Filtering or Lane Splitting, the art of riding a motorcycle through the middle of two lanes of traffic that are heading the same direction, is legal in the UK, but we have questions about the rest of Europe.
Tea stop conversations start the same type of debate that rages when discussing crossing a solid white line to pass queuing vehicles.
Is a car stopped in a traffic queue considered stationary? Can you cross the white line to pass it? Unfortunately, the answer often differs from one police force to another, and in the case of Filtering and Lane Splitting in Europe, from one country to another.
Before we get going, a word of caution. We are not lawyers or experts on European Road Traffic law. The information below comes from hours of internet searching, personal experience and poor translation skills. Often we could only find one source for the information, so discretion is advised.
And, if you know the absolute answer, let us know in the comments section. It is much appreciated.
Filtering & Lane Splitting – UK
In most cases, other road users in the UK know that lane splitting or filtering by motorcyclists is legal. Some road users are helpful and give motorcyclists space. Others are numpties and block your path, and a few are so oblivious to what is going on around them that they don’t know you are there.
On the whole, lane splitting isn’t an issue when done with care, consideration, and caution. Remember, “they” are all out to get us.
Should you find that you need to correct the opinions of someone who hasn’t bothered to read the Highway Code since they took their driving test, here are the sections you are looking for.
The Highway Code
In the UK the rules for using the road are defined in the Highway Code, which is available online and for free.
Rules 83 to 88 of the Highway Code specifically relate to motorcyclists, and Rule 88 of the Highway Code, as updated in January 2022, reads:
Rule 88 – Manoeuvring. You should be aware of what is behind and to the sides before manoeuvring. Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted. When in traffic queues, look out for pedestrians crossing between vehicles and vehicles emerging from junctions or changing lanes. Position yourself so that drivers in front can see you in their mirrors. Additionally, when filtering in slow-moving traffic, take care and keep your speed low.
In the last sentence, it is in black and white, “… when filtering.”
Then there is Rule 160, which is in the section for all road users, which states, amongst other things, “… be aware of other road users, especially cycles and motorcycles who may be filtering through the traffic.”
Two clear cut and undeniable references in the Highway Code confirm that filtering through traffic on a motorcycle is permitted on British roads.
The Blame Game
Having explained the Highway Code to an indignant road user – naturally using a calm and rational voice – their next suggestion is that we are automatically to blame for any incident because we are filtering.
This is not always correct. Remembering that we are not legally trained but can use the internet, we found references in British Case Law, confirming that filtering on a motorcycle is perfectly acceptable on British Roads. However, there are limits.
In 2006, a judge ruled on the case of Davis vs Shrogin concluding that “a filtering motorcyclist passing stationary or very slow-moving traffic could not be to blame if a collision occurred if the rider had no chance to take avoiding action.”
And there are more examples, not always totally in favour of the motorcyclist. Just because you are filtering doesn’t mean you can’t be to blame for what happens.
You can find more details on the cases below and others in the Motorcycle Accident Claims section of the Motorcycle Law Scotland website. They are well worth a read.
Burton v Evitt (2011) A motorcyclist overtakes a row of stationary traffic and collides with the lead vehicle turning right. Driver found 20% to blame (on appeal).
Woodham v Turner (2012) A motorcyclist filtering past a stationary tractor and trailer at a junction collides with a bus which is turning out. Driver found 50% to blame.
Jones v Lawton (2013) A motorcyclist filtering using the opposing carriageway collides with a vehicle pulling across his path at a junction. Driver found 2/3rd to blame.
Filtering & Lane Splitting – Europe
It was surprisingly challenging to uncover definitive rules on filtering or lane splitting for countries in Europe. France is perhaps the easiest because they keep changing their minds, which results in media coverage.
If you know the absolute answers for any of the countries in Europe, or if you know what I found is wrong, let us know in the comments section. Otherwise:
France
Essentially, filtering (lane splitting) has been allowed in France since 2nd August 2021. There are rules defining when and how you may lane split and, thanks to Google Translate, these are:
| 1. | The practice is permitted on motorways and roads with two carriageways separated by a central median and with at least two lanes each, where the maximum authorised speed is greater than or equal to 70 km/h; |
| 2. | Traffic between the lines of vehicles at a standstill or travelling at a very reduced speed is practised on both lanes, having the same direction of traffic, the leftmost of a roadway; [We think this means all lanes of traffic, heading in your direction, must be going slowly and you filter between the two left most lanes] |
| 3. | The lateral space between vehicles travelling on the two leftmost lanes of a carriageway must be sufficient; |
| 4. | Inter-lane traffic is carried out at a speed of up to 50 km/h, with a differential of 30 km/h compared to other vehicles; [We think this means that the maximum speed of either lane can’t be above 50 km/h, and the difference in speed between the two lanes must not be more than 30 km/h] |
| 5. | None of the traffic lanes on the roadway is under construction or covered with snow or ice; |
| 6. | Before driving in inter-lanes, the driver warns other users of his intention; |
| 7. | Motorised two- or three-wheelers must not force the passage; |
| 8. | It is forbidden for an inter-lane vehicle to overtake another vehicle in inter-lanes; |
| 9. | When traffic begins to flow, and vehicles travel at more than 50 km/h in at least one of the two lanes, motorised two- or three-wheelers must take their place in the lanes. |
And if you are interested in how we think the Peage system – French Motorway Tolls – works, click here
Belgium
Unlike the French who decided on nine rules, it appears that the Belgians only wanted two rules when it comes to filtering and lane splitting.
| 1. | Motorcyclists must ride between the two lanes furthest to the left. |
| 2. | When riding between two rows of cars, motorcycles must not exceed 50 km/h, and the difference between their speed and that of the cars they are passing must not exceed 20 km/h. |
Netherlands
Rule #1 – Bicycles rule. Motorcycles and everyone else on the road must give way to a bicycle. I’ve seen bicycles ignore red lights and carve up traffic. It seems this is perfectly normal, so pay attention.
