Motorcycle Lane Filtering Rules Update NSW Australia

[@ozadv]

Here's my take on how this will be interpreted: (5) For this rule, the rider of a motor bike is edge filtering along the length of a road if- (a) the rider changes direction towards the edge of the road to pass 1 or more vehicles on the road, or (b) the rider changes direction towards the edge of the road to pass between 2 vehicles, 1 of which is stationary. So (a) means riding along in single lane traffic and there's cars ahead but there's a gap on the inside and you 'turn' towards that gap to pass those cars on the inside, i.e. along the edge of the road / gutter etc.. (b) is the same as (a) yet picks up parked (stationary) cars on the inside - so same as the old rule. However, there would be some ambiguity in a multi lane situation where one of the cars, on either side, is temporarily stationary, even though you are not actually at the edge of the road, you just turned toward it. Yes, I'm a lawyer.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Thanks mate, that makes a lot of sense. I was initially reading as already filtering, as opposed to it being a definition of starting to filter, which is a slightly different perspective of the other sub rules. I certainly agree on the ambiguity of "stationary", rather than "parked".

[@gregory8282]

A LOT of years ago, I filtered beside a row of parked cars... Imagine my surprise when a driver opened his door without looking. Lesson learnt.

[@RoadsOfOz]

I can see signage going in at Parramatta Rd from Silverwater rd through to Woodville rd. Some very narrow sections there. But have not seen any signs yet. Alot of safety rules are little more than ways of extracting revenue from us (just my opinion ).

[@David-vb8tg]

Its a little from column a and a little from column b

[@ausiethunderwood4766]

I my understanding of it all is no overtaking on the left of the far left line, which is a driving lane and no overtaking on the right of the far right line, which is moving in your direction eg; centre of road.

[@Farkurnell]

These rules mean absolutely nothing to every single delivery rider on King St Newtown.

[@DirtyWeekendsAway]

Sub rule 5 is saying you can't filter between traffic and parked cars I believe (since it's edge filtering). The wording is terrible though, I think stationary vehicle is meant to be interpreted as a parked vehicle

[@steve_poole]

I think the edge filtering you are definitely over thinking. I think it's just saying we can't go down the left or right side of the road or between lanes if the cars in the left hand lane are parked.

[@SilverMe2004]

And this has always been the case

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Yes, it’s just been rewritten.

[@ed2672]

Thanks a lot for this perfect video. Is there a legal way to lane filtering on a single lane road then? Thanks

[@1Camera1Bike1Life]

Thanks for sharing the info....interestingly here is Tasmania they have also updated these rules to the same as the NSW Rules....Tasmanian ROAD RULES 2019 (S.R. 2019, NO. 61) - REG 151A. Cheers Kev

[@63NCArcher]

I think you have it wrong. The rider is NOT filtering if he rides past a parked car. You cannot filter between lane 1 and parked cars.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Would not be surprised because it's not making sense to me yet.

[@jeffarnie]

I have arrived home today from Thailand and agree, I had no problems riding there with the boss as pillion. However, their drivers are more tolerant than ours partly because most of them also own scooters. As far as the Edge filtering, a little bit vague. Not sure if it refers to the inside of lanes between the gutter and regular road lanes, so that you could ride between a parked vehicle and the moving traffic. I wouldn't want to test it in front of the police as I'm fairly sure they would issue an infringement notice as they did with my son.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Totally agree Jeff

[@63NCArcher]

The edge filtering is to stop you from using the left edge or a stationary (parked) vehicle as the left side while filtering.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

That's what I thought at first, but it starts with the statement “rider changes direction towards the edge”, which changes the context. I might be overthinking it too 😜

[@iainphillips7752]

What if you pass between a parked car and a stationary vehicle (due to traffic jam . ) is that edge filtering ?

[@geoffelliott4973]

Got pinged in the Sydney CBD yesterday for unlawful lane filtering ... went to the left of cars by the curb (at about 2km/h) travelling west on Bridge Street turning left into Pitt - it has a red arrow left filter so by going to the left I'm getting out of the way of cars who have a green light while I wait to the side for the red arrow to extinguish. Courtesy and sensible traffic management means nothing I guess. I'm considering trying to contest - the rules are so broad as mentioned in this excellent video.

[@timngu3505]

​@@geoffelliott4973hey, did you contest edge filtering infringement? I got pulled over for illegal filtering

[@ozw01f]

He old rules had no filtering up kerb side so I think section 5 is just more wordy trying to say don't go up the kerb side, makes sense rider could get taken out by people turning left or coming onto the road

[@Chris-vq5vr]

The only question I’d like answered is this: When arriving at traffic lights, can my bike cross the unbroken line either intentionally or unintentionally? Also, can my bike be in 2 x parts of the lane when stationary?

