Colorado Law Now Allows Motorcycle Lane Splitting | Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
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This week Colorado Governor Polis signed a new piece of legislation legalizing motorcycle lane splitting (also sometimes known as lane filtering) on highways under specific conditions. Motorcycle lane splitting is the practice of motorcyclists riding between lanes of stopped or slowed traffic traveling in the same direction. The new law, SB24-079, goes into effect on August 7 with potential safety benefits and risks. As motorcycle accident lawyers, we understand both sides of the safety effects to motorcyclists, drivers and other roadway users with legalized lane splitting. In this post we will discuss the new law, how we got here, safety practices and what to do if you are involved in an accident with a lane splitting motorcycle.
What Is The New Colorado Law For Lane Splitting Motorcycles?
Governor Polis signed legislation authorizing lane splitting in Colorado with specific conditions. Of the handful of states legalizing the practice, Colorado’s statute is among the more restrictive. According to one of the bill’s co-sponsors, the bill was introduced as a safety measure to reduce accidents and benefit riders stuck in summer heat in stopped highway traffic. SB24-079 found success this legislative session after a prior bill authorizing a study by the Colorado DOT and Colorado State Police failed to make it out of committee in 2023.
The statute takes effect on August 7, 2024 and expires September 1, 2027. During the three year period, the Colorado Department of Transportation will study the effects of the law to allow the legislature to consider permanent changes to the Traffic Code. Currently, Colorado does not permit lane splitting on any roadways in the state. That will remain the enforceable law until August 7. Riders should avoid the practice beforehand, as they can still receive citations and may be liable for auto accidents caused by lane splitting.
When Is Lane Splitting Legal Under The New Colorado Law?
Beginning August 7, 2024, motorcycle riders may lane split under these specific conditions:
The motor vehicles overtaken by the motorcycle is at a stop (traffic is at a standstill)
The motorcycle is moving 15 mph or less
Conditions (visibility, weather, road conditions) permit prudent motorcycle operation while lane splitting
The lanes are wide enough to allow the motorcycle to safely pass other vehicles
Lane splitting is not legal under the new statute when:
Your vehicle is a three wheeled motorcycle, has a sidecar, or a trailer attached
Traveling into a lane of traffic moving in the opposite direction (no lane splitting yellow dividing lines)
On the right shoulder of the roadway
On the edge of the rightmost lane unless the roadway is a limited access highway
Once other vehicles begin moving, the motorcycle must stop lane splitting and merge back into the moving lane
Keep in mind that all other traffic laws for motorcycle operation remain the same. For example, the new statute does not authorize travel in the left shoulder or passing on the left of other vehicles.
If you sustained injuries in an accident in Colorado, contact the personal injury lawyers at Front Range Injury Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced legal team are knowledgeable and zealous advocates for our clients and their cases. We treat our clients as people, not case files. Learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact our Denver law firm to learn more.
