Motorcycle Laws by State: What Every Rider Needs to Know
1. Alabama
In Alabama, all motorcycle riders must wear helmets unless they are over 16 and have completed a safety course. The state mandates that motorcycles be insured with liability coverage. Riders must also possess a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license, and hand signals are required for turning. Lane splitting is not permitted.
2. Alaska
In Alaska, helmet use is mandatory for all riders regardless of age. Motorcyclists must have a Class M endorsement to ride legally. Insurance is required, although the minimum coverage is relatively low. Lane splitting is illegal, and noise regulations are strictly enforced to minimize sound pollution.
3. Arizona
Arizona has a helmet law for riders under 18 years of age, while adults are not required to wear one. Arizona requires motorcyclists to obtain a motorcycle endorsement and carry liability insurance. Lane splitting is not recognized, and riders must adhere to all traffic laws.
4. Arkansas
Arkansas mandates helmet use for all riders and requires motorcycle-specific insurance policies. Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement to operate legally, and lane splitting is prohibited. Motorcyclists also need to display a valid registration and adhere to state noise regulations.
5. California
Known for progressive laws, California requires all riders to wear helmets and mandates motorcycle endorsements. The state has a unique lane-splitting law, allowing it as long as riders do so safely. California also requires motorcyclists to carry minimum liability insurance and provides special training courses to enhance rider safety.
6. Colorado
In Colorado, riders over 18 are not required to wear helmets, but it is highly encouraged. Riders must possess a motorcycle endorsement and pay attention to insurance requirements that follow common state minimums. Lane splitting is not legally recognized in Colorado.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, regardless of age. A motorcycle endorsement is mandatory for operating bikes legally. The state has specific insurance requirements, and riders should avoid lane splitting as it is not legal.
8. Delaware
Delaware mandates helmets for all operators and passengers, with exemptions under specific conditions. Riders must hold a Class M endorsement and adhere to liability insurance guidelines. Lane splitting is not allowed, and the state has set regulations on noise levels from motorcycles.
9. Florida
In Florida, riders over 21 can ride without a helmet if they carry sufficient insurance, but it is highly recommended. Motorcyclists must have a motorcycle endorsement and meet state insurance requirements. Lane splitting is illegal; however, Florida supports safety courses to help riders improve skills.
10. Georgia
Georgia requires all riders to wear helmets and obtain a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement. Minimum insurance coverage is obligatory. Riders should be aware that lane splitting is not allowed, and noise regulations are enforced to prevent excessive sound.
11. Hawaii
In Hawaii, helmets are required for all riders. All motorcyclists must hold a motorcycle endorsement and have insurance coverage. Lane splitting is illegal in the state, with strict penalties for violations.
12. Idaho
Idaho requires helmets only for riders under 18 and requires a motorcycle endorsement. While there are no specific insurance laws for motorcycles, liability coverage is highly encouraged. Lane splitting is not permitted in Idaho.
13. Illinois
In Illinois, riders over 26 can ride without helmets providing they have adequate insurance. Motorcycle endorsements are mandatory, and riders should note that lane splitting is not allowed in the state. Strict noise regulations are also enforced.
14. Indiana
For motorcycle riders over 18, Indiana does not require helmets if they have appropriate insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary. Although lane splitting is not legal, Indiana emphasizes the importance of safety courses.
15. Iowa
Iowa allows riders over 18 to ride without helmets if they carry adequate insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and lane splitting is not legal. The state promotes safety through various motorcycle training programs.
16. Kansas
Kansas permits riders 18 and older to ride without a helmet if they have proper insurance coverage. A motorcycle endorsement is required. Lane splitting is not allowed, and compliance with noise regulations is enforced.
17. Kentucky
In Kentucky, riders over 21 can choose to ride without a helmet if they have the specified insurance. Motorcyclists must hold a motorcycle endorsement, and lane splitting is prohibited. Noise regulations are also in place to keep sound levels acceptable.
18. Louisiana
Louisiana requires helmets for all riders unless they are 18 or older with adequate insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is mandatory. Lane splitting is illegal in the state, and riders must adhere to the local noise ordinances.
19. Maine
Maine requires all riders to wear helmets regardless of age and also mandates a motorcycle endorsement. The state enforces minimum insurance coverage. Lane splitting is not permitted, focusing mainly on rider safety.
