Motorcycle laws vary significantly across the United States. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the motorcycle laws in each state to help riders stay informed and compliant. Understanding these laws is crucial for ensuring safety and avoiding legal issues.
Contents
Motorcycle Laws by State
1. Alabama
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for all riders.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
2. Alaska
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
- Mandatory for riders with instructional permits.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Motorcycle skills test required.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
3. Arizona
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course or skills test.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
4. Arkansas
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 21.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
5. California
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for all riders.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
6. Colorado
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle skills test.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
7. Connecticut
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
8. Delaware
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 19.
- All riders must carry a helmet.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
9. Florida
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 21.
- Mandatory for riders over 21 without insurance covering at least $10,000 in medical benefits.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
10. Georgia
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for all riders.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
11. Hawaii
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
12. Idaho
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
13. Illinois
Helmet Laws
- There is no helmet law.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
14. Indiana
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
15. Iowa
Helmet Laws
- There is no helmet law.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle skills test.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
16. Kansas
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance is required.
17. Kentucky
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 21.
- Mandatory for riders with instructional permits.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
18. Louisiana
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for all riders.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
19. Maine
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
- Mandatory for riders with instructional permits.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
20. Maryland
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for all riders.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
21. Massachusetts
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for all riders.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
22. Michigan
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 21.
- Riders over 21 can ride without a helmet if they have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
23. Minnesota
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 18.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
24. Mississippi
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for all riders.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
25. Missouri
Helmet Laws
- Mandatory for riders under 26.
- Riders over 26 can ride without a helmet if they have health insurance coverage.
Licensing Requirements
- Motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license.
- Completion of a motorcycle safety course.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability insurance required.
(Continue for all states…)
Conclusion
Understanding the motorcycle laws in your state is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance. Always stay informed about the specific requirements in your area to avoid legal issues and protect yourself on the road.
