If you’ve driven on I-25 or another busy Colorado highway lately, you may have noticed more motorcycles traveling between vehicles. But there’s an important distinction Colorado drivers and motorcyclists need to understand: lane filtering and lane splitting are not the same thing.
Colorado legalized lane filtering in 2024 under specific circumstances. Lane splitting, however, remains illegal.
Understanding the difference is important for motorcyclists and for drivers who increasingly share the road with riders using lane filtering.
What Is Lane Filtering?
Lane filtering allows a motorcyclist to pass vehicles traveling in the same direction when traffic is completely stopped and certain other requirements are met.
You might see this at a stoplight or in gridlocked traffic, when a motorcycle moves carefully between stopped vehicles toward the front of the line.
Colorado State Patrol provides a full explanation of the state’s lane filtering requirements here:
https://csp.colorado.gov/lane-filtering-in-colorado
Motorcyclists should review the current rules before attempting to lane filter and make sure the situation allows them to do so legally and safely.
Lane Splitting Is Different
Lane splitting generally involves a motorcycle traveling between lanes of traffic while surrounding vehicles are moving.
Unlike lane filtering, lane splitting is prohibited in Colorado.
This distinction becomes particularly important on highways. A motorcycle traveling between moving vehicles can approach very quickly, leaving both the motorcyclist and surrounding drivers with little time to react if traffic slows, someone changes lanes or another unexpected situation occurs.
A Recent Colorado Crash Shows the Danger
Colorado State Patrol recently released dashcam footage that demonstrates how quickly lane splitting can lead to a serious crash.
The footage shows a motorcyclist traveling between moving vehicles on I-76. Ahead of the motorcycle, a vehicle begins changing lanes. The motorcycle then collides with the vehicle.
Watch the dashcam footage here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6HpIlAHC9M
The video is a powerful reminder that there is a significant difference between safely and legally filtering through stopped traffic and traveling between vehicles that are moving.
Drivers Need to Pay Attention, Too
Motorcyclists have a responsibility to follow Colorado traffic laws, but drivers should also recognize that motorcycles may be traveling around them in ways they aren’t accustomed to seeing.
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors and blind spots carefully. Use your turn signal and give yourself time before moving into another lane.
When you’re stopped in traffic, be aware that a motorcycle may legally filter alongside your vehicle under certain circumstances. Don’t intentionally block a rider or make sudden movements because you aren’t expecting a motorcycle to be there.
The more predictable everyone is on the road, the safer it is for both drivers and riders.
Share the Road Safely
Colorado’s lane filtering law changed what drivers may encounter on the road, and it may take time for everyone to become familiar with the difference between legal lane filtering and illegal lane splitting.
For motorcyclists, that means understanding when and how filtering is permitted. For drivers, it means staying alert and looking carefully before making a move.
At LS Injury Law, we encourage everyone on Colorado roads to understand the rules, avoid unnecessary risks and give the people around them enough space to get home safely. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, reach out to LS Injury Law. Our team is happy to talk to you about your case and discuss your options and next steps.