Changing Lanes Over Solid White Lines In MN: Is It Legal?

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — It's a common question among motorists in the state. Is it legal to change lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction in Minnesota when there's a single, solid white line separating them? One of the most well-known examples of this occurs in the Lowry Tunnel in Minneapolis.

According to the Minnesota Driver's Manuel, a solid white line indicates that lane changes are "discouraged" in areas where this type of marking is present. However, they're not illegal.

Unlike single solid white lines, double solid white lines do indicate that lane changes are prohibited in areas where this type of marking is present.

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Image via Minnesota Department of Transportation