Powered two-wheelers and lane filtering
Mopeds, motorcycles, blind spots, and the rules of lane filtering now regulated by law.
Updated 13 June 2026
Fast and poorly visible road users
Powered two-wheelers are particularly exposed to accidents. They represent a disproportionate share of road fatalities relative to their share of traffic. Motorcyclists have no bodywork to protect them, and the combination of high speed and low protection makes any accident potentially serious or fatal.
All powered two-wheelers must ride with dipped headlights on at all times, day and night, in good weather and bad. This aims to improve their visibility to other road users.
The different categories
Mopeds (scooters available from age 14, 50 cm3 maximum) combine the risks of cyclists and teenagers: instability, risk-taking and acceleration capacity. 125 cm3 motorcycles, available from age 16 (or with a B licence and 7 hours of training after 2 years), are found in both urban and fast road settings. Large-capacity motorcycles have an acceleration capacity approximately 7 times greater than a car and can approach very quickly.
How to detect and anticipate two-wheelers
Motorcyclists weave between vehicles and often end up in blind spots. Their small size allows them to overtake where two cars could not, and they may overtake you on the right. Before any lane or direction change, systematically check your mirrors and blind spots.
Two signs to know: when a motorcyclist extends their right leg after overtaking, it is a thank-you. When their torso leans to one side, they are about to change lane in that direction.
When a motorcyclist releases the throttle, their vehicle slows down abruptly as if braking, but without the brake lights coming on. Increase your following distance when behind a two-wheeler to avoid being caught out by these decelerations.
Two-wheelers often produce a distinctive sound. Pay attention to sounds, particularly in town: they can alert you to the presence of a motorcyclist you have not yet seen.
Lane filtering: now regulated by law
Since 11 January 2025, after a long trial period, lane filtering has been officially authorised by the Highway Code. It allows two-wheelers and three-wheelers (less than 1 metre wide) to ride between lines of vehicles when traffic is heavy and lanes are moving at 50 km/h or less.
The rules are strict: speed when lane filtering is limited to 50 km/h maximum, with a maximum differential of 30 km/h compared to other vehicles. For example, if cars are travelling at 10 km/h, motorcycles cannot exceed 40 km/h. Overtaking between two-wheelers while filtering is forbidden.
Lane filtering is only permitted on motorways and roads with at least 2 lanes in each direction separated by a central reservation, with a permitted speed between 70 and 130 km/h. Forbidden in town and on roads without a central reservation.
When there are 3 lanes, two-wheelers ride between the two leftmost lanes. As soon as traffic flows freely and cars exceed 50 km/h in at least one lane, two-wheelers must return to their position in the lanes.
Lane filtering is also forbidden in snow or icy conditions, and in the presence of roadworks. Non-compliance results in a 4th class contravention (135 euros) and a 3-point deduction.
Your role as a motorist regarding lane filtering
As a motorist, facilitate the passage of motorcyclists filtering between lanes. If you are driving in the leftmost lane, move to the left. If you are in the rightmost or middle lane, move to the right. Regularly check your mirrors and blind spots, especially before any lane change. Avoid sudden manoeuvres.
Recap
- Powered two-wheelers ride with dipped headlights on at all times.
- Large motorcycles have acceleration 7 times greater than a car.
- Blind spots: systematic check before any lane or direction change.
- Leaning torso = imminent lane change. Extended leg = thank-you.
- Lane filtering permitted since January 2025 on motorways and dual carriageways with a central reservation.
- Maximum speed when filtering: 50 km/h, maximum differential with traffic: 30 km/h.
- Overtaking between two-wheelers while filtering is forbidden.
- Motorists: move left in the left lane, right in other lanes.
Test yourself
What is the maximum speed permitted when lane filtering?
- ○30 km/h
- ○70 km/h
- ✓50 km/h
- ○40 km/h
Correct answer : 50 km/h
Since when has lane filtering been included in the Highway Code?
- ✓January 2025
- ○January 2023
- ○July 2024
- ○January 2020
Correct answer : January 2025
Sources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.