Lane filtering extends to South Australia from April 15, 2017, when the state joins Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the ACT in allowing the road safety practice.
It will have similar restrictions as in other states with a 30km/h maximum speed, fully-licensed riders only and banned in school zones, crossings, next to parked vehicles, between vehicles and the kerb and on roundabouts.
The penalty is also commensurate with other states: $363 fine and three demerit points.
Check the various lane filtering laws here:
There are no moves yet from Western Australia, Northern Territory or Tasmania to join the trend.
However, WA Shadow Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts says it is “worth consideration” and NT Shadow Transport Minister Ken Vowles says that as an “avid rider” who has owned Harleys, a KTM and scooter, he is “monitoring the implementation and use of lane filtering in other jurisdictions”.
The ACT is yet to make lane filtering permanent, but the two-year trial now extends until the middle of the year.
ACT Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury says the trial has been a success and 69% of motorists supported lane filtering as a road safety measure for motorcyclists.
Meanwhile, the South Australian Road Safety Minister Peter Malinauskas has warned motorists to check their mirrors for filtering riders.
“Through engagement with motorbike bodies we identified that motorcyclists feel the chance of being ‘rear-ended’ by distracted drivers reduces when riders are able move to the front of traffic,’’ he says.