Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? – Motorcycle Laws CO

“Lane splitting” is a term used to define any instance in which a driver shares space next to another motorist in the same lane. This term is most commonly used to describe situations in which motorcyclists split lanes to pass between lanes of slower-moving traffic. So is lane splitting legal in Colorado?

This may seem like a prudent move in certain situations, such as avoiding a rear-end collision with a driver in front of a motorcyclist who suddenly brakes. However, state law forbids lane splitting and similar actions, and engaging in lane splitting can lead to tickets or even reckless driving charges.

Understanding the Current Law on Lane Splitting in Colorado

As of August 7, 2024, motorcycle lane filtering is legal in Colorado. The new law permits motorcyclists to pass between vehicles that are stopped in traffic and moving in the same direction.

However, specific conditions must be met: The motorcycle must pass on the left at no more than 15 mph, the lane must be wide enough, and all vehicles must be stopped. Riders must stop filtering once traffic begins to move and cannot pass on the shoulder or cross into oncoming lanes.

Lane filtering differs from lane splitting, which remains illegal.  Filtering is intended to improve motorcyclist safety by reducing the risk of being rear-ended. CDOT plans to release a report by 2027 analyzing crash data before and after the law’s implementation.

Motorcyclists are urged to filter safely, which means only when traffic is stopped, at low speeds, and with full control of the bike.  Drivers are reminded to share the road and respect riders using this new legal maneuver.

Understanding Lane Splitting Versus Lane Filtering in Colorado

Lane splitting and lane filtering are often mistaken for the same thing, but they involve very different behaviors. Lane splitting is when motorcyclists ride between two lanes of slow or stopped traffic going in the same direction. Lane filtering typically happens at stoplights, where a rider moves between cars to the front of the line when traffic is stopped.

In Colorado, lane filtering is now legal, thanks to a 2024 law that allows it under specific conditions. Riders can filter between stopped vehicles if they go under 15 mph and only pass on the left. But lane splitting is still illegal, and weaving through moving traffic can get you ticketed.

Law enforcement in cities like Denver and Colorado Springs may issue citations for these actions, especially in high-traffic areas like I-25 and Colfax Avenue. Riders should stay informed about state laws and avoid risky maneuvers that could lead to legal penalties or contribute to a crash.

Important Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle crashes are a serious public safety concern across Colorado, particularly in high-traffic areas like I-70 through Denver and the congested stretches of I-25 between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins.

In 2024, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported 165 motorcyclist fatalities, a record high that surpassed the previous peak of 149 in 2022. Despite motorcycles making up only about 3% of registered vehicles in the state, riders accounted for 24% of all traffic deaths that year.

Lane splitting, which is defined as riding between lanes of moving traffic, remains illegal in Colorado and carries a $100 fine if enforced. Some motorcyclists point out the situation in California, where it was legalized in 2016, as a model for improved safety. Studies from that state discovered that motorcyclists who split lanes had fewer crashes.

Potential Dangers of Lane Splitting

Lane splitting remains illegal in Colorado for good reason. Riding between moving lanes of traffic puts other drivers at risk, especially on fast-moving highways like I-25 or I-70 in Aurora. Drivers in Colorado may be startled to see a motorcycle appear just feet away from them when traveling at high speeds, which can lead to sudden lane changes or side-swipes.

Limited space between vehicles also gives riders little room to maneuver or react. Unlike filtering, which occurs in stopped traffic, lane splitting involves higher speeds and tighter gaps, increasing the chance of impact.

In busy corridors like Colfax Avenue or US 36, the serious collision risk goes up when riders try to weave through traffic. Anyone found engaging in this unlawful behavior on the road could face citations. If the motorcyclist causes a collision, the rider may be held financially liable for any harm or damage they cause.

Safe Practices for Motorcyclists Using Lane Filtering Safely

Now that filtering is legal in Colorado, motorcyclists must follow clear safety guidelines. Filtering is only permitted when traffic is stopped. Riders must pass on the left side of vehicles without exceeding 15 miles per hour. This law is useful in busy cities where stop-and-go traffic at intersections is common.

