A NEW traffic law takes effect on July 1, bringing in strict speed limits and penalties as part of a safety push.
In Minnesota, motorcyclists will be allowed to filter between lanes at up to 25mph, and no more than 15mph faster than surrounding traffic.
Drivers who block them face tougher punishment under the new rules.
Riders there will be allowed to move between vehicles stuck in traffic, as long as they’re going no faster than 25mph and not more than 15mph above the speed of surrounding traffic.
According to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the law represents a huge step forward for rider safety.
Lane filtering allows bikers to avoid being trapped between cars during traffic jams or at red lights – a situation that can easily result in rear-end collisions.
“With this new ability to filter through slow-moving traffic and at stoplights, riders in Minnesota will benefit from increased safety on the open road,” said Nick Sands, AMA Central States Representative.
The AMA believes that passing lane-filtering laws helps reduce crash rates and supports motorcyclists’ rights.
The change is part of a wider transport funding bill that also includes fresh rules targeting driver behaviour.
Motorists in Minnesota must not “intentionally impede or attempt to prevent” motorcycles from filtering, or they could face legal consequences.
The added protection aims to reduce road rage incidents and ensure smoother traffic flow.
The law’s success followed campaigning from riders like Phil Stalboerger, AMA member and Treasurer of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, who shared his own crash story with lawmakers.
“After telling my story to a lot of people and educating people on what lane-filtering means for the motorcycle community, it’s very rewarding seeing this legislation pass,” he said.
“There was a nice rally cry from the motorcycle community, clubs, small businesses, and others saying that ‘yes,’ we want this.
The passage of this legislation illustrates grassroots advocacy at its finest.”
The AMA says several studies back the safety benefits of lane filtering.
In states where it’s already legal, such as California and Utah, lane filtering has contributed to fewer rear-end collisions and lower fatality rates among riders.
It also helps reduce congestion by allowing motorcycles to pass through stalled traffic, which can free up space for larger vehicles.
According to the AMA, these changes don’t just benefit riders – they also help drivers by easing the flow of vehicles in traffic-heavy areas.
With Minnesota now on board, the list of US states allowing lane filtering grows to six – including California, Utah, Montana, Arizona, and Colorado.
The AMA has hailed this as growing momentum in the fight for motorcyclist rights and road safety.
Lane filtering regulations
Here are the five rules for lane filtering:
filtering:
- Cars must come to a complete stop
- Each lane must be wide enough to fit the stopped car and the motorcycle
- Motorcyclists must proceed at less than 15 mph
- Riders must maintain control between the vehicles
- Riders must pass on the left, avoid using the shoulder, and stay out of oncoming traffic
According to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the law represents a huge step forward for rider safety[/caption]
