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motorcycle laws by state: know before you ride

Motorcycle Laws by State: Know Before You Ride

Alabama

In Alabama, motorcycle operators are required to possess a Class M license or a motorcycle learner’s permit. All riders must wear helmets, and eye protection is strongly recommended. In terms of insurance, riders must carry liability coverage that meets minimum state requirements.

Alaska

Alaska mandates motorcyclists to wear helmets until they reach the age of 18. A motorcycle endorsement is essential for legally operating a motorcycle. Riders must also carry motorcycle insurance.

Arizona

Arizona requires a motorcycle endorsement to operate, and riders do not have a mandatory helmet law unless they are under 18. However, all motorcyclists are advised to wear helmets for safety. Insurance is also required.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, those under 21 must wear helmets, while older riders can choose not to, provided they have proof of medical insurance. A valid motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and insurance coverage is mandated.

California

California is known for strict motorcycle laws. Helmets are required for all riders, regardless of age. Riders must obtain a motorcycle endorsement, and California mandates insurance coverage with a minimum level of liability.

Colorado

Colorado enforces compulsory helmet use for riders under 18. While an endorsement is needed to operate a motorcycle, there are no strict insurance requirements—riders must demonstrate financial responsibility.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, all riders must wear helmets. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and insurance coverage is legally mandated. The state also has specific laws regarding lane splitting, which is permissible under certain conditions.

Delaware

Helmets are mandatory for all riders in Delaware. Riders must hold a motorcycle endorsement, and Delaware law requires the carrying of motorcycle insurance.

Florida

Florida mandates helmets only for riders under 21 or those without insurance. An endorsement is needed for motorcyclists, and they must also carry insurance coverage.

Georgia

In Georgia, all motorcyclists must wear helmets. A motorcycle endorsement is essential for licensing. Riders are required to carry motorcycle insurance with specific coverage limits.

Hawaii

Hawaii requires all riders to wear helmets. A motorcycle endorsement is needed to operate, and riders must have motorcycle insurance, including liability coverage.

Idaho

Idaho law requires riders under 18 to wear helmets. To operate a motorcycle, a proper endorsement is needed, and while insurance is not mandated, it is highly recommended for protection.

Illinois

Illinois has no mandatory helmet law, although wearing one is recommended. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and riders are advised to maintain insurance coverage.

Indiana

In Indiana, riders over 18 are not required to wear helmets, but those under must. An endorsement is necessary, and insurance is mandated with specific requirements.

Iowa

Iowa has no helmet law for riders over 18, though helmets are recommended. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and while insurance isn’t technically mandated, it’s advised.

Kansas

Kansas requires riders under 18 to wear a helmet. An endorsement is necessary, and while insurance isn’t required by law, it is strongly recommended.

Kentucky

Kentucky law mandates all motorcycle operators under 21 to wear helmets. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and insurance coverage is mandatory.

Louisiana

Louisiana mandates helmet use for all riders. A motorcycle endorsement is needed to operate legally, and the state requires liability insurance.

Maine

Maine has a helmet law for motorcyclists under 18, while those 18 and older can choose not to wear them (though recommended). A motorcycle endorsement is required, and insurance coverage is mandatory.

Maryland

All riders must wear helmets in Maryland. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and riders must have insurance that meets specific liability limits.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, helmets are required for all motorcycle operators and passengers. Riders also need a motorcycle endorsement, and insurance is legally required.

Michigan

In Michigan, riders over 21 can opt out of wearing helmets if they have medical coverage. Those under 21 are required to wear helmets, and an endorsement is needed. Insurance is required by law.

Minnesota

Minnesota law requires helmets for those under 18. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and riders must have insurance, including liability coverage.

Mississippi

Mississippi has no mandatory helmet law, although it is strongly encouraged. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and insurance coverage is legally mandated.

Missouri

Helmets are not required for riders over 26, although strongly recommended. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary to operate, and the state mandates insurance coverage.

Montana

Montana enforces a helmet requirement for riders under 18. An endorsement is needed, and while insurance isn’t legally required, it is recommended.

Nebraska

Nebraska requires helmet use for riders under 21. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and riders must carry motorcycle insurance.

Nevada

All riders in Nevada must wear helmets. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and insurance with minimum coverage limits is required.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is unique in having no helmet law for adults, but helmets are recommended. A motorcycle endorsement is needed, and insurance is not required by law.

New Jersey

New Jersey mandates helmet use for all motorcycle riders. An endorsement is required, and the state has stringent insurance requirements.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, riders under 18 are required to wear helmets. A motorcycle endorsement is mandatory, and all riders must carry insurance.

New York

New York requires helmets for all motorcycle riders. An endorsement is mandatory, and insurance must be carried at a minimum state coverage level.

North Carolina

North Carolina requires helmets for riders under 18. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and motorcycle insurance is required by law.

North Dakota

North Dakota has no statewide helmet law, but it is encouraged. A motorcycle endorsement is required to ride, and insurance coverage is highly advised.

Ohio

Ohio does not require helmets for riders over 18 who meet certain criteria. An endorsement is necessary, and insurance is recommended though not legally required.

Oklahoma

All riders must wear helmets in Oklahoma. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and the state has minimum insurance requirements.

Oregon

Oregon mandates helmet use for all motorcycle riders. An endorsement is necessary to operate a motorcycle, and riders must have insurance.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, helmets are required for riders under 21 and those without insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and insurance is necessary as well.

Rhode Island

All riders must wear helmets in Rhode Island. An endorsement is required, and comprehensive motorcycle insurance is mandated.

South Carolina

Helmets are mandatory for those under 21. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and insurance coverage is required.

South Dakota

South Dakota has no helmet law for those over 18 but strongly recommends them. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and insurance is suggested.

Tennessee

Tennessee requires helmets for riders under 21. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and insurance is mandated with minimum requirements.

Texas

In Texas, riders over 21 can opt for not wearing a helmet if they have health insurance. An endorsement is needed, and liability insurance is mandated.

Utah

Utah requires helmets for riders under 18. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and riders must have insurance coverage.

Vermont

Vermont has no helmet law, though it is recommended. An endorsement is necessary, and insurance is advised but not required.

Virginia

All riders must wear helmets. An endorsement is needed, and there is a requirement for insurance coverage.

Washington

Washington mandates helmet use for all riders. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and insurance is legally required.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, helmets are required for all motorcyclists. An endorsement is necessary, and insurance coverage is required by law.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not have a mandatory helmet law for riders over 18. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and insurance is strongly recommended.

Wyoming

Wyoming requires riders under 18 to wear helmets while riders over 18 can choose. Motorcycle endorsements are necessary, and while insurance isn’t mandated, it’s highly recommended.

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