H1: Lane Splitting Has Been Legal in Minnesota for 3 Months — Here’s How It’s Going
H2: A Big Change for Minnesota Motorcyclists
Since July 1, 2025, Minnesota motorcyclists have been allowed to legally lane split and lane filter — two practices that were previously off-limits. This new law allows riders to pass between lanes of traffic under controlled circumstances, with the goal of improving safety and reducing rear-end collisions during slow or stopped traffic.
H2: What the Law Actually Allows
Under Minnesota’s new traffic rules, lane splitting allows a motorcycle to share a lane when traffic is moving below 25 mph, as long as the rider doesn’t exceed surrounding traffic by more than 15 mph. Lane filtering, on the other hand, applies when traffic is completely stopped — riders can carefully move to the front of the line at stoplights. However, both actions are prohibited in specific areas like roundabouts, school zones, construction sites, and freeway on-ramps.
H2: How Minnesotans Are Adapting
Three months in, feedback has been mixed. Veteran motorcyclist Bob Hedstrom told KSTP that the change has made his rides safer and smoother — though he’s only been honked at once. On the other hand, officials from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety say they’ve already seen both safe and unsafe riding. Some riders have reportedly been weaving through traffic at highway speeds, which goes far beyond the law’s intent.
H2: The State’s Push for Education
To help Minnesotans understand the change, the Office of Traffic Safety has invested $200,000 in public education campaigns. Despite those efforts, there’s still a lot of confusion — from both drivers and riders — about where and how lane splitting applies.
H2: What It Means for Minnesota Roads
As drivers and riders adjust, one thing’s clear: education and awareness will be key. Advocates argue that when done correctly, lane splitting can actually reduce accidents and traffic congestion. Opponents, however, fear it could create more road tension.
Have you seen lane splitting in action yet? Whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, Minnesota’s road culture is changing — and fast.
Closing:
If you’re keeping an eye on everything changing across Minnesota — from new laws to new neighborhoods — follow me, Darin the Minnesōtan, your local Twin Cities Realtor keeping you connected to what’s happening around our state.