Those famously laid-back people, the Dutch, have no problems with lane splitting (filtering), providing that you follow a couple of simple rules:
| 1. | You should ride between the leftmost lane and the lane next to that lane [Same as Belgium] |
| 2. | The difference in speed between you and the cars should be reasonable. [We couldn’t find a definition for reasonable] |
| 3. | Watch your mirrors, and let other riders that are filtering faster than you through. [An odd rule considering the request to filter at a reasonable speed]. |
Germany
This one is confusing. In Germany, it is common for the traffic to pull to the kerb (curb in America) when in a traffic jam. If it is a dual carriageway, the traffic will pull to the left and the right to make a lane down the middle for emergency vehicles. Using the “emergency” lane to filter is generally considered an absolute no-no.
That said, filtering or lane-splitting appears legal in Germany as long as the traffic you are passing is stationary, but you must look out for No Overtaking signs.
Unlike the UK, the Germans use a no-overtaking sign, whereas we mostly use a solid white line on the road that no part of your motorcycle must cross or overhang. [Highway Code Rule 129]
Regardless of how big the gap on the outside is, no-overtaking in Germany means no overtaking, and filtering is considered overtaking.
The Rest of Europe
We could find yes and no statements on filtering for the following countries, but no information on any rules.
Austria – Yes
Czech Republic – No
Denmark – No
Finland – No
Ireland – Yes
Italy – Yes
Norway – No
Portugal – Yes
Spain – Yes
Sweden – Yes
Switzerland – No
Turkey – Yes
Paperwork and Other Oddities
The one thing that many countries in Europe agree on is the need to carry your motorcycle registration document (the V5 in the UK), your insurance, and your driving license with you.
I’m reliably informed that the suggestion you must have stickers on your helmet when riding in France does not apply to visitors from other countries … “It is the EU Commission’s understanding that this cannot apply retroactively to helmets already in use. As a consequence, foreign motorcycle riders carrying a helmet that doesn’t have these reflective markings cannot be obliged to bring their helmets into conformity retroactively.“
Yet there are Brits living in France that offer a different opinion and strongly suggest you fix stickers to your helmet, as it is a French regulation and has nothing to do with the EU.
You are more likely to be fined for not wearing EN approved motorcycling gloves, often also marked CE for “conformité européenne”.
Carrying a hi-viz jacket seems to be a common requirement in most of Europe, but the rules requiring you to have spare bulbs do not apply to motorcycles.
And after all of that, remember; if it were the same everywhere, it wouldn’t be an adventure. Enjoy!
Image Credit
The image used in the header of this article comes courtesy of Triumph and is from the press pack for the Triumph Street Triple S
4 responses
Good point – we were repeating the official wording as we couldn’t be sure about the translation. I think they mean the outer lanes, closest to the centre of the road – but again that is my interpretation
As for the Dutch motorways – Oh Yes. Last time I did it I was genuinely concerned. There must have been something good for dinner across Holland that night.
Interesting article. However, I suggest that the phrase “leftmost lanes” is open to misinterpretation and that numbering the lanes from hard shoulder to central reservation removes ambiguity. I certainly wouldn’t risk filtering between lanes 3-4 or even closer to the central reservation on the multi-lane urban motorways in Holland that resemble racing circuits with unrestricted access 😳
Some time ago I summarized my take on filtering know-how:
Filtering – one of the best things on a bike, but also quite dangerous. Only try it if cars are stationary or barely moving, they are less likely to make sudden lane changes that way, but you should still look out for opening doors and crossing pedestrians. Always keep an eye on the front wheels of the cars, see if they intend to swerwe. Go only in first or at most second gear. This way you won’t be too fast, you’ll have decent engine brake and your high-revving engine should be loud enough to attract attention. Cover your rear brake, front brake, clutch and horn – don’t worry, its low speed, so you don’t need to tightly grab your handlebars. All are self-explanatory but the clutch, so please remember: if you try to make a sudden stop without engaging the clutch, the bike will jump before stalling and in the close-confined environment of filtering this may result in a crash and/or expensive dents in the surrounding cars. You should try riding with a light press on the rear brake, the bike will be steadier that way, just don’t overdo it.
In Hungary the role is the same as in Germany. Let me also add that drivers are increasingly aware of and supportive of flitering, many are actively giving way. Because of that, there should be a rule of riding between the two lanes to the left, like in Belgium. Without such rule riders filter left and right and drivers giving way to the left move to the right so there are incidents on the right. On training courses they instruct riders to only fliter between the two leftmost lanes.
Regarding hi-viz jackets, you need to have them and also wear them as soon as you step off the bike on the highway or in low visibility (applies the Hungary and Romania, but maybe others as well).
In many countries you also need to carry an emergency first aid kit.
In Romania you also have to carry a fire extinguisher… quite a challenge when you’re travelling light.