New Colorado law allows motorcycles to ride between lanes

New Colorado law allows motorcycles to ride between lanes.

If you’ve driven is California or one of 15 other states and been surprised when a motorcycle comes up between cars stuck in traffic, it’s totally legal and now it’s ok to do in Colorado.

Motorcyclists in Colorado are now permitted to ride between vehicles, but there are specific rules to follow. Governor Jared Polis signed SB24-079 in April 2024, allowing motorcycles to filter through cars only when they are stationary or moving at speeds below 15 miles per hour.

This practice, known as lane filtering, is only allowed if the lanes are wide enough for safe passing and the conditions are suitable for the maneuver.

Specifically, the act authorizes the driver of a 2-wheeled motorcycle to overtake or pass another motor vehicle in the same lane if:

• The traffic is stopped
• The road has lanes wide enough to pass safely
• The motorcycle is moving at 15 mph or less
• Conditions permit prudent operation of the motorcycle while overtaking or passing

The law is set to expire on September 1, 2027, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be tasked with gathering safety data over the next three years.

Now the states that allow “lane splitting” are: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Arkansas, Montana, Virginia, Missouri, Delaware, Texas, Idaho, Ohio, Connecticut, Arizona, Utah, Kentucky, Mississippi and Washington.

Read more from our partners at 9News here.

Where to see peak fall foliage in Colorado

Get ready to haunt in style: Spirit Halloween Stores opening around Colorado