HF 3159

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/07/2025 03:07 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; limiting the road types on which a motorcycle may split
or filter lanes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.974, subdivision
5.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.974, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Driving rules.

(a) An operator of a motorcycle must ride only upon a permanent
and regular seat which is attached to the vehicle for that purpose. No other person may ride
on a motorcycle, except that passengers may ride (1) upon a permanent and regular operator's
seat if designed for two persons, (2) upon additional seats attached to or in the vehicle, or
(3) in a sidecar attached to the vehicle. The operator of a motorcycle is prohibited from
carrying passengers in a number in excess of the designed capacity of the motorcycle or
sidecar attached to it. A passenger is prohibited from being carried in a position that interferes
with the safe operation of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.

(b) No person may ride upon a motorcycle as a passenger unless the person can reach
the footrests or floorboards with both feet.

(c) Except for passengers of sidecars, drivers and passengers of three-wheeled
motorcycles, and persons in an autocycle, no person may operate or ride upon a motorcycle
except while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on either side of the
motorcycle.

(d) No person may operate a motorcycle while carrying animals, packages, bundles, or
other cargo that prevent the person from keeping both hands on the handlebars.

(e) Motorcycles may, with the consent of both drivers, be operated not more than two
abreast in a single traffic lane if the vehicles fit safely within the designated space of the
lane.

(f) Except under the conditions specified in paragraph (g), no person may operate a
motorcycle:

(1) between lanes of moving or stationary vehicles headed in the same direction of travel;

(2) abreast of moving or stationary vehicles within the same traffic lane; or

(3) to overtake or pass another vehicle within the same traffic lane.

(g) A person may operate a motorcycle and overtake and pass another vehicle in the
same direction of travel and within the same traffic lane if the motorcycle is operated:

(1) at not more than 25 miles per hour; and

(2) no more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.

new text begin (h) For purposes of paragraph (g), "traffic lane" does not include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the approach, drive-through, or exit of a roundabout;
new text end

new text begin (2) a school zone established under section 169.14, subdivision 5a; or
new text end

new text begin (3) an on-ramp to a freeway or expressway without an active control device where
moving or stationary vehicles are queued in one or more traffic lanes.
new text end

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end Motor vehicles including motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a traffic lane
and no motor vehicle may be driven or operated in a manner so as to deprive a motorcycle
of the full use of a traffic lane.

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end A person operating a motorcycle upon a roadway must be granted the rights and
is subject to the duties applicable to a motor vehicle as provided by law, except as to those
provisions which by their nature can have no application.

deleted text begin (j) deleted text end new text begin (k) new text end Paragraphs (e) and (f) of this subdivision do not apply to police officers in the
performance of their official duties.

deleted text begin (k) deleted text end new text begin (l) new text end No person may operate a motorcycle on a street or highway unless the headlight
or headlights are lighted at all times the motorcycle is so operated.

deleted text begin (l) deleted text end new text begin (m) new text end A person parking a motorcycle on the roadway of a street or highway must:

(1) if parking in a marked parking space, park the motorcycle completely within the
marked space; and

(2) park the motorcycle in such a way that the front of the motorcycle is pointed or
angled toward the nearest lane of traffic to the extent practicable and necessary to allow the
operator to (i) view any traffic in both directions of the street or highway without having
to move the motorcycle into a lane of traffic and without losing balance or control of the
motorcycle, and (ii) ride the motorcycle forward and directly into a lane of traffic when the
lane is sufficiently clear of traffic.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2025.
new text end