Why Are Utah Drivers Fuming Over This Motorcycle Behavior?

New Lane Filtering Law isn’t that New 

You may have noticed when you are stopped at a red light that motorcycles will drive between the vehicles on the white line until they are at the front. This upsets some people and they are confused why it is happening. It is because the law changed in Utah and it is now a legal maneuver.

This isn’t that new of a law either. It is called lane filtering, and it has been a law in Utah since 2019. It is to protect motorcycles from being rear ended in stopped traffic. We don’t always see motorcycles on the open road, and it is no different when we are lined up at a light. 

Lane Filtering Specifics 

In Utah, when vehicles are stopped at a light and there are two lanes going the same direction, motorcycles can drive at a low speed, no more than 15 mph, between the cars to the front. When the light changes, they can then proceed into the intersection. 

This is only on multiple lane roads and those that have a speed limit of 45 mph or less. Even then, it is up to the motorcycle to proceed with caution and when it is safe. Unlike other states like California, filtering cannot be done on the freeway in slow or stopped traffic. 

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It seems like anger on the roads has increased. This summer we have seen many motorcycle accidents in Southern Utah. If seeing a motorcycle do this legal move at a stop light frustrates you, chill out. Go home and write to a politician rather than fuming in your car.  

I think a lot of this rage is from things happening outside of our control in the world and expressed when we drive or interact with others. It is past time to turn down the temperature in our lives and especially when we are behind the wheel.