Understanding Colorado’s New Motorcycle Laws
As of 2025, Colorado law continues to draw a clear line between lane splitting and lane filtering — and only one of them is legal.
Knowing the difference can help riders stay safe, avoid tickets, and protect their rights after a crash.
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What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of moving traffic traveling in the same direction. This maneuver is not legal in Colorado.
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1503, motorcyclists must have full use of a lane and may not overtake or pass vehicles within the same lane while traffic is moving.
Even if it looks safe, lane splitting can lead to citations — and more importantly, it can complicate fault in the event of an accident.
“Lane splitting remains prohibited in Colorado,” explains Attorney Sarah Freedman of Jordan Law. “If traffic is flowing, riders must stay within their own lane just like any other motor vehicle.”
What Is Lane Filtering — and Is It Legal?
In August 2024, Colorado became one of a handful of states to legalize lane filtering, a similar maneuver with strict limitations.
Lane filtering allows a motorcyclist to move between lanes of stopped traffic — but only under specific conditions.
Here’s what’s legal in 2025:
- Traffic must be completely stopped.
- The roadway must have lanes wide enough for safe movement.
- The rider must operate at a safe speed (under 15 mph).
- The rider must be returning to a full lane position once traffic moves again.
Filtering is most common at stoplights or in gridlocked traffic, allowing riders to move to the front of the line and reduce their risk of being rear-ended by distracted drivers.
- However, it’s illegal to filter on:
- Highways or interstates
- Shoulders or medians
- Areas with moving traffic
Why Colorado Legalized Lane Filtering
The decision to legalize lane filtering came after safety data from other states showed potential benefits.
According to studies cited by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), lane filtering can:
- Reduce rear-end collisions involving stopped motorcycles
- Improve traffic flow during heavy congestion
- Lower rider exposure to high temperatures in standstill traffic
Still, Colorado lawmakers drew a firm line — filtering is not a free pass to weave between moving cars.
Penalties for Illegal Lane Splitting
Motorcyclists who lane split in moving traffic can be ticketed under Colorado law for:
- Unsafe passing
- Careless or reckless driving
- Failure to maintain lane
In addition to fines, these violations can impact insurance claims and fault determinations after a crash.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident where lane position or traffic behavior is in dispute, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney right away.
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How Jordan Law Helps Injured Motorcyclists
At Jordan Law, we’ve represented hundreds of riders across Colorado who were injured in motorcycle crashes caused by negligent drivers.
We understand how insurance companies often try to blame the motorcyclist — even when the other driver is clearly at fault.
Our firm fights to prove what really happened and secure full compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent impairment or disability
“Motorcyclists already face unique risks,” says Attorney Freedman. “Our job is to make sure the law works for them — not against them.”
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
- Call 911 and request medical attention immediately.
- Stay at the scene and avoid moving your motorcycle until police arrive.
- Document everything — photos of damage, traffic signals, and injuries.
- Exchange information with all parties and witnesses.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters.
At Jordan Law, we handle serious injury cases only — not property-damage-only claims.
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Talk to a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Colorado, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our attorneys understand the nuances of the lane filtering law and how it affects fault, liability, and compensation.
- Free consultation
- No fees unless we win
- Courtroom Tested, Client Approved
Call us today to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer for free.
Written by Michael Harris, J.D.
Trial Attorney, Jordan Law Accident & Injury Lawyers