See Why Motorcycles Can Legally Pass Cars In Montana Traffic

Is It Legal For Motorcycles To Pass Between Cars In Montana?

There aren’t many things more frustrating than sitting at a red light when you’re already in a hurry.

And just when you think it can’t get any worse, a motorcycle rolls right past you between lanes. Naturally, you’re sitting there thinking, “There’s no way that’s legal.” But in Montana, it actually is.

What Is Lane Filtering In Montana?

Montana is one of just a handful of states that allows something called lane filtering.

A lot of people mix that up with lane splitting and picture a motorcycle flying between cars on the highway. That’s lane splitting, and the only state it is legal in is California.

Montana, along with Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and Minnesota, are the only states that allow lane filtering, which is a bit different. So what is the difference?

Lane Filtering vs Lane Splitting Explained

The biggest difference comes down to speed.

Under Montana law, lane filtering is allowed for two-wheeled motorcycles in certain situations. Riders can pass stopped or slow-moving vehicles going 10 mph or less, as long as the motorcycle isn’t going over 20 mph. It also has to be done safely, with enough space between lanes.

A lot of people use lane splitting as a catch-all term any time a motorcycle goes between cars, which is where some of the confusion comes from.

At the end of the day, it really just comes down to awareness. Whether you’re on two wheels or four, knowing the rules of the road is what keeps everyone safe.