Free Consultation. No Fees Until You Collect. Call 24 Hours a Day 1-800-4-RIGHTS
For the first time in Minnesota’s history, motorcyclists can now legally share lanes with other vehicles. This groundbreaking legislation makes Minnesota the sixth state in the nation to allow lane sharing, joining California, Utah, Montana, Arizona, and Colorado.
Previously, Minnesota law strictly prohibited motorcyclists from sharing lanes. Like most states, Minnesota motorcyclists were required to operate within a single lane, just like cars and trucks. There were no exceptions for slow or stopped traffic conditions.
Any motorcyclist caught riding between lanes or sharing a lane with another vehicle could be ticketed for unsafe lane usage. And if an accident occurred while a rider was between lanes, the motorcyclist would almost certainly be assigned significant fault for violating traffic laws, regardless of what caused the crash.
As of July 1, 2025, however, a new law has taken effect, allowing motorcyclists to ride between cars or share the lane with other vehicles.
Minnesota recognizes two distinct practices for sharing the lane as a motorcyclist: lane splitting and lane filtering. Each has its own rules under the new law.
Lane splitting allows a motorcycle to share a lane with and pass a vehicle in slow-moving traffic at no more than 25 mph, and no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic. Once traffic returns to 25 mph, the motorcycle must return to its own lane of traffic.
For example, if traffic is crawling along at 10 mph, a motorcyclist could lane split at a maximum speed of 25 mph (15 mph faster than traffic flow).
Lane filtering allows motorcycles to move through traffic that is stopped, such as at a stoplight or in a traffic jam. The motorcyclist cannot exceed 15 mph as they filter toward the front of the line of traffic.
Lane sharing is prohibited in the following scenarios:
The journey to legalize lane sharing in Minnesota began with a tragic personal story. Phil Stalboerger of Eagan, Minn., treasurer of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, became a passionate advocate for this legislation after a devastating accident. While stopped in traffic, Stalboerger and his wife were rear-ended by a distracted driver. His wife suffered severe fractures to her leg in the crash.
"It was really about making sure that nobody else has to go through what anybody that's been in an accident has to go through," Stalboerger explained. His advocacy, combined with support from motorcycle safety organizations, led to the passage of HF 5247, which Governor Tim Walz signed into law in May 2024.
The legislation recognizes a fundamental safety principle: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable when trapped between vehicles in slow or stopped traffic. Lane sharing gives riders options to avoid becoming sitting ducks in dangerous traffic situations.
Supporters of lane sharing point to several safety advantages:
Not everyone is a fan of this change, however. Opponents of the measure have raised concerns of their own, such as:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety officials acknowledge that the transition could be challenging. "It may be a little uncomfortable at first because we're not used to people being in our lane," said Jay Bock, motorcycle safety administrator. "But this law requires cooperation from both motorists and motorcyclists."
Motorcyclists now have the legal right to share lanes under the specified conditions. They can expect other drivers to respect this right and not deliberately interfere with legal lane sharing. However, cyclists still have responsibilities that they must follow.
Know the law: Understand exactly what's legal and what isn't to avoid citations and accidents.
The success of Minnesota's lane-sharing law will depend mainly on how well all road users adapt to this change. That includes drivers in cars.
Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are preparing to enforce the new regulations, though implementation may vary by jurisdiction.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center are conducting ongoing education campaigns to help all road users understand the new law. Resources are available at motorcyclesafety.org.
State officials will closely monitor accident statistics to assess the law's impact on motorcycle safety. This data will inform potential future adjustments to the legislation.
Minnesota's adoption of lane sharing laws adds to the growing national momentum for these measures, potentially influencing other states to consider similar legislation.
Unfortunately, even with drivers and motorcyclists trying their best to follow the new law, accidents involving lane sharing may occur. When they do, it’s essential to know how to respond.
As Minnesota motorcyclists and drivers adapt to sharing lanes legally for the first time, safety must remain the top priority. The road ahead requires vigilance, courtesy, and cooperation from everyone who shares Minnesota's highways.
Minnesota's new lane-sharing law adds complexity to motorcycle accident cases. Whether your accident involved lane sharing or traditional traffic situations, determining fault and protecting your rights will take experienced legal guidance.
At SiebenCarey, we've been fighting for injured Minnesotans for over 70 years. Our attorneys are well-versed in both the old and new motorcycle laws, and we understand how insurance companies often attempt to deny or reduce claims. We're here to level the playing field and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, contact SiebenCarey today at 1-800-4-RIGHTS for your free consultation. We're ready to fight for your rights and help secure the compensation you deserve.
Also awarded in:
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008.
5 of our attorneys have been recognized as Attorneys of the Year
Also awarded in:
2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
Also awarded in:
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008
7 Certified Civil Trial Law Specialists, Minnesota Bar Association
3 Board Certified Trial Advocates, National Board of Trial Advocacy.
