Lane splitting is when a motorcycle operator uses the space between two cars moving in the same direction to pass those cars. Lane filtering is when the motorcycle operator does the same move when the two vehicles are either stopped at a traffic signal or stopped due to a traffic jam. Both are now legal as of July 1, 2025.
In Hastings specifically, there are only two roads that splitting or filtering can be legally done on, Highway 61 and Highway 55 as those are the only four lane roadways in town. The rest of the roadways are single lanes on each side and the law does not apply to those types of roadways.
It is up to the rider to ensure that these two new maneuvers can be executed safely, but that does not absolve those in automobiles from safety expectations. For those in automobiles, you must understand that it is 100 percent legal for motorcyclists to do and based on the negative reactions on social media, this needs to be pointed out repeatedly. It is vital that those in automobiles allow lane splitting and filtering to be done safely.
This state has already had enough issues with people not understanding how a zipper merge works, or even worse, the few that seem to think they need to block half a lane to keep people in line. Drivers need to keep the safety of everyone at the top of the list and allow bikes to pass them and those same drivers need to understand that a lot of motorcyclists have some form of video recording device running to protect themselves in the event of an incident.
According to the MN Department of Public Safety’s website the rules of lane splitting and filtering are as follows:
Lane splitting is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is moving. It allows a motorcycle to pass another vehicle in the same direction of travel and in the same traffic lane only under these conditions:
At no more than 25 miles per hour.
No more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.
Lane filtering is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is NOT moving. It allows a motorcycle to move through traffic that is stopped, such as at a traffic light or traffic jam, only under this condition:
No more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.
That section starts with a statement around safety and respect. Motorists and motorcyclists need to be aware of this new law and how it will affect them to ensure it is enacted safely and respectfully on Minnesota roadways.
Respect and Safety will be the keys to success with this new law in effect. That goes for motorcyclists too.
Lane splitting and filtering cannot be performed under the following circumstances:
• At the approach, drive-through, or exit of a roundabout.
• In a school zone.
• In a work zone where only a single travel lane is available for use.
• On an on-ramp to a freeway or expressway.
Motorcyclists:
• It is your responsibility to determine if these maneuvers can safely be performed in a given situation.
• Do not perform them if you cannot do so safely and within the legal speed restrictions.
Motorists:
• Be aware of motorcycles sharing your lane in slow-moving traffic and when stopped at intersections.
• Do not impede their legal right to do so.
The biggest observed question that has been asked online has been around the thought process of why this is a good idea, especially in a state that has trouble with something as simple as a zipper merge. That can be answered with one word, safety. Today’s drivers are often found to be inattentive or extremely distracted while on the roads, and those two issues can be deadly to motorcyclists, especially at busy intersections or in sudden traffic jams. An inattentive driver hitting a stopped motorcycle from behind can be deadly, allowing a motorcycle to lane filter gives that motorcycle a little extra protection in the event of an accident or helps them avoid it all together.
For Hastings, you must be aware of it on the two highways that go through town along with your out-of-town expeditions. Give the riders room to do their thing, put down the distractions while driving and stay safe.