Minnesota has become the sixth state in the U.S. to pass legislation allowing lane filtering for motorcycles, which has been shown to make riding safer for motorcyclists and reduces traffic for all vehicles. Many European and Asian countries have long ago legalized lane filter and lane splitting for those same reasons.
What is lane lane filtering?
“Lane filtering is riding a motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. This allows riders to save time, bypassing traffic congestion, and may also be safer than stopping behind stationary vehicles.” It also allows motorcyclist to filter to the front of the line at stoplights, which allows them to take off swiftly and safely without being sandwiched between two other vehicles.
What are the rules for lane filtering in Minnesota?
Minnesota law allows motorcyclists to filter through traffic “at not more than 25 miles per hour AND no more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic”
When does this law take effect?
This new law will take effect on July 1, 2025.
This seems dangerous -- are you sure this is safe?
From the American Motorcyclist Association: “a University of California study by Berkley researchers showing that it enhances motorcycle safety: A motorcycle’s narrow width can allow it to pass between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars on roadways where the lanes are wide enough to offer an adequate gap. This option can provide an escape route for motorcyclists who would otherwise be trapped or struck from behind. There is evidence (Hurt, 1981) that traveling between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars (i.e., lane splitting) on multiple-lane roads (such as interstate highways) slightly reduces crash frequency compared with staying within the lane and moving with other traffic.” (1)
How does this help reduce traffic?
According to a literature review by the Oregon Department of Traffic, “Allowing motorcycles to move more freely through traffic could help reduce overall congestion, and potentially reduce some types of motorcycle crashes. In some cases, it may also reduce motorcycle riders’ travel times and create an incentive for people to switch travel modes. This switch could be environmentally beneficial as motorcycles have much greater fuel efficiency than automobiles, emit less greenhouse gasses, and also contribute less wear to the roads and infrastructure.” (2)
As a car driver, what can I do to keep all road users, including motorcyclist, safe?
- Always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning
- Make sure to use your turn signals to note your intentions before changing lanes
- Allow an adequate following distance, three to four seconds is recommended, while driving behind a motorcyclist
- Know that when a motorcycle is filtering to the front of traffic, they aren’t “cheating” - they are simply getting out of your way so you can get to your destination faster
What if a car driver doesn’t like what I’m doing?
A driver can be charged with a misdemeanor when they impede motorcyclists.
Do I have to lane filter if I don’t want to?
Absolutely not! Each rider can make their own decisions of if, when, and how to lane filter (staying within the law of course). Lane filtering should only be done by experienced riders who possess the skill and knowledge to maneuver safely. It requires excellent situational awareness, deep focus, and a large attention to safety. Motorcyclist should use caution and be mindful of other road users, especially bicyclists and pedestrians, and avoid causing danger or inconvenience to others. It will take some time before Minnesota drivers are aware and are comfortable with this new law.
What is my responsibility as a motorcyclist?
From the American Motorcyclists Association: “Even with the best intentions and organization, inappropriate behavior by motorcyclists can quickly garner a large negative response from the motoring public. With the easy availability of video systems and the Internet, a few postings of public roadway stunting, such as speeding past motorists stuck in traffic, could sour a legitimate campaign to approve lane splitting in a state.” (3)
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program recommends:
"The Four R's or “Be-Attitudes” of Lane Splitting:
Be Reasonable, be Responsible, be Respectful, be aware of all Roadway and traffic conditions.
- Reasonable means not more than 15 MPH faster than traffic flow and not over 25 MPH (adjusted for MN law).
- You are Responsible for your own safety and decisions.
- Don't put yourself in dangerous positions.
- If you can't fit, don't split.
- Be Respectful --- sharing the road goes both ways.
- Don't rely on loud pipes to keep you safe, loud pipes often startle people and poison the attitude of car drivers towards motorcyclists.
- Other vehicles are not required to make space for motorcycles to lane split.
- Roadways and traffic can be hazardous, including: uneven pavement, wide trucks, distracted drivers, weather, etc."
(4)
Am I expected to say “ope” or “excuse me” as I’m lane filtering?
Ummm ya you betcha! After all, this IS Minnesota, right?
Can I filter on the shoulder?
No, you cannot filter on the shoulder of the road, only between two lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction.
Note that this website is not an exhaustive list of the rules of the road and the authors do not guarantee accuracy of its content. The above tips do not guarantee that you will be safe while riding.