Allows lane filtering, the act of passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles proceeding in the same direction, for motorcycles at low speeds.

Rhode Island Motorcycle Lane Filtering Bill

This bill would allow motorcyclists in Rhode Island to practice what is known as "lane filtering" — the act of carefully riding between lanes of slow-moving or completely stopped traffic traveling in the same direction. Under current Rhode Island law, motorcycles must stay in a single lane like all other vehicles. If passed, this bill would create a specific exception for motorcyclists to move through congested traffic at low speeds.

The bill would primarily affect motorcycle riders and, to a lesser extent, other drivers who share the road with them. Motorcyclists would gain the legal right to pass between vehicles when traffic is stopped or barely moving, as long as they do so at a low speed. Drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles would need to be aware that motorcycles may legally move alongside or between them in slow or stopped traffic conditions.

Supporters of similar laws in other states often argue that lane filtering can reduce rear-end collisions involving motorcycles in stop-and-go traffic and ease overall traffic congestion. Currently, this bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and recommended to be held for further study, meaning lawmakers have not yet moved it forward for a full vote. A hearing is scheduled for February 2026, so the bill remains in its early stages and has not yet become law.