Did you know motorcycle lane filtering will be made legal in NSW on 1 July 2014?
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From the start of July, New South Wales motorcyclists will be the first in the country to be legally allowed to lane filter. Transport for NSW‘s animation and further explanation below explains the new laws and shows how to lane filter safely.
What is lane filtering?
Lane filtering is when a motorcycle rider moves alongside vehicles that have either stopped or are moving slowly (less than 30 km/h).
What motorcyclists need to know about safe lane filtering
- Motorcycle lane filtering will be legal from 1 July 2014, with strict conditions
- Motorcyclists must only lane filter when travelling less than 30 km/h
- Motorcyclists can lane filter through stationary and slow moving traffic
- Motorcyclists caught moving between traffic at over 30km/h face heavy fines and three demerit points under a new offence called ‘lane splitting ’
- It will be illegal for motorcyclists to lane filter:
- next to the kerb
- next to parked vehicles
- in school zones
- Motorcyclists should always look out for pedestrians and cyclists
- Motorcyclists should not lane filter around heavy vehicles and buses
- Only fully licensed motorcyclists are allowed to lane filter
- Motorcyclists must only lane filter when it’s safe
- Motorcyclists must comply with all existing road rules when lane filtering. This includes stopping before the stop line at a red traffic light or stop sign, never in front or over it.
Safety information for other road users
Motorists
Motorists should always check twice for motorcycles. Motorists should not deliberately move into the path of a motorcyclist who is lane filtering. To ensure safety, motorcyclists:
- Are only allowed to lane filter when they are travelling less than 30 km/h
- Are only allowed to lane filter when they do it safely
- Should not be lane filtering around heavy vehicles and buses.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians should always check twice for motorcycles. Pedestrians should always cross at pedestrian crossings or traffic lights where they are available. To help protect the safety of pedestrians, motorcyclists:
- Are being advised to always look out for pedestrians when lane filtering
- Should not lane filter near buses
- Should not lane filter near parked vehicles
- Are not allowed to lane filter in school zones
- Are only allowed to lane filter when it’s safe.
Cyclists
Cyclists should always check twice for motorcycles. To help protect the safety of cyclists, motorcyclists:
- Are being advised to always look out for cyclists when lane filtering
- Are not allowed to lane filter next to the kerb
- Should not lane filter near heavy vehicles or buses
- Should not lane filter near parked vehicles
- Are only allowed to lane filter when it’s safe.
Are you confident you understand the new laws?
