Minnesota motorcyclists can now legally weave between lanes of slow-moving traffic, marking the most visible change among dozens of new laws taking effect Tuesday in Minnesota and Washington state.
The lane splitting law allows motorcycles to pass between vehicles traveling in the same direction at speeds up to 25 mph, with riders prohibited from exceeding 15 mph over surrounding traffic speeds. Minnesota becomes the sixth state to legalize the practice, joining California, Utah, Montana, Arizona, and Hawaii.
The motorcycle law represents one of several transportation-focused changes in Minnesota. Boaters under 21 must now obtain watercraft operator permits before driving boats or jet skis1. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it will focus on education rather than enforcement as the new requirement takes hold1.
"Riders, this is not a free pass for dangerous driving behaviors," said Mike Hanson, director of the Minnesota Office of Transportation Safety. "Take it slow, and if it doesn't feel safe, you don't have to do it"2.
Jay Bock, the state's motorcycle safety coordinator, acknowledged initial concerns about adding "another element to that roadway congestion" but emphasized the importance of education for both riders and drivers2.
Washington state enacted sweeping employment law changes Tuesday, with the most extensive being an expansion of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act1. The law now protects workers against discrimination based on age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, and use of service animals1.
A separate measure prohibits employers from using immigration status to coerce employees regarding wage violations or working conditions12. The Department of Labor and Industries can now investigate coercion complaints and impose civil penalties, with minimum fines of $1,000 or 10% of unpaid wages1.
Additional Washington changes include expanded paid sick leave for immigration-related proceedings and new unemployment benefits for striking workers, though the latter takes effect July 2712.
Minnesota created a new ombudsperson position within the Department of Commerce to mediate disputes between homeowners and homeowners associations1. The role addresses complaints from residents about conflicts of interest and power abuses, including cases where homeowners faced foreclosure over small fines1.
Venues hosting ticketed events for 100 or more people must now provide free water and allow attendees to bring sealed or empty water bottles inside2. A first-of-its-kind law also protects children featured in online content by guaranteeing them a portion of profits deposited in trust accounts2.
"We can't accept this anymore," said one motorcyclist about traffic congestion, reflecting broader frustrations that drove many of Tuesday's legislative changes3.
