Is Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) Legal in Minnesota? (2026)
No — Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in Minnesota as of 2026.
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Quick Answer
Minnesota law prohibits lane splitting. Motorcycles are required to operate within a single lane and may not pass between lanes of traffic. The Minnesota Statutes do not provide an exception for lane splitting, and it is considered unsafe and illegal.
What the Law Says
As of July 1, 2025, Minnesota law allows for lane splitting and filtering. Motorcyclists can split lanes at speeds of 25 mph or less and not more than 15 mph over the speed of surrounding traffic.
— Minnesota Statutes Section 169.18
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lane Splitting Rules | N/A |
| Lane Filtering Rules | N/A |
| Traffic Penalties | Violations can lead to fines and possible points on the license under unsafe lane usage or reckless driving laws. |
| License Requirements | None |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
No significant changes since 2023.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement of lane splitting laws in Minnesota is strict, with officers often citing general traffic safety statutes.
A common mistake in Minnesota is riders assuming that filtering in slow or stopped traffic is permissible, which is generally not the case.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Minnesota. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) is illegal in Minnesota. This activity can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.
Minnesota vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, lane splitting on a motorcycle is fully legal in 1 states, restricted in 3, and illegal in 46. Minnesota falls in the ILLEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Lane Splitting (Motorcycles):
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is lane splitting on a motorcycle legal in Minnesota?
What are the penalties for lane splitting on a motorcycle in Minnesota?
How strictly does Minnesota enforce its lane splitting (motorcycles) laws?
What typically triggers enforcement in Minnesota?
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Comprehensive Minnesota Legal Guides
Explore all related legal topics in Minnesota — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.
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Lane Splitting (Motorcycles) in Other States
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