Can motorcyclists ride to the front of a traffic queue?

In WA, motorcyclists are permitted in most circumstances to ride between lanes of stationary or slow-moving vehicles, but they must not exceed 30km/h while passing other vehicles. Known as lane filtering, it allows motorcyclists to legally position themselves at the front of the queue of traffic at intersections, if it’s safe to do so, provided they stay behind the stop line.

When the light turns green, all vehicles — including any motorcycles — must proceed safely and follow the road markings in their own lanes.

It's important to note that a motorcyclist positioned alongside a car at a traffic light does not have an automatic right of way when the light turns green. However, other drivers must keep a safe distance from the motorcycle.

Because motorcyclists are in a vulnerable position when they are positioned between lanes of traffic, it’s generally safer and more courteous to allow them to proceed first so that they can rejoin a line of traffic.

Lane splitting, where a motorcyclist rides between a lane of moving or stationary traffic at more than 30km/h, is not permitted in WA.