Riders should avoid filtering on narrow lanes or near construction zones. They should avoid driving onto the shoulder. They must stay alert and maintain full control of the bike while keeping both hands on the handlebars. Wearing high-visibility gear and using turn signals communicates to other drivers so they can anticipate your movement.

Motorcyclists must also stop filtering once traffic begins moving again. Responsible lane filtering not only improves rider safety but also reduces congestion and lowers the risk that the rider is held responsible for a car collision.

How Colorado’s Lane Filtering Law Compares to Other States

Colorado’s 2024 lane filtering law sets it apart from most states. Unlike California, where full-speed lane splitting is legal under some conditions, Colorado permits only lane filtering, and only when traffic is completely stopped.

Under the new law, motorcyclists may pass between vehicles moving in the same direction, but only on the left side. They must also remain under 15 mph. Other states allow filtering at higher speeds or only at traffic lights. In Colorado, the new law applies to all public roads. Riders cannot cross double yellow lines.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to know the first steps you must take to recover. Colorado is a fault state, so you must prove how your accident happened and identify the driver who caused the accident to succeed with any recovery efforts you attempt. In addition, the state requires all drivers to have liability insurance that comes into play when an accident happens, so the injured driver can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Insurance alone may not cover the full amount of your damages, however. Many motorcycle accidents result in tremendous damage to the rider, and it is possible for the motorcyclist to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. When insurance cannot fully repay your losses from an accident, you can pursue a personal injury claim.

In the event your accident happened because a motorcyclist was lane splitting, they are likely to absorb liability for the resulting damages since lane splitting is illegal. If you are unsure how to prove liability for your recent motorcycle accident, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced motorcycle attorney as soon as possible. They can not only help you firmly prove fault for your accident but also help you recover more compensation than you might initially expect. The sooner you have legal counsel working on your case, the better your chances are of maximizing your compensation.

FAQs About Lane Splitting in Colorado

When Is It Legal to Lane Split on a Motorcycle?

Colorado law does not allow drivers to split a lane or share space in the same lane with another vehicle. However, the law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in the same lane. While this presents some risks, it can actually improve rider safety in some situations, particularly at night. In addition, the taillights of the two motorcycles will mimic the appearance of twin taillights from a standard passenger vehicle, potentially making them more visible to other drivers behind them.

Lane splitting and lane filtering are similar but not the same. Lane splitting involves riding between lanes of moving traffic, while lane filtering refers to moving between stopped vehicles to reach the front at a red light. In Colorado, lane filtering became legal in 2024 under certain conditions, but lane splitting is still illegal. Motorcyclists should understand the difference to avoid fines and ride within the limits of state traffic laws.

Who Is at Fault for a Lane Splitting Accident?

In the event that lane splitting causes a crash, the driver who splits the lane is responsible for the resulting damages. If you are unsure how to prove fault for a recent lane-splitting accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They will know what evidence you will need to prove liability for the accident and how to recover your damages.

What Are the Safety Benefits of Lane Filtering?

Lane filtering can reduce the risk of rear-end collisions for motorcyclists by allowing them to move out of stop-and-go traffic. It also helps lower the chance of being trapped between distracted drivers. In congested areas like downtown Denver or along I-25, safe filtering can improve visibility and reaction time. The practice makes intersections and heavy traffic zones less hazardous for riders.

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Technically, no, there is no law requiring you to hire legal representation for any civil suit. However, you will have a much better chance of winning your case with an experienced attorney’s assistance. Your attorney can help prove fault for the accident, file your auto insurance claim, and prepare a personal injury case against the at-fault driver.

What Happens When an Accident Happens From Illegal Misconduct?

If a driver causes a crash through lane splitting or some other illegal misconduct behind the wheel, they may face not only liability for the damages they cause in the accident but also criminal prosecution. They may be charged with reckless driving and face fines, driver’s license suspension, or even jail time. Penalties for reckless driving and other illegal actions behind the wheel increase significantly when those actions result in severe bodily injury or death.

The attorneys at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard have the resources and experience needed to answer any and all questions you may have about your legal options following a motorcycle accident. Our team has successfully represented many clients in a wide range of cases, and we are ready to provide the legal counsel you need for your impending case.

If you’re ready to discuss your legal options with the help of a seasoned attorney, contact us now to schedule a free consultation.