DKT- Lane filtering means travelling at low speed through stopped or slow-moving traffic, unless signs say otherwise.
- Learner permit holders may not lane filter.
- Lane splitting is riding between lines of moving vehicles at over 30 km/h, and the handbook tells you to avoid it.
- Bikes must not use tram, bus, bicycle or other special-vehicle lanes, apart from limited exceptions.
Lane filtering
Lane filtering is done at low speed, past traffic that is stopped or crawling. The handbook adds that signs can say otherwise, so look for them. It does not give a numerical speed for filtering.
- Learner permit holders are not allowed to do it at all. Not lane filtering is one of the learner rules.
- Everyone else is limited to low speeds in stopped or slow-moving traffic.
Lane splitting
Lane splitting is different. It means riding between lines of moving vehicles at more than 30 km/h. The handbook's advice is simply to avoid it.
| Lane filtering | Lane splitting | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | Stopped or slow moving | Moving lines of vehicles |
| Speed | Low speed | Over 30 km/h |
| Handbook says | Permitted unless signed otherwise (not for learners) | Avoid it |
Lanes you must keep out of
You must not ride in:
- tram lanes
- bus lanes
- bicycle lanes
- other lanes designated for special vehicles
The road rules allow some exceptions: when you are entering or leaving the road, when you otherwise have to cross the lane, or where a sign says you may use it. Read more in special purpose lanes and overtaking safely.
More on keeping room around other vehicles: survival space, scanning and blind spots and the learner rules.
Based on The Victorian Rider Handbook (2023, Department of Transport and Planning) and the VicRoads motorcycle pages. This guide covers Victoria: other states and territories have different rules, and rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
Can learner motorcyclists lane filter in Victoria?
No. Motorcycle learner permit holders are not permitted to lane filter.
What is lane splitting in Victoria?
Lane splitting is riding between lines of moving vehicles at over 30 km/h, which the handbook says to avoid.
Can a motorcycle ride in a bus lane in Victoria?
Generally no. Bikes must not use bus, tram or bicycle lanes unless they are entering or leaving the road, crossing the lane, or a sign allows it.