A 22-year-old provisional motorcycle rider has been issued $966 in traffic infringement notices after police detected alleged unlawful filtering and road-line offences on the Centenary Highway near Richlands.
The incident was among several motorcycle offences highlighted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) on 31 October 2026, following a month of targeted enforcement across Brisbane during Motorcycle Awareness Month.
An officer from Mount Ommaney Highway Patrol spotted the rider allegedly filtering unlawfully through traffic before intercepting him. Police issued three infringement notices carrying a combined six demerit points.
Three infringements carry six demerit points
The rider received a $518 infringement and three demerit points for unlawful motorcycle edge filtering. A second infringement, carrying a $310 fine and three demerit points, was issued for crossing continuous lines beside a painted island.
Police also issued a $138 infringement for crossing a continuous line dividing lanes on a multi-lane road. The two road-line infringements are separate offences from unlawful motorcycle filtering.
The six demerit points could have significant consequences for the rider’s provisional licence. Under Queensland’s demerit point system, provisional licence holders who accumulate four or more points within a continuous 12-month period must choose between a three-month licence suspension and a 12-month good driving behaviour period.
Police have not disclosed the rider’s previous demerit point balance or whether any licence sanction has been imposed.
Provisional riders prohibited from lane and edge filtering
Queensland allows fully licensed motorcyclists to filter through traffic under specific conditions, but learner and provisional licence holders are prohibited from both lane filtering and edge filtering.
Lane filtering involves riding between adjacent lanes of traffic travelling in the same direction. Eligible riders must travel at no more than 30 km/h and only undertake the manoeuvre when it is safe.
Edge filtering involves riding along a road shoulder or emergency stopping lane to pass stationary or slow-moving traffic. It is permitted only for eligible riders on roads with a speed limit of at least 90 km/h, subject to additional restrictions.
Motorcyclists cannot legally edge filter through tunnels or roadworks, use unsealed shoulders or undertake the manoeuvre when conditions make it unsafe.
Lane filtering is also prohibited in operating school zones and areas where filtering restrictions apply. Queensland’s road rules restrict both forms of filtering to riders holding an open motorcycle licence.
Brisbane police to maintain motorcycle enforcement
South Brisbane District Inspector Mat Kelly said motorcycle enforcement would continue beyond October, with officers targeting speeding, unlawful filtering and other dangerous riding behaviour.
Police had detected riders crossing double lines, operating motorcycles dangerously and travelling without appropriate protective clothing, including gloves, jackets and protective trousers.
Inspector Kelly also raised concerns about riders failing to adjust their speed to changing weather and road conditions. Heavy rain, reduced visibility and slower traffic could make travelling at the posted speed limit unsafe.
Queensland Police will continue stationary and mobile enforcement activities across Brisbane. Officers have also warned that riders who fail to stop when directed may face further investigation, with police pursuing alleged offenders after the initial incident.
The enforcement campaign comes amid continuing concerns about motorcycle crashes, with riders facing a greater risk of serious injury because they have less physical protection than occupants of passenger vehicles.
Published 31-Oct-2026
