedly rammed by a driver in a road rage incident two years ago.
https://amcn.com.au/editorial/motorcyclists-rally-against-road-rage-following-shocking-incident/
Motorcyclists Rally Against Road Rage Following Shocking Incident—Australian Motorcycle News
Cited text: “Even though I love riding, it’s put a bit of a dampener on it for me,” she told 7 News. “Every time I get on the bike, I wonder… is this going to be ...
Excerpt: 'Even though I love riding, it's put a bit of a dampener on it for me. Every time I get on the bike, I wonder... is this going to be my last ride?'
https://amcn.com.au/editorial/motorcyclists-rally-against-road-rage-following-shocking-incident/
Road Rage Statistics in Australia 2024—Car Insurance
Cited text: If you're fined for unsafe driving or criminal activity that gets you into an accident, your car insurer won't cover you. The insurer is also likely t...
Excerpt: If you're fined for unsafe driving or criminal activity that leads to an accident, your car insurer won't cover you.
https://www.finder.com.au/car-insurance/road-rage-statistics-australia
Road Rage Statistics in Australia 2024—Car Insurance
Cited text: However, if you're involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, for example, if you're hit from behind by a tailgater, they'll typically be conside...
Excerpt: If you're involved in an accident that wasn't your fault—for example, if you're hit from behind by a tailgater—they'll typically be considered to blame and your insurance should cover you
https://www.finder.com.au/car-insurance/road-rage-statistics-australia
Motorcycle Lane Filtering Laws in Australia | Maurice Blackburn
Cited text: Lane filtering is a big issue for many motorcyclists, and increasingly important when it comes to improving road safety and traffic congestion. Advoca...
Excerpt: Lane filtering advocates argue that it gives motorcyclists more control on the roads and allows them to move through heavy traffic into safer positions
https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/blog/road-injury/lane-filtering-in-australia/
Lane Filtering
Cited text: Riding between lanes at more than 30 km/h increases the crash risk for the motorcyclist and other road users. Limiting lane filtering speeds to 30 km/...
Excerpt: Research shows that riding between lanes at more than 30km/h increases crash risk for motorcyclists and other road users, which is why limiting speeds to 30km/h and below is consistent with safe riding approaches throughout Australia
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/lane-filtering
In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer : Find an Expert : The University of Melbourne
Cited text: An analysis of more than 5,000 two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in the United States found the motorcyclist was at fault in less than one in three cases...
Excerpt: An analysis of more than 5,000 two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in the United States found the motorcyclist was at fault in less than one in three cases.
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au...ths-is-a-motorcyclist.-we-can-make-them-safer
In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer : Find an Expert : The University of Melbourne
Cited text: Creating safer roads depends on mutual awareness and responsibility. Sharing the road responsibly means drivers should: regularly check mirrors and bl...
Excerpt: Creating safer roads depends on mutual awareness and responsibility.
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au...ths-is-a-motorcyclist.-we-can-make-them-safer
Lane Filtering
Cited text: Lane filtering requires a high level of riding ability, road awareness and hazard perception, and is difficult for inexperienced riders to do safely.
Excerpt: Lane filtering requires such a high level of riding ability that learner riders are banned from doing it in all Australian states and territories.
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/lane-filtering
In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer : Find an Expert : The University of Melbourne
Cited text: Recognising motorcyclists as vulnerable road users, alongside pedestrians and cyclists, is key to making roads safer for everyone.
Excerpt: recognising motorcyclists as vulnerable road users, alongside pedestrians and cyclists, is key to making roads safer for everyone
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au...ths-is-a-motorcyclist.-we-can-make-them-safer
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