Lane splittingFrance
Traffic rules
France
1. Lane splitting
Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle or another permitted two-wheeled vehicle between two lanes or queues of traffic travelling in the same direction. When it is done through stationary or slow-moving traffic, it is also commonly called lane filtering.
Lane splitting can reduce the time motorcycles spend in congestion but requires particular care because vehicles may change lanes, open gaps or move unexpectedly. Whether lane splitting is permitted, which vehicles may do it and any applicable speed limits depend on the local traffic laws.
Is motorcycle filtering legally permitted throughout France?
Yes, under restricted conditions. From 11 January 2025, qualifying L3e motorcycles and L5e motorised tricycles no wider than one metre may filter between the two leftmost lanes on motorways and divided roads with at least two lanes in each direction and a normal statutory speed limit of at least 70 km/h. The permission requires continuous queues on all lanes and the other statutory conditions; it is not a general permission on ordinary urban streets.
🔗 interieur.gouv.fr • French Interior Ministry — nationwide filtering takes effect11January2025
What speed limit applies when filtering between traffic lanes in France?
The maximum filtering speed is 50 km/h, reduced to 30 km/h if one of the traffic queues is stationary. Riders must filter between the two leftmost lanes and return to a lane when the traffic conditions no longer qualify.
🔗 interieur.gouv.fr • French Interior Ministry — nationwide filtering takes effect11January2025
