Colorado Motorcyclists Could Zip Between Cars — Sometimes — Under New Law

A controversial new Colorado motorcycle law goes into effect Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Part of the controversy likely stems from a big misunderstanding of what lawmakers approved earlier this year.

Starting Wednesday, motorcyclists can "lane filter" NOT "lane split" in Colorado.

Both have motorcyclists passing between cars. But only one is now legal.

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So, what does lane filtering mean?

For motorcycle riders to lane filter correctly, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation,  they must follow these rules:

1. Traffic must be at a complete stop.
2. The lane must be wide enough for the motorcycle to pass the vehicle safely.
3. The motorcycle must not exceed 15 mph.
4. The rider must pass safely and control the motorcycle.
5. The rider must pass on the left and not enter the oncoming traffic lane.

"Let me make it perfectly clear — lane filtering is not the same as lane splitting," said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, in a release about the new motorcycle law. "Lane filtering allows motorcyclists to safely navigate through stopped traffic only. Lane splitting involves riding between lanes of moving vehicles and is illegal."

Check out this video illustration.

When does lane filtering make sense?

Lane filtering allows motorcyclists to pass vehicles at stoplights and in traffic gridlock. Why? It allows them to move to the front of the line, with the goal being to avoid being struck from behind.

CDOT will watch statistics closely and report how effective the law is by the beginning of 2027.

The law could be repealed that year if data don't support it.

RELATED: The Simple, Everyday Word Colorado Cops Say Not to Use