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Motor bike lane filtering

Lane filtering is legal in South Australia.

Lane filtering is when a motor bike rider travels at low speed between two lanes of traffic, if it is safe to do so. Vehicles may be stationary or slow-moving. Riders should not exceed 30km/h.

Lane filtering applies to traffic travelling in the same direction.

Lane filtering can improve safety for motor bike riders as it:

  • provides riders with greater control over their exposure to traffic
  • reduces a rider’s risk of being hit from behind by an inattentive driver.

Motor bike riders must abide by the conditions that apply to lane filtering. The penalty for unlawful lane filtering is an expiation fee and three demerit points.

Police can also charge riders with road traffic offences if they lane filter in a dangerous manner.

Conditions

Strict conditions apply to lane filtering.

Lane filtering is only permitted:

  • for R and R-DATE licensed motor bike riders (who are not required to display an L or P plate). This also applies to interstate licence holders.
  • when safe to do so. There must be adequate clearance between vehicles.
  • at speeds of 30km/h or slower.

Lane filtering is not permitted:

  • for P1 provisional or learner’s permit holders. Learner riders have only completed the pre-learner training requirements and may not have the riding skills to do this safety. P1 licence holders are not experienced and may still be developing their hazard perception skills.
  • for moped riders with a car licence only. Moped and scooter riders cannot lane filter unless they have an R or R-Date licence. R or R-DATE licence holders have completed pre-licence training requirements to do this safely.
  • in a school zone or across pedestrian and children's crossings.
  • next to parked cars, between vehicles and the edge of the road, or on roundabouts.
  • in bicycle or tram lanes.

More information

To learn how to lane filter in South Australia, watch the Lane Filtering in South Australia video.

Read important information on road rules for motor bike riders in The Rider’s Safety Handbook.

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