Minnesota Legalizes Motorcycle Lane Splitting and Filtering Starting July 1
Minnesota motorcyclists will be legally permitted to lane split and lane filter beginning July 1, 2025, following a new law aimed at improving safety and reducing traffic congestion. The change allows riders to move between lanes of slow or stopped traffic under specific conditions, making Minnesota one of the growing number of states to approve these practices.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Minnesota motorcyclists will be legally allowed to engage in lane splitting and lane filtering, marking a major change to state traffic laws aimed at improving rider safety and easing traffic congestion.
Lane splitting refers to riding a motorcycle between lanes of moving vehicles. Lane filtering allows motorcyclists to move between stopped vehicles, such as at red lights or in gridlocked traffic. Minnesota now joins a growing number of states to legalize these practices—under specific conditions.
What the law allows
Lane splitting (moving traffic):
- Permitted on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction
- Rider must not exceed 25 mph
- Rider must not travel more than 15 mph faster than surrounding traffic
Lane filtering (stopped traffic):
- Also permitted on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction
- Rider may pass between stopped vehicles
- Speed must not exceed 15 mph more than surrounding traffic
Where lane splitting and filtering are not allowed
The new law prohibits both maneuvers in the following areas:
- Roundabouts (approach, within, or exit)
- School zones
- Single-lane work zones
- Freeway or expressway on-ramps
Key guidelines for motorcyclists
- Must evaluate road and traffic conditions before proceeding
- Must obey all posted limits and legal restrictions
- Cannot operate outside of the defined legal zones or speeds
What drivers need to know
- Be alert for motorcyclists passing between lanes, especially in stopped or slow-moving traffic
- Do not block or impede a motorcyclist who is legally lane splitting or filtering—violators may face legal penalties
Purpose of the change
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the new policy is designed to:
- Reduce rear-end collisions
- Decrease exposure of motorcyclists in congested zones
- Improve overall traffic flow and rider safety
Supporters of the law cite data from other states that show a reduction in motorcycle crashes and fatalities after legalizing these practices. Still, safety advocates encourage careful education and awareness—particularly in urban areas with frequent lane changes.
Stay informed
Learn more from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety: https://dps.mn.gov
I believe this may cause MORE accidents or at least vehicles getting sideswiped, while the perpetrators ride away!!! 😡🤬🤬 I sure don’t want motorcycles riding up in-between me & another vehicle(in MY SPACE!), esp while I’m driving! 😡 I think it also further opens the way for a🕳s on mopeds to steal a purse or ?? from an open car window!!!
I have been riding motorcycles since 1973 and I think this is one stupid law. When I’m in my car I do not want a motorcycle coming up between me and another car. When I’m on my bike I will stay in line with the rest of the traffic.