Minnesota law allowing lane splitting, filtering by motorcyclists to go into effect

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Starting Tuesday, July 1, a new Minnesota law will go into effect that allows motorcycles to perform lane splitting and lane filtering.

Lane splitting is where a motorcycle drives between lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction when they are moving slowly or stopped.

Lane filtering is similar and is where motorcyclists can ride between stopped motor vehicles to the front of the pack, typically at an intersection.

While other vehicles aren’t obligated to accommodate them, they are not allowed to block motorcycles when they try to lane split or filter.

“Be patient, OK,” said Mike Hanson, director of the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. “This is something new. It’s something different, it’s something we’re going to need to get used to, but let’s be patient. Let’s give each other the benefit of the doubt while we’re out there.”

More information on lane splitting and filtering is available at drivesmartmn.org.