Know the rules
Colorado motorcycle laws: lane filtering, helmets and eye protection
The Colorado motorcycle laws riders ask about most are lane filtering, helmets and eye protection. Since 2024, Colorado lets motorcycles filter past stopped vehicles at 15 mph or less, under conditions in state law. Helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18, and eye protection is required for every rider and passenger. Here's each rule in plain English. This is not legal advice, so read the statute.
- Lane filtering
- Legal since 2024, with limits
- Filtering speed
- 15 mph or less
- Helmets
- Required under 18
- Eye protection
- Required for all riders
First
Read the statute, not just this page
This page explains Colorado motorcycle laws in plain English so you know what to look up. It isn't legal advice, and it may not cover every condition or exception. Laws change, and Colorado's filtering law is new, so it may be revised. Before you rely on a rule here, read the law itself and talk to a lawyer about a specific situation. For roads, seasons and events, start with the Colorado state guide.
- Statutes: the Colorado Revised Statutes, on the Colorado General Assembly's site. Traffic rules, including motorcycle rules, are in Title 42 (Vehicles and Traffic).
- Helmet laws in every state: the IIHS motorcycle helmet law overview.
- Licenses and registration: the Colorado DMV.
Lane filtering
Colorado lane filtering law, explained
In 2024, Colorado passed a law that allows lane filtering in limited conditions. Filtering means moving up between or past vehicles that are stopped, for example at a red light. As we read it, the main conditions are:
What it doesn't allow: splitting lanes between moving traffic at speed. Read Title 42 for the exact wording, including any conditions we haven't listed.
The law is new, and many drivers don't know about it yet, including visitors from states where it isn't allowed. Go slowly, watch for doors and lane changes, and settle back into a lane when traffic starts moving.
- The vehicles you're passing are stopped.
- You are riding at 15 mph or less while you filter.
- There's enough room between the vehicles to pass safely.
- Conditions allow you to do it safely.
- You don't pass on the shoulder or to the right of the rightmost lane.
Helmets and eyes
Colorado helmet and eye protection laws
Helmets. Colorado requires riders and passengers under 18 to wear a helmet. Riders 18 and older aren't required to by that law.
Eye protection. Colorado requires eye protection, such as goggles, safety glasses or a helmet face shield, for every rider and passenger, whatever their age. Regular sunglasses may not count, so read the statute for what qualifies.
Wear the helmet regardless. Colorado riding means hail, sudden cold rain, bugs at speed and long, cold descents from 12,000 feet. A full-face helmet covers the helmet rule and the eye rule in one.
License
Getting a motorcycle license in Colorado
You need a motorcycle endorsement on your Colorado license to ride on public roads. It comes from the Colorado DMV. The usual path is a permit, a written test and a skills test, and completing a course through the state's Motorcycle Operator Safety Training program can stand in for some of the DMV testing. Check the DMV for current steps.
A course is worth it even if you're licensed. Colorado roads ask a lot: tight switchbacks with drop-offs, gravel after storms, wildlife and long descents. New to riding? See our page on the motorcycle app for beginners.
Paperwork
Registration, insurance and riding in a group
Carry your license with the motorcycle endorsement, your registration and proof of insurance. Colorado requires liability insurance on registered vehicles. Check the DMV and your insurer for the current minimums, since they can change.
In a group, every bike follows the same traffic laws. Ride staggered on open roads and single file in the switchbacks, and regroup at stops instead of running lights to keep up. A group ride in Rippin' keeps everyone on one live map.
Road trips
Riding into Colorado's neighbor states
Colorado trips cross state lines often, and the rules change at the border. As of 2026:
Riding the Million Dollar Highway down into New Mexico, or north to Wyoming and Sturgis? Leave the filtering habit at the border.
| State | Lane filtering or splitting | Helmets |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Filtering allowed under conditions | Under 18 |
| Utah | Filtering allowed under conditions | Under 21 |
| Arizona | Filtering allowed under conditions | Under 18 |
| New Mexico | Not allowed | Some riders, mainly younger |
| Wyoming | Not allowed | Some riders, mainly younger |
| Nebraska | Not allowed | Some riders |
| Kansas | Not allowed | Some riders, mainly younger |
How Rippin' fits
Phones, speed and privacy
Colorado restricts handheld phone use while driving, and the rules have been tightened in recent years. Check the current law. On a bike, the simple rule is: don't touch the phone while you're moving. Tap Record Ride once before you roll, pocket or mount the phone, and tap Stop at the end.
Rippin' never rewards speed on public roads. Segment boards are about who owns a road and who rides it, not a race. Popular roads in the best motorcycle roads in Colorado see enforcement, so leave margin. For speed, book a track day.
Set a home privacy safe zone so the part of your rides near home stays hidden from other riders.
Quick reference
Colorado motorcycle laws at a glance
| Topic | Plain-English summary | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Lane filtering | Past stopped vehicles at 15 mph or less, with room, safely, not on the shoulder | C.R.S. Title 42 |
| Lane splitting at speed | Not allowed | C.R.S. Title 42 |
| Helmets | Required for riders and passengers under 18 | C.R.S. Title 42 |
| Eye protection | Required for every rider and passenger | C.R.S. Title 42 |
| License | Motorcycle endorsement | Colorado DMV |
| Insurance | Liability required on registered vehicles | Colorado DMV, your insurer |
Summary only, not legal advice. Laws change. Read the Colorado Revised Statutes on leg.colorado.gov for the exact text.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
Is lane filtering legal in Colorado?
Yes, since 2024, in limited conditions: past stopped vehicles, at 15 mph or less, with enough room and only when it's safe. Read Title 42 of the Colorado Revised Statutes for the exact wording.
Is lane splitting legal in Colorado?
Riding between lanes of moving traffic at speed isn't allowed. Colorado's law covers filtering past stopped vehicles at low speed.
Do you have to wear a helmet in Colorado?
Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. Adults aren't required to by that law, though wearing one is the safer choice.
Do you need eye protection on a motorcycle in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires eye protection, like goggles, safety glasses or a face shield, for every rider and passenger. Check the statute for what counts.
How do I get a motorcycle license in Colorado?
Through the Colorado DMV: usually a permit, a written test and a skills test for the motorcycle endorsement. A state-approved rider training course can stand in for some testing.
Is this page legal advice?
No. It's a plain-English summary to help riders find the right law. Read the statute itself and ask a lawyer about your situation.
Ride legal, ride every pass.
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