(COLORADO) — Next Wednesday, Aug. 7, a new law will go into effect allowing motorcyclists to cut in between vehicles that are stopped.

‘Motorcycle Lane Filtering & Passing,’ or SB24-079, was signed into law on April 4 by Governor Jared Polis, and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is making sure drivers and riders understand the five rules of filtering in our state.

CSP: Lane Filtering is legal in CO under these conditions

1. Traffic must be at a complete stop

To pass, traffic in the rider’s lane and adjacent lanes going the same direction must be at a complete stop.

Courtesy: CSP

2. The lane must be wide enough

The lane must be wide enough to fit the vehicle and motorcycle while passing.

If the lane cannot accommodate both vehicles, the motorcyclist should not pass. 

Courtesy: CSP

3. Motorcycles must go this speed or less

The motorcycle must go 15 mph or less.

Courtesy: CSP

4. Safety and control is key

The rider must pass safely and control the motorcycle. 

Courtesy: CSP

5. Riders must pass on the left

The rider must pass on the left and not enter the oncoming traffic lane.

Courtesy: CSP

“Lane filtering is not required; it is an option for riders,” wrote CSP. “The law requires traffic going in the same direction as the rider [to] be at a complete stop. Therefore, if there is a crash, the rider would be at fault as they would be the only vehicle moving.”

CSP clarified that while lane filtering will soon be legal, lane splitting is not and is considered a Class A traffic infraction, which if a motorcycle rider is cited for this, can involve a fine and points added to their driving record.

“The new law on lane filtering means, very simply, that you as a motorcyclist can cut to the front of a line of vehicles that are stopped. It does not mean that you can cut in between vehicles that are moving,” Sam Cole, Traffic Safety Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) told FOX21 back in April.

Cole also stressed, that in addition to the five rules listed above, it’s also imperative that riders do not pass vehicles on the right shoulder.

“The shoulder is meant for emergency vehicles, no one should be just driving or riding in that at will, also they don’t want you passing all the vehicles on the far right side because somebody may be turning right,” said Cole.

As part of the legislation, CDOT will be conducting safety data on the bill and in 2027, will issue a report on its findings.

“It is up to the rider to assess every situation and determine if [they] can filter safely and legally before practicing the maneuver,” wrote CSP.