The French government has decided to extend its trial of lane splitting, also known as filtering or inter-lane traffic, until the end of December. The practice allows motorbike riders and drivers of three-wheeled vehicles to bypass traffic jams, but only on certain roads and in certain parts of the country.

The initial trial expired back in August. Since then, the government has announced a series of extensions via decree, the latest of which allows the practice to legally continue on motorways and dual carriageways with at least two lanes per side in 21 departments until 31st December 2024. This collection of French departments includes the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var.

Lane splitting is a common sight in France – and not just on motorways and multilane highways – but it is not officially integrated into the nation’s Code de la Route.

The French government has been trialling legal lane splitting on and off since 2016, with the goal of evaluating the safety and use of the practice.

Under the rules of the new trial, motorbike riders and three-wheeler drivers are allowed to bypass heavy traffic on motorways and dual carriageways with two lanes where the speed limit is 70 km/h or higher by entering the zone between other vehicles.

Inter-lane users must not exceed speeds of 50 km/h, with a maximum speed differential of 30 km/h compared to surrounding vehicles.

Furthermore, lane splitting is forbidden if there are construction works nearby, and riders are not allowed to force their way through traffic, overtake other inter-lane vehicles or continue riding between lanes once a normal traffic flow resumes.

The fine for non-compliance is a rather stiff €135 and a three-point ding on driving licences.

For more information, click here.

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