‘Totally different’, expert warns as lane filtering becomes legal on roads – but drivers face $100 fine for ‘splitting’

MILLIONS of motorists are bracing for a massive change to traffic regulations aimed at reducing motorcycle collisions.

Driving experts warn that the highway law makes an important distinction between “filtering” and “splitting,” which can cost drivers $100 in fines.

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Colorado will be one of at least five states that allow motorcycle drivers to filter traffic, according to Denver affiliate ABC KMGH-TV.

Arizona, Hawaii, Montana and Utah also allow motorcyclists to filter through stopped traffic.

Filtering is a maneuver commonly used among motorcyclists who travel between lanes of stopped traffic.

The change allows passengers to move quickly on congested roads, slipping between vehicles stopped in their lane.

Last month, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a law allowing filtering in specific circumstances.

Track filtering will be legal after August 7th.

However, state authorities warn that the new law does not allow the “splitting” of lanes.

Colorado distinguishes between splitting and filtering based on the speed of nearby traffic.

Motorcyclists will be able to pass traffic if they fit into the same lane as stopped cars.

However, they cannot overtake cars while they are still moving.

Motorcyclists caught passing moving traffic in the same lane are subject to a $100 fine.

“Filtering and lane splitting are totally different,” Peter Wolfe, a local motorcycle instructor, told the station.

“They are confused about these two, and that is a big problem and could create a real disaster.”

INSIDE THE NEW LAW

More than 150 motorcyclists in Colorado have died in 2021 during vehicle collisions.

Studies have found that lane filtering is safer for motorcyclists and car drivers.

Motorcyclists passing cars eases traffic congestion, saves motorcyclists time and reduces traffic collisions, the State Patrol said.

“What our organization has worked so hard to do together is make sure Colorado’s roads are as safe as possible,” Patrol Chief Matthew Packard told the station.

“I think it will be an improvement as long as there is proper education for the drivers,” Wolfe added.

“Let’s make sure we are showing that we are responsible motorcyclists and give the public this good image so that we can all share and grow and not be in such a bad situation.”