Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to regulate the practice of lane splitting and lane filtering by motorcycles on roads in Minnesota. Lane splitting refers to riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, while lane filtering involves moving between stationary or slow-moving vehicles.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition on Lane Splitting: Generally, the bill prohibits motorcycle operators from riding between lanes of moving or stationary vehicles.
• Exceptions for Slow Speed Lane Filtering: Motorcycles are allowed to overtake and pass other vehicles within the same traffic lane, provided:
  • The motorcycle travels at no more than 25 miles per hour.
  • The motorcycle does not exceed the speed of traffic by more than 15 mph.
• Restricted Areas for Lane Filtering: The bill specifies that traffic lanes for the purpose of filtering do not include:
  • Roundabout approaches, drive-throughs, or exits.
  • School zones.
  • On-ramps to freeways or expressways without traffic lights, where vehicles are queued.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new regulations specifically outlining where and under what conditions motorcycles may legally engage in lane filtering. Prior to this, Minnesota laws did not explicitly address lane splitting or lane filtering.

Relevant Terms

• Lane splitting
• Lane filtering
• Motorcycle
• Traffic lanes
• Overtaking vehicles
• Speed restrictions
• School zones
• Expressway on-ramps