Lane splitting, boat licenses among new MN laws

Jul 02, 2025

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Several new laws are going into effect in Minnesota, including two that impact drivers and boaters.

Starting Tuesday, a new rule allows lane splitting for motorcyclists in certain conditions. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of traffic faster than the cars around it.

While that won’t be legal going at highway speeds, it will help motorcycles avoid stop-and-start traffic.

Car traffic has to be moving at less than 25 miles per hour.

It’s also not allowed in construction zones.

Another new law will soon be in effect in Minnesota, requiring boating permits for younger operators.

Beginning on July 1, Minnesotans born after June 30, 2004, need a permit to operate a boat.

This is part of a phased law that will expand each year until 2028, which will eventually require most adults to get a boating permit.

Exemptions apply for those with Coast Guard licenses or approved out-of-state certifications.

The DNR says the goal of the law is to boost boating safety.

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