Lane filtering and sharing the road

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the difference between lane filtering and lane splitting.
• You can state the common speed limit for lane filtering.
• You can list places where filtering is not allowed.
• You can check whether your licence lets you filter.

What you need to know and understand

• Lane filtering is generally allowed only at 30 km/h or less.
• Riding between lanes of faster-moving traffic (lane splitting) is illegal.
• Filtering next to the kerb or parked vehicles is not allowed in states such as NSW, Victoria and the NT.
• Filtering in a school zone during its hours is banned in states such as NSW, Queensland and the NT.
• Learner riders cannot filter; NSW P1, Queensland and NT novice riders are also barred.
• WA also bans filtering where the posted speed limit is 40 km/h or less.

Filtering versus splitting

Filtering is slow and controlled, between vehicles that are stopped or crawling. Splitting means riding between lanes when traffic is moving faster, and it is not allowed. If traffic starts moving above the filtering limit, you must merge back into a lane.

Where and when it is not allowed

SA, Tasmania and the ACT have their own versions of these rules. Licence limits also vary by state: Queensland only allows full licence holders to filter, and the NT bars learner, provisional and restricted riders. Check your state road authority before you filter.

• Above 30 km/h
• Next to the kerb, a parked car or the road shoulder (NSW, Victoria, NT)
• In bicycle lanes or on shared paths (Victoria)
• Between lanes of traffic going in opposite directions (Victoria)
• In school zones during school zone hours (NSW, Queensland, NT; WA bans it in school zones)
• Where the posted limit is 40 km/h or less (WA)
• Where a sign says filtering is not allowed (Victoria)

Filtering safely as a rider

1. Check your licence lets you filter and that the place is allowed.
2. Keep your speed at or below 30 km/h and well under it in tight gaps.
3. Watch for doors, mirrors, and drivers changing lanes without looking.
4. Rejoin a lane before traffic speeds up.

Tips for drivers

Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes in slow traffic, as a rider may be filtering. Do not move across to block a filtering rider. Stay in your lane and signal clearly.

Common mistakes

• Filtering on a learner or P1 licence. It is not allowed.
• Creeping above 30 km/h as traffic starts to move.
• Filtering along the kerb or past parked cars.
• Forgetting school zone times.

Test yourself: Lane filtering and sharing the road

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Road Markings in Australia
• Lane Filtering in Australia
• Sharing the Road with Trucks, Buses and Road Trains in Australia