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Important Motorcycle Laws in Michigan

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Riding a motorcycle in Michigan offers a sense of freedom and adventure, especially along scenic routes like the Tunnel of Trees or M-22 near Lake Michigan. However, it also comes with inherent risks. In 2023, there were 3,161 crashes involving motorcycles, resulting in 165 fatalities.

Important motorcycle laws in Michigan protect riders; knowing these regulations is essential to staying safe. If you’re injured in a crash, our motorcycle accident attorneys Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. will help you seek compensation from the at-fault driver.

What Is a Motorcycle? Legal Definitions in Michigan

Michigan law (Statute 257.31) defines a motorcycle as a vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider, designed to travel on three wheels or fewer. This includes specialty bikes like trikes and autocycles.

Knowing this classification helps you meet licensing, registration, and safety requirements. Whether riding on two wheels or three, knowing how Michigan defines your bike keeps you informed and ensures you’re following the law.

Administrative Michigan Motorcycle Laws: Registration and Licensing Requirements

Among the most important motorcycle laws in Michigan are those for registration and licensing. When riding a motorcycle in Michigan, you’ll need to do the following:

Register Your Motorcycle

You must register your motorcycle annually with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) to drive it legally. Not only does this ensure your motorcycle is appropriately documented and meets legal requirements, but it also protects you if you are involved in an accident.

Failing to register could impact your rights in a crash, as unregistered vehicles may complicate insurance claims or result in fines and legal penalties, potentially reducing your ability to recover damages.

Here’s how to register your motorcycle with the Michigan SOS:

  • Schedule an in-person visit or follow the steps to register online
  • Present proof of ownership, such as a title or bill of sale
  • Provide proof of insurance that meets Michigan’s requirements
  • Pay registration fees, which range from $10 to $15 depending on the plate transfer

Required Insurance for Motorcycle Riders

In Michigan, all motorcyclists must carry liability insurance to cover injuries and damages caused to others in an accident. As a motorcyclist, you must have the following liability insurance coverages:

  • Bodily injury or death. You must carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance per person and $100,000 per accident to cover injuries or fatalities caused to others.
  • Property damage. Purchase at least $10,000 in property damage liability to cover damages to others’ property in the event of an accident.

While not required, you can purchase additional insurance to protect you financially after a crash, such as:

  • Medical benefits. Michigan insurers offer optional medical benefits starting at $5,000, with higher amounts available. This coverage protects you in accidents where no other insurance applies, especially if the other driver’s PIP coverage doesn’t extend to motorcyclists.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This insurance protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage. It covers your injuries and damages when the other party can’t pay.
  • Collision coverage. Collision coverage pays for the cost of repairs to your motorcycle in the event of an accident, regardless of fault. It ensures your bike is protected from financial loss after a crash.
  • Comprehensive coverage. This insurance covers damages to your motorcycle that aren’t caused by an accident, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, offering broad protection for your bike.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP). If you have PIP coverage on other vehicles, it may extend to cover some motorcycle accidents. However, since PIP isn’t required for motorcycles, having medical benefits can provide extra protection.

Licensing and Endorsement Laws for Motorcyclists

In Michigan, motorcyclists are required to have both a valid driver’s license and a motorcycle endorsement (CY) to ride legally on public roads. Riders can earn this endorsement by passing both a written knowledge test and a road skills test. These tests can be taken after completing the Michigan Rider Education Program (MI-REP), but completion of MI-REP is not required for all riders unless under 18.

Michigan does allow motorcyclists to apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit (CY TIP), which lets you practice riding under the supervision of a licensed motorcyclist for up to 180 days. You must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to apply for the CY TIP. You must also pass the written knowledge test to get the permit.

Riders under 18 are required to complete the MI-REP safety course to earn their endorsement. Afterward, they must pass the road skills test to receive the motorcycle endorsement.

Helmet Laws for Motorcycle Riders and Passengers

Michigan’s helmet laws allow motorcycle riders 21 and older the option to legally ride without a helmet under certain conditions. Anyone under 21 is required to wear an approved motorcycle helmet meeting U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.

If you’re riding with a passenger who opts not to wear a helmet, they must have their own $20,000 in medical coverage, or you must carry an additional $20,000 in coverage to include them. This law is designed to ensure that both the rider and the passenger are financially protected in the event of an accident while riding without a helmet.