[@tk_maxz]

It would not be the case that you can filter between two cars if one of the cars is a parked car since the filtering rules are now stating that it can be done between two lanes of traffic and the side of the road or between an active lane and street parking is not within the per view of these rules, the same as it was not permitted in the old rules.

[@WayneSteedC]

So more signs to look out for 🙂. Anyone seen one of these?

[@syntonicpaul]

Almost 2 years?? Haven't seen a single one of these signs.. More Bureaucratic Bullshit!

[@hodaka1000]

Thanks, for some reason I thought it was under 40kph

[@LAWRE-g5n]

Can you more on edge filtering when and and rulings on these just to make it more specific

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

There is a pinned comment that covers this off.

[@ADVBrett]

Great video Vern, it will be interesting to see or hear of anyone who has actually been pinged for breaching any of the filtering rules. The only time I can see this being enforced is if it seen by a police officer who you ride past. In saying that, after seeing the most recent post on the FB page we're all on, maybe it will / can be enforced if a YT page gets targeted by traffic police. Interesting times ahead for sure.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Just read that now, that's odd.

[@ADVBrett]

@@MotoRidesAustralia ​ @MotoRides Australia Very odd indeed! Just looking at the NSW Lane Filtering link online now, they haven't updated their own page so far.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Just reminded me I hadn't added the link to the Legislation, in the description now.

[@whatsstefon]

Towards edge of road. Which edge? Usually there are two... one on each side. I bet the parked car rule is re-worded and hidden somewhere else in the rules now. Thanks for reporting on this, because as you say the rules change, but who really knows about it?

[@syntonicpaul]

If you're filtering through oncoming traffic you're going towards the wrong edge! 🤣

[@whatsstefon]

@@syntonicpaul true, but they’re not stipulating, and there are plenty of multi-laned split roads and one way streets that this rule can be used against you. Not all roads are 2 way.

[@syntonicpaul]

@@whatsstefon That's where legislation sucks - doesn't handle every scenario. His comment at the end about riding in Thailand hits the nail on the head... Over legislation is a blight. Just saw you have a bunch of vids up - gunna have a watch. We're (my partner and I) on the smoggy side of the mountains but travel westwards from time to time and would love to meet up for a ride - heading to Lithgow on the 3rd Sep up Bells line.

[@reljoy]

So are you allowed to filter between moving cars?

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Yes, up to 30 km/h, then you merge in.

[@occyman]

I’ve worked a lot in Asia and there are pretty much no rules for filtering and it works extremely well…..it should be same here and super easy but I do agree with keeping the speed to 30kmh. It’s just typical NSW police state bureaucracy ie Don’t give us too much advantage otherwise the minions will get upset.

[@Adlemtbadv]

There are many lessons to be learnt from driving or riding in Asia. Especially regarding courtesy, patience and filtering. And the money governments spend on stupid advertisements for drink and drug driving (yes we already know all about that) could be well spent on road rule and road usage infomercials. But as we know, they'd rather not make the public aware of changes on a broad scale, but instead fine road users on a one on one basis instead. Where is the government's duty of care? Cars and trucks rule the road, motorcycle and bicycle rider's are just a nuisance right? Send these rule making Muppets on a driving course in Indonesia or Vietnam!

[@Chris-vq5vr]

I live in Indonesia & own several high powered sports bikes here (Ducatis). I also own a new S1000XR in Australia. Whilst I enjoy the large open roads in Australia, I get nervous every time I open up the throttle for fear of the fun police giving me a gigantic monetary penalty. Here in Indonesia, viewing my speedometer is non existent & I can travel anywhere anytime with impunity. I absolutely love it here.

[@fenniia]

I have just been fined for filtering on the left hand side on Fig st (heading towards the Harbour Bridge) as there was more room than between the cars. From what i gather from this and by looking at the legislation myself, there is no rule saying i cannot filter next to a kerb. However, the cop was adamant that it is not legal to do so along with no filtering next to parked cars.. which is also not in the legislation. I am a bit confused with the definition of 'Edge Filtering', with your understanding and just to be sure, am i or am i not allowed to filter next to a stopped car and the kerb? Cheers!

[@petergibson7287]

If it's not in the legislation, take it to court.

[@captss955]

Is filtering in a school zone abdolute and not just during school hours?

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

A school zone is defined by the signs, which are only effective during the hours. So, the school zone does not exist outside of school zone times.

[@ThroughtheValleyADV]

Do you guys in NSW have edge filtering rules? In QLD there are lane and edge filtering rules.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I think we do now, but that’s the one I can’t quite work out 😜

[@steve_poole]

Yes. We aren't allowed to edge filter. That is the rule.

[@wizzoslifeaustralia9508]

Edge filter means the gutter or outside of the road like down the freeway gutter both left or right side, good info though thanks mate

[@hachewie]

Great information. Thanks mate.

