Expect to see motorcycles lane filtering
soon, it will be legal under certain circumstancesLane Filtering is NOT the same as Lane
Splitting. Legal for roads with 45 mph or less
speed limit; NOT LEGAL on ANY
Freeways.
ARIZONA – As the weather continues to get warmer, Arizonans can expect to see more motorcycles on the road — and more motorcycles means lane filtering will be legal soon.
ABATE of Arizona wants to remind drivers
they can expect to see motorcycles lane filtering this fall, as well as remind motorcyclists of the conditions under which lane filtering is legal.
What is Lane filtering?Lane filtering is when motorcyclists move between two lanes to the front of traffic that is stopped at an intersection.
Motorcycle lane filtering was made legal under certain circumstances in Arizona but it doesn’t go into effect just yet.
Officials say the law for lane filtering was designed
to prevent or reduce rear-end collisions between
approaching vehicles and motorcycles stopped in
traffic.
They added, unlike lane “splitting,” lane “filtering”
is intended to provide a “safety pocket” for motorcycles when encountering stopped traffic.
Since we have so many snowbirds in Arizona, some
drivers may be surprised when they see motorcyclists who are lane filtering.
Officials emphasized that lane filtering between
stopped vehicles on roadways with at least two
lanes in the same direction and speeds of 45 mph
and lower is legal in Arizona.
Having a motorcycle pass closely to your stopped
vehicle can be startling.
However, officials say if you’re aware
that lane filtering is legal and know to
expect it, you can maintain an awareness of your surroundings and reduce
the element of surprise.
When the law goes into effect, motorcycles will be able to lane filter in Arizona
when the following conditions are met,
according to officials:
The movement MUST be made safely
The individual is on a roadway divided
into two or more adjacent traffic lanes
in the same direction of travel
The individual is on a roadway with a
speed limit of 45 miles per hour or
less; this means it is never legal on the
freeways
The vehicle being overtaken in the same
lane is stopped
The motorcycle is traveling at a speed
of 15 miles per hour or less.
Mike InfanzonLegislative Director