A Comprehensive Guide to Motorcycle Road Rules and Lane Filtering in Queensland
Motorcycle riders in Queensland, including those on mopeds and motorbikes, have to abide by the same general road rules as other vehicles. However, there are additional guidelines specifically designed for motorcycle riders that cover a range of topics such as lane filtering, riding on road shoulders, motorcycle control, pillion passengers, motorcycle helmets, and bicycle storage areas.
Here’s an overview of these crucial road rules:
1. Lane Filtering Rules
Lane filtering refers to the practice of riding your motorcycle at low speed between stationary or slow-moving vehicles travelling in the same direction. In Queensland, you’re allowed to lane filter if:
- You hold an open licence for the motorcycle you are riding
- Your speed while filtering is 30km/h or less
- The practice is deemed safe under the current conditions
Lane filtering is prohibited under these conditions:
- Speeds above 30km/h
- In school zones during school zone hours
- If you’re a learner or provisional licence holder
- When a ‘no filtering’ sign is displayed
- If the manoeuvre is not safe
Please note that lane filtering is not allowed in bicycle lanes or between a vehicle and the kerb.
2. Riding on Road Shoulders
If you hold an open licence, you can ride on road shoulders and in emergency stopping lanes if:
- The speed limit is 90km/h or more
- Your speed is 30km/h or less
- You give way to bicycle riders or other motorcycle riders already using the shoulder
- You are not riding on any unsealed parts of the road
- There are no roadworks
- You are not in a tunnel
- It is safe to do so
3. Motorcycle Control Rules
While riding, you must maintain control of your motorcycle at all times, with one leg on either side of the seat.
4. Pillion Passenger Rules
A pillion passenger is a motorcycle passenger that sits behind the rider. You must only carry a passenger on a motorcycle if you hold an R provisional or open licence, and you have been holding an RE provisional or open licence for at least 1 year if you’re riding an RE motorcycle.
There are some restrictions on carrying pillion passengers, for example:
- No carrying pillion passengers if you hold an RE learner licence or if you’re riding a class R motorcycle to learn to ride that class of vehicle.
- No carrying a pillion passenger for the first year of holding an RE provisional or open licence.
5. Motorcycle Helmets
6. Bicycle Storage Areas
Motorcycle riders are allowed to enter bicycle storage areas as long as they give way to any vehicle that is already in the area or that is entering the area on a green or yellow traffic light or arrow.
7. Penalties
There are substantial fines for riders who do not follow these rules:
- Motorcycle rider lane filtering improperly: 3 demerit points, $464 fine
- Motorcycle rider improperly riding on road shoulder or emergency stopping lane: 3 demerit points, $464 fine
- Motorcycle rider failing to wear an approved helmet: 3 demerit points, $464 fine
- Motorcycle rider failing to ensure a passenger wears an approved helmet: 3 demerit points, $464 fine
- Passenger on a motorcycle failing to wear an approved helmet: 3 demerit points, $464 fine
8. Conclusion
Navigating the roads on a motorcycle can bring a sense of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with a heightened responsibility to abide by traffic laws designed to ensure everyone’s safety. Understanding and adhering to the specific motorcycle road rules and lane filtering laws in Queensland are crucial aspects of riding responsibly and safely.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a road accident, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. The team at Ascent Lawyers are ready to provide you with the legal guidance and assistance you need. You may be eligible to make a CTP (Compulsory Third Party) claim, which can cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and rehabilitation costs, among other things. It’s your right to seek compensation for any losses sustained due to a road accident.
