The UK is full of some interesting driving rules. Some of them are archaic and simply need updating, while others can expose how little people know about driving in the country. Some of them can also catch drivers out, which could result in hefty fines.
As reported recently by British newspaper The Mirror, drivers are being cautioned about a little-known rule that could not only land them with penalty points on their license, but also a huge fine that could put a serious dent into some people’s bank accounts.
The rule relates to what is known as “motorcycle filtering.” This is a practice where motorcyclists will weave in and out of congestion on roads, enabling them to get through the traffic while those in cars are stuck. It’s something that can frustrate many drivers while they are standing still and not able to move.
Some motorists believe that motorcyclists are not allowed to do this. However, the practice is very much legal, and something that drivers are encouraged not to interfere with. Because if a driver does so, it could land them in very hot water and with a massive fine to pay.
What the Laws Are Regarding Motorcycle Filtering
Motorcycle filtering is when a motorcycle weaves through congestion. Cars are usually stuck standing still, or at best moving but very slowly. For drivers, it can look like the rider of the motorcycle is queue jumping and doing something they shouldn’t be doing. But it is legal in most circumstances.
This means that, if a driver is spotted deliberately trying to block a motorcyclist, potentially by blocking gaps with their car, they could land in serious trouble. A driver doing so could face penalty points on their license, an outright driving ban, and a fine worth up to £5,000, roughly $6,600. The matter could easily be taken to the courts, which is where the fine would be issued. Britain’s Highway Code makes it clear that motorcyclists can weave between traffic.
Rule 88 of the Highway Code states that motorcyclists can carefully filter through slow-moving or stationary traffic. This ensures that the bikes are not part of the queue of traffic, meaning it could help to ease congestion. Incredibly, though, there are a lot of riders who report drivers obstructing their paths. The drivers often pull across the road or refuse to leave space for the bikes to get through.
What Happens if You Block a Motorcyclist?
“A lot of drivers simply don’t realize filtering is legal, so they assume the rider is jumping the queue, and that’s infuriating for them,” said Dale Gillespie, a motoring expert at IronStable. “But the rider’s usually well within their rights, and blocking them is both against the law and dangerous,” he added. So, in short, you shouldn’t even dare to block a motorcyclist as they try to come through.
If you are caught, you could be charged under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act for careless driving. Obstruction offences could also apply, and if guilty of careless driving, a driver could earn three to nine penalty points on their license. If that brought them up to 12, then they would face an immediate driving ban. Motorcyclists, however, don’t have free rein on their filtering. It isn’t allowed where overtaking is forbidden, and they mustn’t travel at excessive speeds. But the last thing they want is to suddenly find someone’s car blocking their way.