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Wyoming Riders Heading to Colorado: Know the Rules Before Filtering.
If you're a Wyoming rider who enjoys the twists and turns of Colorado's mountain roads or finds yourself commuting across the border, there's a significant difference in motorcycle laws you need to understand, Colorado allows lane filtering, and Wyoming doesn't.
Since August 7, 2024, Colorado has permitted motorcyclists to filter between stopped vehicles under specific conditions. For Wyoming riders used to staying in their lane no matter what, this represents both an opportunity and a potential legal pitfall. Understanding exactly when and where you can filter in Colorado and what happens if you get it wrong could mean the difference between a safer ride and a costly citation, or worse, liability in a crash.
What Wyoming Riders Need to Understand About the Difference.
In Wyoming, lane filtering and lane splitting are both illegal. Whether traffic is stopped at a red light in Cheyenne or crawling along I-80 during a snowstorm, Wyoming law requires motorcyclists to maintain their lane position just like any other vehicle.
Colorado changed that, but only partially and with strict limitations.
Colorado now allows lane filtering, which means you can ride between lanes of completely stopped traffic under certain conditions. This is legal at stoplights, in traffic jams, or anytime vehicles around you have come to a complete stop. The law was designed to protect motorcyclists from rear-end collisions, which are one of the most common and dangerous threats riders face.
Lane splitting (riding between vehicles that are still moving) remains illegal in Colorado, just as it is in Wyoming. If traffic is crawling at 2 mph or flowing normally and you ride between lanes, you're breaking the law in both states.
The Specific Rules: When You Can Filter in Colorado.
If you're riding in Colorado and want to take advantage of lane filtering, you must follow these rules exactly:
Traffic must be completely stopped. Not slow. Not creeping forward. Fully stopped. If cars are still rolling, even slightly, you cannot legally filter.
The posted speed limit must be 45 mph or less. This means lane filtering is legal on city streets, residential roads, and some state highways but not on interstates or high-speed corridors. Even if I-25 through Denver is gridlocked, you cannot legally filter there because the posted limit exceeds 45 mph.
You must filter at a safe, reasonable speed. While the law doesn't specify an exact speed limit for filtering, you need to move slowly enough to react to sudden door openings, vehicles shifting position, or debris in your path.
These rules are not suggestions. They're legal requirements, and Colorado law enforcement is watching for violations, especially as more riders learn about the new law.
Where Riders Get Into Trouble.
Based on cases we've seen in the first year since Colorado legalized lane filtering, here are the most common mistakes Wyoming riders make when crossing the border:
Filtering on highways. Many riders assume that if traffic is stopped, filtering is allowed anywhere. Not true. We've seen citations on I-25, I-70, and Highway 285 because the posted limits exceed 45 mph. Even if traffic is at a standstill, these roads are off-limits for filtering.
Filtering through slow-moving traffic. If traffic is crawling at 5 or 10 mph, it's tempting to slide between lanes. But if vehicles are moving at all, you're lane splitting, not filtering, and that's illegal in Colorado just as it is back home in Wyoming.
Filtering too fast. Some riders treat filtering like a race to the front of the line. But if you're moving so quickly that you can't stop safely when a car door opens or a vehicle changes lanes unexpectedly, you're putting yourself at risk and potentially breaking the law.
Remember: just because you can filter in Colorado doesn't mean you should do it carelessly. The law exists to improve safety, not to create new risks.
What Happens If You Get Into a Crash While Filtering?
Even if you're filtering legally in Colorado, you could still face blame if a crash occurs. Many Colorado drivers don't fully understand the new law, and insurance companies often try to shift fault onto motorcyclists whenever possible.
Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence system, which means if you're found 50% or more at fault, you can't recover compensation. If you were filtering legally but an adjuster claims you were going too fast, filtering on the wrong road, or moving through traffic that wasn't fully stopped, you could lose your entire claim.
This is especially important for Wyoming riders who may not be as familiar with Colorado's specific filtering rules. If you're involved in a crash while filtering, you need a legal team that understands both the law and how to defend riders against aggressive insurance tactics.
Ride Smart Across State Lines
As a Wyoming rider, you're used to staying in your lane no matter what. That's still the rule at home, and it's the safest approach on most Colorado roads too. But when you're on a city street with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, and traffic comes to a complete stop, Colorado law now gives you a legal tool to stay safer.
Use it wisely. Know the rules. Filter only when conditions are right. And always stay alert, because even when you're following the law, not every driver around you will understand what you're doing.
The law may be different in Colorado, but the risks are the same. Ride smart, ride legal, and when something goes wrong, make sure you have someone in your corner who knows how to fight for riders.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your individual situation for legal advice.
