New Confusing Traffic Law Affecting All Minnesota Drivers Starts July 1

Heads up, there's a new law that was passed that takes effect soon in Minnesota. It might have motorists turning their heads.

The law is designed for safety and to reduce accidents and injuries on Minnesota highways and intersections. It's called lane-filtering, and it's important that Minnesota drivers.

The law was passed last year and signed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The law wouldn't take effect until another year later in hopes of educating motorists about the new law before it starts.

What Is Lane Splitting + Filtering?

Starting July 1, 2025, lane splitting and filtering will be legal in Minnesota. That means motorcycles will be able to pass vehicles in the same lane in certain conditions. There is a difference between Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is when two or more lanes of traffic are going in the same direction and traffic is moving.  A motorcycle can pass another vehicle in the same direction and same lane if traffic is moving 25 MPH or less, and no more than 15 MPH over the speed of relevant traffic.

Lane Filtering

Lane filtering is similar, but it happens when the traffic is not moving. Motorcyclists can move through traffic that is stopped, like in a traffic jam or at a traffic light. They are not allowed to drive faster than 15 MPH faster than traffic in relevant traffic lanes.

Why Is This Safer For Roadways?

Motorcyclists often get rear-ended in traffic jams and in slow-moving traffic. Inattentive drivers may be distracted in slow-moving traffic and not pay attention, and run over a motorcyclist. By allowing motorcyclists to lane split and lane filter, it gets them out of harm's way.

Being a motorcyclist myself, I've experienced almost being rear-ended at a stoplight. It's terrifying when you hear a vehicle's brakes lock up behind you. Once, I had to quickly accelerate to get out of the way of a car that slid right where I was stopped.

Read More: Minnesota Becomes Sixth State To Legalize Lane-Splitting

Tell everyone you know.

Many people aren't going to know about this law, and it could potentially cause some problems. Some people might think a motorcyclist is breaking the law, when they are really just trying to be safe. Read more about the law from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. 

Get our free mobile app