For the most part, Colorado state law does not distinguish between different types of motor vehicles when it comes to setting and enforcing traffic regulations for public roads. However, there are a few exceptions to that general rule, specifically for two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles as well as autocycles and certain other machines that are street-legal but smaller in profile than typical commuter cars.
Here is a brief guide to the most important Grand Junction motorcycle traffic laws you should know about and adhere to every time you ride. However, even if you are careful to follow all applicable traffic laws, accidents can still happen. If you were recently hurt in a motorcycle wreck caused by another negligent driver, a motorcycle accident attorney from Veritas Injury Lawyers can help you explore your right to seek civil restitution.
Following the Standard Rules of the Road as a Motorcyclist
Under state law, motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles just the same as commuter cars, commercial trucks, and anything else street-legal with an engine and four or more wheels. Accordingly, motorcyclists have all the same rights and responsibilities on the road that other drivers do, meaning they must obey posted traffic signs and speed limits, adhere to electronic traffic signals where available, and pay attention to their surroundings at all times.
One of the few noteworthy traffic behaviors that is prohibited for most motor vehicle operators in the area but permissible for motorcyclists is lane sharing. Under the current motorcycle traffic laws applicable to riders in Grand Junction, you are allowed to ride two abreast within a single lane of traffic alongside another consenting motorcyclist. However, you cannot ride three or more abreast in a single traffic lane regardless of how much space there is in that lane, and all motorcyclists must move completely into an adjacent lane before passing and overtaking a slower vehicle ahead of them.
What Are the Differences Between Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering?
Lane splitting is against the law in Grand Junction and throughout the state, so motorcyclists cannot travel on the painted lines dividing traffic lanes at full speed under any circumstances. However, state legislators passed a law in 2024 legalizing the practice of lane filtering under very specific circumstances.
As a qualified lawyer can explain in more detail, motorcyclists are now allowed to filter to the front of a cluster of stopped vehicles by riding slowly and safely on the middle line between traffic lanes. In order to qualify as lawful lane filtering instead of unlawful lane splitting, you must stay below 15 miles per hour and pass on the left of the vehicle in front of you whenever safely possible, and you may not overtake anyone on the right shoulder of a road or by crossing the center line and entering the path of oncoming traffic.
Speak With a Grand Junction Attorney About Motorcycle Traffic Laws
While following Grand Junction motorcycle traffic laws is always important to staying safe on rides, it is unfortunately not a completely failsafe way of preventing motorcycle accidents. Even the most responsible riders can end up seriously injured in wrecks caused entirely by the misconduct of others around them. If that has happened to you, you have help available from capable legal counsel with demanding fair financial recovery.
A motorcycle injury attorney from our team here at Veritas Injury Law can be the ally you need to proactively pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a meeting.
