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 (HF 5247), signed by Governor Tim Walz in May 2024, makes Minnesota only the sixth state in the nation to allow these maneuvers, joining California, Colorado, Montana, Arizona, and Utah.

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

Minnesota has become 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 terms “lane splitting” and “lane filtering” are often used interchangeably, but Minnesota’s new law effectively differentiates between the two through specific speed and traffic conditions.

Lane splitting (or “stripe riding”) allows a motorcycle to pass another vehicle in the same direction of travel and in the same traffic lane, but only 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.
• Once traffic speed reaches 25 mph or faster, motorcyclists must stop sharing lanes and ride in a single traffic lane.

Lane filtering occurs when a motorcycle moves slowly between lanes of stopped traffic, such as at a traffic light or in a traffic jam. Similar to lane splitting, the motorcycle’s speed should never exceed 25 miles per hour while filtering.

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.

So, is lane splitting legal in Minnesota? Yes. The law allows lane splitting but only under certain speeds and conditions. These maneuvers are not permitted at the approach, drive-through, or exit of a roundabout, in a marked school zone, on a freeway entrance or exit ramp, when there is only a single lane of traffic in the same direction, or in work zones where only a single travel lane is available.

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 sharing, 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.

It’s especially important to note that while the law aims to increase safety, there have already been 18 motorcycle fatalities in Minnesota in 2025, and 76 in 2024.

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