As of July 1, 2025, a significant new traffic law has taken effect in Minnesota, legalizing motorcycle lane filtering under specific conditions. This change allows motorcyclists to move between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. While this practice is common in other parts of the world and several U.S. states, it is new to many Minnesota drivers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the new law, its rules, and the responsibilities of every road user to ensure safety for all.
What is Lane Filtering and Why is it Legal?
Lane filtering is the act of a motorcyclist moving between lanes of traffic that are either stopped or traveling at a slow speed. It’s important to distinguish this from "lane splitting," which typically refers to riding between lanes at higher speeds in freely moving traffic—a practice that remains illegal in Minnesota.
The primary motivations for legalizing lane filtering are safety and efficiency. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic. Lane filtering allows them to move out of this high-risk position. Additionally, air-cooled motorcycle engines can overheat when idling for extended periods. Filtering helps keep riders and their bikes moving. For all drivers, this practice can help ease overall traffic congestion by reducing the space occupied by motorcycles in a queue.
The Specific Rules for Lane Filtering in Minnesota
The law is not a free-for-all; it includes strict speed parameters to ensure the practice is done as safely as possible. The speed differential between the motorcycle and surrounding traffic is the most critical factor.
To legally lane filter, motorcyclists must follow two key rules:
- Traffic Speed: The surrounding traffic must be stopped or moving at 25 mph or less. Filtering is strictly prohibited when traffic is flowing at speeds greater than 25 mph.
- Motorcycle Speed: The filtering motorcycle cannot travel more than 15 mph faster than the adjacent traffic.
For example, if traffic is moving at 10 mph, a motorcyclist can filter at a maximum speed of 25 mph. If traffic is completely stopped, a motorcyclist can filter at a speed of up to 15 mph. These limits are designed to give both the rider and other drivers adequate time to see each other and react.
How Car and Truck Drivers Should Behave Around Filtering Riders
The introduction of this law requires heightened awareness from drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Since you can now expect to see a motorcycle between lanes, adjusting your driving habits is essential.
- Expect Motorcyclists to Lane Filter and Stay Alert : The single most important thing you can do is to anticipate that motorcycles may be filtering in slow traffic. Check your mirrors and blind spots frequently. Avoid distractions like your phone, especially when traffic slows down.
- Maintain a Consistent Lane Position : Keep your vehicle centered in your lane. Avoid weaving or hugging one side of the lane, as this can unexpectedly close the gap a motorcyclist is using. Predictability is key to safety.
- Check Blind Spots Before Any Move : Before changing lanes, turning, or even opening your car door in traffic, perform a physical head check (shoulder check) in addition to using your mirrors. A motorcycle can enter your blind spot quickly.
- Use Your Turn Signals Early : Signal your intention to change lanes well in advance. This gives a filtering motorcyclist crucial information about your next move so they can adjust accordingly.
- Stay Calm and Share the Road : Do not intentionally block a motorcyclist or display aggressive behavior. Lane filtering is now a legal traffic maneuver. Creating a safe and predictable environment is a shared responsibility.
Safety Tips for Filtering Motorcyclists
While riders now have the right to filter, they also have the primary responsibility for doing it safely.
- Be Vigilant : Always assume other drivers do not see you. Scan ahead for signs of lane changes, such as turn signals, wheels turning, or drivers checking their mirrors.
- Control Your Speed : Adhere strictly to the speed limits defined in the law. Traveling at a low speed differential is your greatest safety advantage.
- Avoid Lingering : Do not stay in a vehicle’s blind spot for an extended period. Position yourself where the driver is most likely to see you in their mirrors.
- Choose Your Path Wisely : Be extra cautious when filtering next to large commercial trucks, which have significant blind spots. Also, watch for cars that may suddenly change lanes without signaling.
- Use Your Headlights : Keep your headlights on to increase your visibility, even during the day.
By working together and understanding these new rules of the road, both motorcyclists and other drivers can ensure that the introduction of lane filtering in Minnesota leads to safer and more efficient travel for everyone.
Interested in learning more about traffic safety?
Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?
Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.
As of July 1, 2025, a significant new traffic law has taken effect in Minnesota, legalizing motorcycle lane filtering under specific conditions. This change allows motorcyclists to move between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. While this practice is common in other parts of the world and several U.S. states, it is new to many Minnesota drivers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the new law, its rules, and the responsibilities of every road user to ensure safety for all.