New Law Lets Motorcyclists Filter Through Traffic In Minnesota

Starting on July 1st, Minnesota drivers must be extra cautious when approaching a stoplight and/or changing lanes. Lane splitting will be legal starting on July 1st, meaning motorcyclists will be able to share/pass in a lane with traffic, as well as filter to the front of traffic at a stoplight, meaning Minnesota motorists will REALLY have to share the road.

What is 'Lane Splitting' & Filtering?

The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety did a really good job of explaining the new law and what it will mean for both car/truck traffic, as well as motorcyclists.

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Lane splitting is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is moving. It allows a motorcycle to pass another vehicle in the same direction of travel and in the same traffic lane only under these conditions:

• At no more than 25 miles per hour.
• No more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.

Lane filtering is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is NOT moving. It allows a motorcycle to move through traffic that is stopped, such as at a traffic light or traffic jam, only under this condition:

• No more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.

A picture is worth a 1000 words

Here is a great illustration on what IS and isn't allowed with both filtering and lane splitting.

When can't I lane split?

There are just a few places on Minnesota roadways where lane splitting isn't legal. Here are those places:

• On an on-ramp to a freeway or expressway. 

Staying alert on Minnesota roadways

With lane splitting becoming legal in Minnesota on July 1st, those driving a car or truck will have to pay more attention when a motorcycle is around. It's going to be strange at first for those unfamiliar with it, and I'm sure the police will be called more than once after someone gets passed, but with time, it will become the norm on Minnesota roads.