Motorcyclists in Minnesota will soon be able to legally maneuver through congested traffic, thanks to a new law signed by Governor Tim Walz. Effective July 1, 2025, the legislation known as HF 5247 permits lane filtering, making Minnesota the sixth state in the U.S. to adopt this practice designed for slow-moving traffic.
Understanding Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting
To clarify, while the terms “lane splitting” and “lane filtering” may seem synonymous, they refer to different practices. Lane splitting involves motorcycles traveling between lanes of moving vehicles at any speed. In contrast, lane filtering, as permitted under the new Minnesota law, allows motorcyclists to navigate through lanes only when traffic is moving at 25 miles per hour or slower, specifically in scenarios such as stop-and-go conditions or red lights.
This distinction sets Minnesota apart from states like California, where full-speed lane splitting is allowed. Under the new law, riders will not be able to zip past cars on highways; instead, they can operate within the confines of slow-moving traffic, increasing their safety while reducing congestion.
Previous Restrictions on Motorcyclists
Before the enactment of HF 5247, Minnesota adhered to regulations similar to those of many states, which prohibited motorcycles from weaving between lanes. Riders were required to remain in their designated lanes, just like other vehicles on the road. The only exception was the ability for two motorcycles to occupy the same lane side-by-side.
The prior restrictions included mandatory rules such as:
- Riders must remain seated and face forward.
- No carrying items that obstruct control of the motorcycle.
- Riding with more passengers than the bike was designed for was strictly forbidden.
- Most importantly, motorcycles could not pass cars within the same lane or between lanes.
These regulations left motorcyclists vulnerable, especially during traffic jams, where being stationary made them easy targets for distracted drivers.
Key Provisions of the New Law
Under HF 5247, the following rules apply to lane filtering in Minnesota:
- Motorcyclists can engage in lane filtering only when traffic is moving at 25 mph or less.
- Riders cannot exceed the speed of surrounding traffic by more than 15 mph.
- Drivers of other vehicles are prohibited from deliberately blocking motorcyclists who are lane filtering.
These measures aim to ensure that filtering is conducted safely, minimizing risks for both motorcyclists and other road users.
Advocacy Behind the Legislation
The push for lane filtering in Minnesota gained momentum due to advocacy from motorcycle safety organizations and concerned citizens. Prominent among these voices was Phil Stalboerger, a motorcyclist who experienced a rear-end collision while idling in traffic. His personal experience, along with numerous similar incidents, highlighted the hazards faced by bikers in situations where they are forced to remain still amidst moving vehicles.
Advocates argue that allowing motorcycles to filter through traffic reduces the likelihood of rear-end accidents. When stuck in traffic, motorcycles are at risk from vehicles that may not be able to stop in time, while filtering allows riders to position themselves more safely in front of vehicles.
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Debate
While proponents of lane filtering cite potential safety benefits, the debate surrounding its efficacy continues. States like California have permitted lane splitting for years, claiming it alleviates traffic congestion and decreases motorcycle-related accidents. However, comprehensive research remains limited, leaving some questions about whether lane filtering is universally safer.
Some studies suggest that, if executed properly, lane filtering could indeed reduce the chances of motorcyclists being struck from behind. Conversely, reckless behavior, such as excessive speeding while filtering, poses risks to both riders and other motorists. The concern arises particularly when drivers are unaccustomed to sharing the road with filtering motorcyclists.
In anticipation of the law’s implementation, Minnesota intends to launch a public awareness campaign aimed at educating both drivers and motorcyclists about the new regulations. This initiative will inform drivers of their obligation to allow motorcyclists to filter through traffic legally and warn them against obstructing bikers. Concurrently, motorcycle riders will receive guidance on how to perform lane filtering safely, emphasizing adherence to speed limits and responsible driving behavior.
By taking these steps, Minnesota hopes to mitigate potential dangers associated with the new law as it comes into effect.
In summary, with the signing of HF 5247, Minnesota moves to enhance motorcyclist safety and improve traffic flow through the adoption of lane filtering, effective July 2025.