Questions about BDR 43-73

The Nevada Legislature's next session opens February 1, 2027. Hearing and vote dates for BDR 43-73 have not been set yet. Check back here for updated dates as they become available, or sign up for updates and we'll let you know.

BDR 43-73 is a Bill Draft Request, the first step toward a bill in the Nevada Legislature, sponsored by Senator Richard "Skip" Daly. It would create a clear, safety-focused set of rules for motorcycle lane filtering: when and how a motorcycle may carefully move between stopped or slow-moving vehicles. The goal is to give riders and drivers one common, predictable set of rules designed with safety in mind.

No. Lane filtering means a motorcycle moving carefully between vehicles in stopped or slow-moving traffic that is headed in the same direction. It is not permission to speed or weave through traffic. BDR 43-73 defines lane filtering as a controlled safety practice, not an unrestricted passing maneuver.

Under the proposed provisions, lane filtering would be allowed only when the motorcycle is traveling less than 35 mph, moves between vehicles traveling in the same direction, and is ridden in a cautious and prudent manner considering traffic, roadway, and weather conditions. The motorcycle may not use the shoulder or enter a lane designated for oncoming traffic. These provisions are proposed and may change as the legislation is developed.

When traffic is stopped or heavily congested, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to being struck from behind by inattentive drivers. Moving carefully between lanes reduces the time a rider spends exposed to that risk. Clear rules also keep motorcycles within the existing lanes rather than on shoulders or emergency lanes, and make rider behavior more predictable for everyone.

A University of California, Berkeley study examined nearly 6,000 motorcyclists involved in collisions in California, including nearly 1,000 who were lane splitting at the time. Riders who were lane splitting had lower rates of head injury (9% vs 16.8%), torso injury (19% vs 28.6%), and fatal injury (1.2% vs 3.0%) than other riders. The researchers concluded lane splitting appeared relatively safe when traffic was moving at 50 mph or less and riders did not excessively speed past surrounding traffic.

No. BDR 43-73 specifically keeps motorcycles off the shoulder and out of any lane designated for oncoming traffic. Filtering would only happen between vehicles moving in the same direction.

Nevada does not currently have a law that sets out rules allowing lane filtering. BDR 43-73 is proposed legislation and is not yet law. Until a law is passed and takes effect, riders should follow Nevada's current traffic laws.

No. BDR 43-73 was drafted with Nevada's full range of roadways in mind, from rural highways to congested urban corridors.

Filter4Safety is the organization behind this website and is paying for it. We support BDR 43-73 and work to inform Nevadans about safe, clearly regulated motorcycle lane filtering.

Sign up for updates so you'll know when BDR 43-73 is scheduled for hearings and votes. Then find your Nevada state senator and assembly member using the Nevada Legislature's "Who's My Legislator" tool linked at the bottom of every page, and let them know you support safer, clearer rules for Nevada roads.