Filtering through a traffic jam on a motorcycle has finally become legal in France. After 26 years of fierce fighting this already well-established practice is recognized.

French motorcyclists’ organisation FFMC – a member of FEMA – calls it ‘A major step forward that marks a decisive step in road sharing and user safety’.

A step forward for road sharing and mobility
Filtering, although generally practiced by many bikers, was in a legal grey area until now, often tolerated, rarely sanctioned. And since 2016 the authorities experimented with it. After almost ten long years of experimentation, this legalization brings official recognition to a practice that helps to smooth traffic flow and reduce traffic jams. But the impact goes far beyond that. Thanks to this legalization, driving and motorcycle schools will now be able to include lane-splitting in their driving license training. This means that future motorcyclists will be better trained in this practice, thus reducing the risks of inappropriate or dangerous behaviour on their part. On the car drivers’ side too, since they will also benefit from increased awareness of this reality of sharing the road. Understanding how to react when faced with a filtering motorcyclist is essential for preventing accidents and limiting misunderstandings and tensions between users. It is therefore a victory for all: a better supervised and taught practice will result in fewer accidents for motorcyclists, better cohabitation on the road, and above all, increased safety for all users.

Legalization means regulation
The legalization of filtering is accompanied by precise rules, defined by decree, to guarantee safe and supervised practice. Here are the main points to remember:

• Filtering is allowed for drivers of motorcycles (category L3e) and motorised tricycles (category L5e) with a maximum width of 1 meter.
• It is allowed on motorways and dual carriageways separated by a central reservation with at least two lanes in each direction.
• It is allowed in the event of dense traffic on roads with uninterrupted lines.
• When the speed of other vehicles is limited to 50 km/h maximum, with sufficient space between vehicles, on a clear road (no roadworks, snow or ice) and respecting specific speed limits:
  – 50 km/h maximum if traffic is moving forward,
  – 30 km/h maximum if traffic is stationary,
  with the prohibition of overtaking another filtering motorcycle.
• When traffic flows again, re-join traffic without delay.

Penalties for non-compliance:

• 4th class fine (€135).
• Suspension of license for up to three years (with possible limitation to non-professional journeys).
• Loss of 3 points on the license.

A well-deserved victory
FFMC said: “This major step forward is the result of collective work carried out with perseverance by the FFMC, with the FFM and Mobilians for 26 years. If the official recognition of filtering is above all a victory for road users, it is also a recognition of the long-term work carried out by the FFMC. We have demonstrated, year after year, that filtering can be synonymous with fluidity and security, provided that it is well supervised. This decree marks the triumph of dialogue and pedagogy over prejudices and misunderstandings. FFMC does not intend to stop there. This legalization is a foundation on which we will continue to build a safer and more shared road for all users. Motorcyclists, motorists and cyclists, together, we are moving towards a future where common sense and sharing the road make sense.”

Source: FFMC

Top photograph courtesy of FFMC

This article is subject to FEMA’s copyright