Yet Another Lane Splitting Question (WA)

I've just moved from Melbourne to Perth. Whilst I largely understand
the grey area of law that is lane splitting/filtering in Victoria, an
extensive amount of googling hasn't revealed the official stance here
in WA.

Is it specifically legislated against, or does it operate under the
same largely unwritten rules as Victoria?

I haven't ridden over here yet, but observing the handful of riders on
the road over here (by comparison), it seems like splitting/filtering
is not practiced as routinely as back east.

Would a fellow sandgroper (or someone else in the know) mind
clarifying the situation for me please?

 

Go for your life. If the police stop you and tell you otherwise then
you'll get the definitive answer you seek.

Nev..
'04 CBR1100XX

 

Would a fellow sandgroper (or someone else in the know) mind

Corks?

 

I'm more worried about the police stopping me, fining me and ripping
demerit points.

 

We had a cop come along to a club meeting and he said as long as the cars
are stationary they dont get too upset if you are not making a prawn of
yourself. If they are having a bad day or whatever then they can 'have' you
if you go over the line from your lane to the next.

 

After much discussion with fellow 'wa' ppl I am myself still none the wiser.
It seems to depend on the copper, the situation and 'how' you lane split
(ie. which side of the line, how fast the traffic).
I'd be interested in a definate description meself.....

 

See Zebee's Law of public Stupidity.

regards,
CrazyCam

 

It isn't specifically illegal but is covered by lots of other laws depending
on the state. Depends on the copper if you get booked and what he books you
for.

In 2005 the Fed govt tried to make it illegal (Rule151A) but the wave of
objections received from motorcyclists caused it to be withdrawn
(temporarily. This is off the NTC site:

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has referred the proposed new
Australian Road Rule (ARR) 151A back to the Australian Road Rules
Maintenance Group to fully address issues raised by stakeholders during the
public consultation process. The NTC emphasises that this does indicate any
change in policy direction.

Rule 151A attempted to clarify the intent of several existing road rules,
which prohibit the practice of motorcycle lane-splitting or lane-filtering.
The proposed rule would more explicitly require motorcycles to move into an
adjacent lane or line of traffic when overtaking other vehicles and pass at
a safe distance.

In excess of 800 submissions (excluding duplicated submissions) were
received, which primarily oppose the recommendation. The NTC notes that
there is a wide misperception among the motorcycling community that
lane-splitting and/or lane-filtering is legal. Motorcycle riders still have
a responsibility to comply with existing road rules (outlined below).

.. drivers/riders on a multi-lane road must travel entirely within a single
lane (ARR 146)

.. drivers/riders must travel within a single line of traffic on a road
without marked lanes (ARR 146)

.. drivers/riders are required to pass at a safe distance (ARR 144)

.. drivers/riders are prohibited from overtaking on the left on a multi-lane
road, unless the vehicle can be safely overtaken by moving into a marked
lane (ARR 141)

.. drivers/riders on a multi-lane road must not move from one marked lane
into another marked lane by crossing a continuous line separating the lanes
(ARR 147)

.. drivers/riders approaching or at traffic lights showing a red traffic
light must stop, if there is a stop line at or near the lights - as near as
practicable to, but before reaching the stop line (ARR 56)

.. drivers/riders at an intersection or marked foot crossing with a red
traffic light must not enter the intersection or marked foot crossing.



Hope this is edifying

Brett