Lane splitting is something you might have seen before—motorcycles squeezing between cars in traffic. Right now, it’s illegal in Minnesota, but that’s about to change.
With the signing of HF 5247 into law by Governor Tim Walz on May 24, 2024, Minnesota became the sixth state to allow what’s known as “lane filtering.”
Starting July 1, 2025, motorcyclists in the state will legally be able to move between lanes in slow-moving traffic, but under strict rules. If we’re being realistic, the enactment of this law does not mean the eradication of bike accidents.
If by any chance you find yourself a victim, it’s important for you to understand everything involved in protecting your rights after a motorcycle accident.
What is Lane Splitting, and What is Lane Filtering?
First, let’s clear up the confusion. Lane splitting and lane filtering are two similar but slightly different things.
Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of moving cars. This can happen at any speed, depending on the law. On the other hand, lane filtering is when a motorcycle moves between lanes only when traffic is slow or stopped, like at a red light or in a traffic jam.
Under Minnesota’s new law, only lane filtering will be allowed, not full-speed lane splitting like you might see in California. That means riders won’t be zipping past you on the freeway at 60 mph between lanes, but they will be able to move through slow or stopped traffic.
What Was the Old Law in Minnesota?
Before this new law was passed, Minnesota was like most other states: motorcycles had to stay in their lanes just like cars. If a motorcyclist tried to ride between cars in traffic, it was illegal. The only exception was that motorcycles could share a lane side-by-side with one other motorcycle, but that’s it.
There were also strict rules about how motorcycles should be ridden:
- Riders had to stay in their seats properly, facing forward.
- No carrying anything that stopped them from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
- No more passengers than the bike was designed to carry.
- And most importantly, no riding between lanes or passing cars within the same lane.
This meant that even if a motorcyclist was stuck in a traffic jam and sitting in between cars, they had to stay put, just like everyone else, leaving them vulnerable to getting rear-ended by distracted drivers.
What Does Minnesota’s New Law Say?
Under HF 5247, motorcyclists in Minnesota will be allowed to lane filter, but there are strict rules to follow:
- They can only do it when traffic is moving at 25 miles per hour or less.
- They can’t go more than 15 miles per hour faster than the surrounding traffic.
- Drivers of cars cannot intentionally block a motorcyclist from filtering.
These rules are in place to make sure that lane filtering is done in a way that keeps everyone as safe as possible.
Why Did Minnesota Pass This Law?
The law was passed after motorcycle safety advocates and groups pushed for it, arguing that it would actually help protect motorcyclists.
One of the biggest voices behind this law was Phil Stalboerger, a motorcyclist who was rear-ended while stopped in traffic. His accident, along with many others like it, showed lawmakers that sitting still in traffic is dangerous for bikers.
Many motorcycle riders believe that lane filtering reduces the chances of them getting hit from behind. When a motorcycle is stuck in traffic, it’s more exposed to cars that might not stop in time. Filtering forward means they’re less likely to get rear-ended.
Is Lane Filtering Really Safe?
The debate over lane filtering hasn’t really been settled. While places like California have allowed lane splitting for years and claim it reduces traffic congestion and motorcycle accidents, there isn’t a ton of research proving whether it’s safer or more dangerous overall.
Some studies suggest that if done properly, lane filtering can lower the risk of motorcyclists being rear-ended in traffic. But at the same time, riders going too fast or filtering recklessly can cause accidents, especially if drivers aren’t expecting them to be there.
Before the law goes into effect on July 1, 2025, Minnesota plans to run a public awareness campaign to educate both drivers and motorcyclists about the new rules.
Drivers will be warned that motorcycles have the right to filter through traffic and that blocking them is illegal, and then motorcyclists will be educated on how to filter safely, following speed limits and avoiding reckless behavior. Hopefully, this will greatly curb the risks of accidents as this law goes into full effect.