Under considerationWill Luxembourg allow motorcyclists to weave in and out of traffic?

It’s written in black and white on the website of the Luxembourg police, on the page dedicated to motorcyclists:

• “If the traffic is moving slowly, do not overtake the queue of cars unless you can clearly see what is ahead.”
• “Do not overtake in traffic jams on the motorway.”

The act of zigzagging between cars in traffic jams is presently considered overtaking on the right, exposing motorcyclists to a €74 fine. A government source, contacted by RTL, notes that, depending on the situation, this action could also be construed as speeding or dangerous driving.

However, in reality, a significant number of motorcyclists deviate from the prescribed norms, frequently navigating between lanes during traffic slowdowns.

This lane should only be used by emergency vehicles. But in reality, it’s mainly motorcyclists who use it

© Road Safety Authority

Luxembourg revisits the question of motorcyclists navigating traffic lanes

The debate surrounding the permissibility of motorcyclists weaving between vehicles on Luxembourg’s roads has persisted for years. In 2017, a petition in favour of allowing motorcyclists to pass between lanes of cars collected more than 1,000 signatures in one week. However, any decisive action was deferred as Luxembourg opted to await the findings of a corresponding experiment underway in France. In 2020, the Grand Duchy ultimately voiced a negative stance on introducing inter-vehicle traffic. Fast forward to 2022, and the government, as reported to RTL, revealed ongoing “negotiations” concerning a fresh study on the matter. As of 2024, the study “has reached completion,” according to the government source contacted by RTL.

“At the moment, motorcyclists are still prohibited from riding between traffic lanes in Luxembourg. We are in the process of carefully examining the arguments for and against in order to determine whether we will allow this practice in the future,” the source explains.

It is worth noting that the legal landscape on this matter is more accommodating on the other side of the border:

• In France, several departments (none in the Lorraine region) authorise inter-vehicle traffic on an experimental basis.
• Belgium‘s Traffic Code also allows motorcyclists to use the unofficial “third” lane under specific conditions.

What do you think? Should motorcyclists in Luxembourg be allowed to squeeze between traffic lanes or not? Take part in our quick poll below.