SB 24-079

Senate Bill 24-079, which has been signed into law and will take effect on August 7, 2024, allows motorcycle riders in Colorado to pass other vehicles within the same lane under certain conditions. Riders can do this if traffic is stopped, the road lanes are wide enough for safe passing, they are traveling at 15 miles per hour or less, and it’s safe to operate the motorcycle while overtaking another vehicle. However, motorcyclists cannot pass on the right shoulder, to the right of a vehicle in the farthest right lane if the highway isn’t limited access, or in the opposite direction of traffic. The law will be reviewed for safety data before being repealed on September 1, 2027.

Official Summary

The act authorizes the driver of a 2-wheeled motorcycle to overtake or pass another motor vehicle in the same lane if: The traffic is stopped; The road has lanes wide enough to pass safely; The motorcycle is moving at 15 miles per hour or less; and Conditions permit prudent operation of the motorcycle while overtaking or passing. A motorcycle driver overtaking or passing under the act must not overtake or pass: On the right shoulder; To the right of a vehicle in the farthest right-hand lane if the highway is not limited access; or In a lane of traffic moving in the opposite direction. The authorization to overtake or pass is repealed, effective September 1, 2027. Before the repeal, the Colorado department of transportation will analyze safety data on the act and issue a report to the general assembly. APPROVED by Governor April 4, 2024 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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