Is Lane Splitting Legal in Minnesota?

Minnesota is making big changes for motorcyclists. Starting on July 1, 2025, motorcyclists will be able to legally filter between lanes of traffic. 

This law offers a great opportunity to make Minnesota’s roads safer for everyone. Riders will enjoy smoother, safer commutes, while drivers will see less congestion. Let’s dive into what this law means for motorcyclists and how it will affect Minnesota traffic.

We understand that laws like this can be confusing initially, and drivers and motorcyclists will need time to understand the rules. While Minnesota is rolling out a public education campaign to prepare for this change, we’ve created this guide to help you understand what’s allowed and what’s not. 

If you’ve recently gotten into an accident with a negligent driver, our lawyers are here to protect your rights. Contact Meshbesher & Spence online or by phone at (612) 339-9121 to get started.

Can You Lane Split in Minnesota?

Lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between lanes of traffic, even when cars are moving at higher speeds. This usually happens on highways or busy roads where vehicles are stuck in traffic. The motorcycle passes between the cars, often weaving in and out of lanes. 

While it can help motorcyclists avoid traffic jams, lane splitting can be risky because it involves riding at higher speeds and navigating through tightly packed vehicles. Because of these dangers, lane splitting is not allowed in most places, though it is legal in some areas.

About the New Law on Lane Splitting in Minnesota

In May 2024, Minnesota became the latest state to legalize lane splitting or lane filtering for motorcyclists.

HF 5247 legalizes the ability for motorcyclists to move between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, but there are important rules to keep in mind.

The new law, signed by Governor Tim Walz, will officially go into effect on July 1, 2025. Under the law, motorcycles are allowed to filter through traffic when:

• The motorcycle’s speed does not exceed 25 miles per hour.
• The difference in speed between the motorcycle and surrounding traffic does not exceed 15 miles per hour.

So long as these conditions are met, motorcyclists can safely ride between lanes if cars are stopped or moving slowly in traffic. The goal is to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, which are a serious concern for motorcyclists.

In addition, the law includes a public education campaign to help drivers understand the new rules. This is important to ensure that both motorcyclists and other drivers are aware of the changes and can navigate the roads safely.

Lane Filtering in Minnesota vs. Lane Splitting: What’s the Difference? 

While the official state law refers to this practice as “lane splitting,” the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and many in the motorcycling community call it lane filtering. Below are some differences to consider between the two phrases: 

• Lane Filtering: This occurs when a motorcycle rides between lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles, often at low speeds like in traffic jams or stoplights. Lane filtering is often seen as safer because it happens at slower speeds and typically in situations where traffic is either stopped or barely moving.
• Lane Splitting: This involves riding between lanes of traffic at higher speeds, often on highways where vehicles are moving faster. Lane splitting is legal in some states but is generally considered riskier because of the higher speeds involved. Minnesota’s new law does not permit full lane splitting at highway speeds.

Therefore, while the new law technically refers to “lane splitting,” what it actually describes is what the motorcycle community calls lane filtering. So, is lane splitting legal in Minnesota? Sort of. The law allows lane sharing but only under certain speed conditions.

Riders and drivers must work together to make this change successful. At Meshbesher & Spence, we encourage riders to prepare now. But all the preparation in the world can’t protect you against another driver’s negligence. 

Contact our team online or by phone at (612) 339-9121 if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and would like to make a claim.

Tips for Motorcyclists Traveling in Minnesota

Lane filtering in Minnesota will require responsible driving. Follow these tips to keep safe and avoid lane splitting on the road:

• Stay Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing to make sure other drivers see you. Adding reflective decals to your bike also improves visibility in low light.
• Use Your Signals: Always signal your movements. Let drivers know when you are changing lanes or filtering.
• Be Alert: Keep your eyes on the road and anticipate sudden movements from other drivers. Watch for hazards like cars changing lanes or opening doors.
• Avoid Blind Spots: Stay out of areas where drivers may not see you, especially near large vehicles. Position yourself where you are most visible.
• Yield When Necessary: If a driver doesn’t see you or needs space, give way to avoid conflict or accidents. Being cautious is better than forcing your way.
• Prepare for Sudden Stops: Keep safe from other vehicles, even while filtering. Be ready to brake quickly if traffic changes unexpectedly.
• Stay Informed: Follow Minnesota’s public education campaign on lane filtering. Understanding the law and its guidelines will help you ride confidently and safely.

Meshbesher & Spence: Offering Reliable Legal Support for Minnesota Motorcyclists

Although the new law permits lane splitting, or what some might call filtering, it can still lead to legal challenges. Drivers unfamiliar with these practices might cause accidents. They may blame motorcyclists, even when the rider followed the rules. Misunderstandings like this can lead to disputes or unfair claims.

At Meshbesher & Spence, we’re here to help. We’ve handled many motorcycle accident cases and understand the unique risks riders face, such as a $6 million settlement for a motorcyclist who sustained injuries in Washington County.

Our team will fight for your rights if you’re involved in an accident. We’ll make sure the law is applied fairly and work to recover what you’re owed. Whether it’s an insurance dispute or a legal claim, we’re here to guide you.

Motorcyclists deserve respect and protection on the road. With lane filtering becoming legal, strong legal support is more important than ever. Contact Meshbesher & Spence if you need help navigating these changes. Reach out to us online or by phone at (612) 339-9121 for a free consultation.

Proudly Representing Minnesota Residents