The following is a news release from the Colorado State Patrol
(COLO)—Motorcyclists have been legally allowed to filter through stopped traffic in Colorado for one month now. As we all adjust to this new traffic law, the Colorado State Patrol continues to receive questions, concerns and complaints from riders and other drivers.
Your Colorado State troopers want to take a few minutes to review the rules of filtering. Riding recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic, passing on the shoulder, and driving down the lane line while vehicles are still moving is NOT legal now and has never been legal in Colorado. Colorado motorists and motorcycle riders need to know the law, which includes the five rules of filtering in our state:
Lane Filtering is Legal in Colorado Under These Conditions
The vehicle/s a rider wants to pass and vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes going
the same direction must be at a complete stop.
The lane must be wide enough to fit the vehicle and motorcycle while passing.
The motorcycle must go 15 mph or less.
The rider must pass safely and control the motorcycle.
The rider must not enter the oncoming traffic lane.
Drivers should watch their side view mirrors and allow motorcycles to filter back into the regular traffic lane when things begin to move again. This new law is designed to protect riders from rear-end collisions in stopped traffic. Riders, ensure you are following the law as written. This is for everyone’s safety and gives motorists time to learn and become comfortable with this new maneuver.
Riders must ensure that there is enough room for them to pass the vehicle while staying in the same lane. If the lane cannot accommodate both vehicles, the motorcyclist should not pass. This means drivers need to become comfortable with motorcycles slowly passing by them when stopped.
###
Comments