While the state may not mandate that all motorcycle operators wear helmets, helmet use is highly encouraged. One study showed that helmets reduce fatal head injuries by up to 69% and overall fatalities by 42%.

Motorcycle Riding: Rules of the Road in Michigan

Motorcyclists in Michigan must follow specific traffic rules to ensure safe riding and comply with state law.. Here are some of the most important motorcycle laws in Michigan to be aware of when riding a two-wheeled motor vehicle:

  • Where you can ride. Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles. You can ride on highways and public roads, but motorcycles are not allowed on sidewalks or in bicycle lanes.
  • Drunk riding. Michigan enforces strict drunk driving laws for motorcyclists. Riding under the influence is illegal, and motorcyclists are subject to the same BAC limits as car drivers (.08%). Penalties include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
  • Lane splitting. Riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, known as lane splitting, is illegal in Michigan. Motorcyclists must remain in their designated lane.
  • Headlights and signals. Your motorcycle must have functioning headlights, taillights, and turn signals at all times. This is required for both daytime and nighttime riding to boost visibility.
  • Passenger requirements. If you’re carrying a passenger, your motorcycle needs to have both a passenger seat and footrests. This ensures comfort and safety for the person riding with you.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Collision

Even when you follow the rules, another driver may still cause a serious motorcycle crash. If you’re injured, having an experienced attorney by your side can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Our team of personal injury lawyers at Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. protects your interests, pushing back against the unfair biases motorcyclists often face. Your Michigan motorcycle accident attorney will help you collect crucial evidence, evaluate your injuries, and explore every option for compensation so you receive what you deserve for medical bills and other related costs.

Eileen Kroll, a law firm partner and registered nurse, uses her medical expertise to assess the full extent of your injuries and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Helmet Laws

Get Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Case

Get the help you need with a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C. We understand important motorcycle laws in Michigan and will use this experience and knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf.

Our team will guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today and let us protect your rights and secure the recovery you need after your accident.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

FAQs

Is a motorcyclist license required in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan law requires motorcyclists to have a motorcycle endorsement (CY) added to their regular driver’s license. You must pass a written knowledge test, and a road skills test to get this endorsement. Completing an approved safety course is required only for riders under 18 but optional for other riders.

Do you have to have a driver’s license to get a motorcyclist license?

Yes, you must have a valid Michigan driver’s license to add a motorcycle endorsement (CY). This endorsement allows you to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads.

According to the Michigan motorcycle laws, how old do you have to be to get a license?

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Michigan, you must be at least 16 years old. Riders under 18 are required to complete an approved motorcycle safety course in addition to passing the required knowledge and skills tests.

Is there an age limit for riding as a passenger on a motorcycle in Michigan?

Michigan does not have a specific age limit for passengers, but all must have a proper seat and footrests. Passengers need to be able to reach the footrests and sit safely behind the rider. Riders and passengers under 21 must wear helmets.

Is motorcyclist insurance required?

Yes, motorcycle insurance is required in Michigan. Riders must carry liability insurance, which includes at least $50,000 for injuries per person, $100,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. Riders may also purchase medical benefits coverage, but it’s not required.

Can motorcyclists use a full traffic lane?

Yes, motorcyclists are entitled to use the full lane in Michigan. Cars must treat motorcycles like any other vehicle and give them the same amount of space within the lane.

Do the Michigan motorcycle laws state anything about motorcyclists riding side by side in a traffic lane?

Motorcyclists in Michigan are allowed to ride two abreast in a single lane. This means two riders can share the same lane, side by side. However, sharing a lane with a car is not permitted.

Does Michigan allow lane splitting for motorcycles?

No, Michigan law prohibits lane splitting, which means motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes of traffic. Motorcyclists must remain in their designated lane, even in slow-moving or stopped traffic.

Is it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in Michigan?

Riders 21 and older may legally ride without a helmet in Michigan if they have at least $20,000 in medical coverage and either two years of motorcycle endorsement experience or completion of an approved safety course.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.

Lynn Mayfield is a writer and has worked in finance and education. Lynn earned her Master's Degree in Education and now writes informative articles for various legal organizations. She enjoys drinking coffee and spending time outdoors.

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