by Motorcyclists in Minnesota Allowed to Lane Filter
As of July 1, a law came into effect in the state of Minnesota that allows motorcyclists to move between lanes during traffic jams or slow-moving traffic. This change is aimed at improving safety and reducing road congestion, but it comes with a number of restrictions.
From now on, motorcyclists can overtake other vehicles by moving between lanes, but only under certain conditions:
“This is a new experience for many Minnesotans. Drivers and motorcyclists must be mutually courteous, because the roads belong to all of us,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson.
How the New Law Will Work
The law distinguishes between two concepts: lane splitting (moving between lanes while traffic is moving) and lane filtering (passing between lanes when stopped at a traffic light). Both options are now legal, but with clear limitations.
Safety experts emphasize that the new rules are not mandatory. Motorcyclists must independently assess whether it is safe to use this opportunity in each specific situation. Car drivers, in turn, are asked to be more attentive to two-wheeled road users.
Although the law allows motorcyclists to navigate traffic jams faster, it also increases their responsibility. Drivers must be prepared for the appearance of motorcycles between lanes, especially during rush hour. This legislative change could be a test for the state’s road infrastructure, where such practice was previously prohibited.