[@graemesydney38]

My take is that nothing has changed - its not what you do, its how you do it and who sees you doing it. Well at least thats how I'm going yo play it. I was filtering for years before it was 'legal', and I've done tens of thousands of kilometres using the Honda Highway without been booked, collision, injury or without pissing car drivers off (well, mostly). As you say, a little commonsense, courtesy, thinking for the other guy, and feeling for the other guy, can have all of us living a little better in this ever increasing crowded urban world. Having said that, I wouldn't go between cars in some of the examples you showed, nor at the apparent speeds you showed - just because you can doesn't mean you have to. I take it we still can't use the break down lane on expressways.

[@CH1-777]

The BIG question that everybody has missed - If 2x cars are stationary at the lights, one in the left lane and one in the right lane. The cars are at the front of each lane, and a bike rider rides up and stops on the white line between both lanes - which lane is the bike rider legally in? The light goes green and cars and the bike rider move off, but the bike rider is bumped and knocked off by one of the cars - who is legally at fault? The car at the front of the left lane or the car at the front of the right lane, or the bike rider? My thought is that the bike is technically in the left lane. Why? Because you can't undertake the car in the right hand lane, as that's illegal. But you can overtake the car in the left hand lane. Can someone please clarify if you know the law regarding this problem.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

The lane filtering rule is an exception to the rules of being in a lane. So effectively, the bike is not in a lane.

[@stevemoore73]

the signs will come but the rule has to be in place 1st with plenty of time for people to stumble upon it like most new road rules. instead of sending number plate ads with rego why not send people rule updates. or with license renewals.

[@davidvanderklauw]

Would you vote for a candidate with that policy?

[@ragnarok5438]

Who would be at fault if u are lane filtering legally and a driver indicates and hooks into a gap in the next lane and u hit him on rear driver door and his driver door

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Disclaimer, not a layer, but, assuming the rider is close enough that they are unable to avoid the collision, the vehicle changing lanes must give way to any vehicle moving in the same direction, which would therefore include filtering motorcycles. R148 (2) "A driver on a road with 2 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the driver, and who is moving from one line of traffic to another line of traffic, must give way to any vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver in the line of traffic to which the driver is moving."

[@chitung2277]

You can have a million rules but what's the use if U can't prove it, no one enforces it, or the rider interprets it the way they want to not the way it's meant to.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I think that's such a broad statement that could be applied to anything.

[@peterk671]

I suspect that the changes are so that old ones allowed stupid riders to get out of fines. In the past 2 years I have been all over the state for both work and pleasure and I haven't seen one of these signs, I suspect they don't exist. Next time catch up with my HP mates I will ask them what they think.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Yeah, I suspect the rule was added to allow for signs but I haven’t seen any either.

[@heyitsluno]

Please for the love of god, I hope they do not put them up on Epping Road. To get from Uni without filtering adds AT LEAST 25 minutes sitting in traffic. Literally not even worth riding if they did there.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I feel the same, but hopeful since it hasn't already happened, it may not.

[@graemesydney38]

My bet is that over time the No Filtering signs will appear on the start and finish of ALL major urban roads (think Parramatta Rd, Canterbury Rd, Liverpool rd/Hume highway AND Epping road.) If you think Safetycrats are reasonable people implementing reasonable rules, you are in for a shock. The benefit to safetycrats and their enforcers (a.k.a. police) is that anywhere along any of these roads, at any distance, if a police officers sees you move between stationary cars he doesn't have to prove anything other than you did it. It even lends itself to camera enforcement - should be a nice little revenue raiser. It won't happen immediately, the sfaetycrats are too funny and subtle, but it will happen - gradually. (End cynicism earned through old age).

[@gomez4711]

Lane filtering is the real of fools, Thailand, Indonesia, and most definitely Malaysia show the Sh!t show that lane filtering becomes, causes most of the jams, cars trying to change lanes cannot, motorcycles filtering at 80 km/h in strings of 100, weaving like fools and more, like you said.. no rules (won't even get into the riding wrong way down 1 ways streets, running red lights and more)

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Why do most people ride motorcycles in those countries?

[@gomez4711]

@@MotoRidesAustralia why do most of them die? They ride because it is cheap. 7 in 10 fatalities are motorcycle

[@JamesBoothby15]

i get why only blacks riders can filter but like, the incentives kinda mean shit since im 22 just got on p1, ill be 25 when i get blacks, idk what my life will be like then, will i even have a bike? will i ever take advantage of filtering? bit silly. should be able to do a spereate course to the MOST course that lets you filter on p1 n p2, idc if it was another 2 days training about filtering and cost money, more money for them, less emmisions and congestion from me.

[@GTAIVisbest]

How can they even enforce that law? Do you have to have a huge L plate or something like in the UK? What's stopping you from just filtering normally? Do they randomly pull over bikers for no other reason than to check paperwork?

[@JamesBoothby15]

@@GTAIVisbest plate is visable next to numberplate. If its an L or P amd youre filtering you get pulled over.