20. Maryland
In Maryland, riders must wear helmets, and a motorcycle endorsement is required. Adequate insurance is mandatory, and lane splitting is illegal. The state also promotes safety through various motorcycle training courses.
21. Massachusetts
Massachusetts has strict helmet laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets. Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement and obtain a minimum level of insurance coverage. Lane splitting is not permitted.
22. Michigan
In Michigan, riders can opt out of wearing a helmet if they meet certain insurance thresholds. A motorcycle endorsement is required. Lane splitting remains illegal, with emphasis placed on rider education and safety.
23. Minnesota
Minnesota requires all riders to wear helmets if they do not possess a motorcycle endorsement. The state necessitates minimum insurance coverage, and lane splitting is not allowed. Safety training is highly encouraged.
24. Mississippi
Mississippi requires helmets for riders under 21, with no specific insurance requirements for motorcycles. A motorcycle endorsement is needed, and lane splitting is illegal. The state has adopted noise regulations to limit motorcycle sound.
25. Missouri
In Missouri, riders over 26 may ride without a helmet if they have insurance. Motorcycle endorsements are mandatory. Lane splitting is illegal, and motorcyclists should comply with all traffic rules and noise ordinances.
26. Montana
Montana has a helmet law for riders under 18. Riders must possess a motorcycle endorsement and carry liability insurance. Lane splitting is prohibited, and the state emphasizes safety through motorcycle training programs.
27. Nebraska
In Nebraska, helmet use is required for riders under 21. A motorcycle endorsement is mandatory, and although no specific insurance laws exist for motorcycles, liability insurance is strongly recommended. Lane splitting is not allowed.
28. Nevada
Nevada mandates helmet use for riders up to 18. Motorcyclists must possess a motorcycle endorsement and carry liability insurance. Lane splitting is illegal, but the state actively promotes safety training courses.
29. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is unique, allowing riders of any age to operate a motorcycle without a helmet. Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement. While there are no state insurance requirements, it is advisable for riders to have coverage. Lane splitting is not permitted.
30. New Jersey
In New Jersey, all riders must wear helmets, and motorcycle endorsements are required. The state sets minimum liability insurance levels. Lane splitting is illegal in New Jersey, with strict rules on motorcycle noise levels.
31. New Mexico
In New Mexico, all riders are required to wear helmets. Riders must hold a motorcycle endorsement and comply with state insurance requirements. Lane splitting is illegal, and motorcyclists are urged to participate in safety courses.
32. New York
New York requires all riders to wear helmets and have a motorcycle endorsement. Minimum liability insurance is also required. Lane splitting is not permitted, and noise regulations are strictly enforced in urban areas.
33. North Carolina
North Carolina mandates helmet use for riders under 21 and requires a motorcycle endorsement. Liability coverage is a must, and lane splitting is illegal. The state emphasizes safety training and awareness programs.
34. North Dakota
North Dakota does not require helmet use for riders over 18, but it strongly recommends it. Motorcycle endorsements are mandatory, and insurance is advisable. Lane splitting is not legal.
35. Ohio
In Ohio, riders over 18 do not have to wear helmets if they have adequate insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is required, while lane splitting is illegal. The state encourages rider education through various safety courses.
36. Oklahoma
Oklahoma allows riders over 18 to forgo helmets if they have insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary. Lane splitting is illegal in the state, and motorcyclists should adhere to noise control laws.
37. Oregon
Oregon requires helmets for all riders, along with motorcycle endorsements. Participants must hold adequate insurance, and lane splitting is illegal, although the state actively promotes safety training.
38. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania allows riders over 21 not to wear helmets if they meet certain insurance coverage requirements. A motorcycle endorsement is mandatory. Lane splitting is illegal, and riders are encouraged to complete safety courses.
39. Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, all riders must wear helmets, and a motorcycle endorsement is required. The state has strict insurance requirements, with lane splitting being illegal. Motorcycle sound levels are regulated to prevent excessive noise.
40. South Carolina
South Carolina requires helmets for riders under 21, while those over 21 must have adequate insurance to not wear helmets. Motorcycle endorsements are necessary, and lane splitting is illegal.
41. South Dakota
South Dakota has no helmet law for riders over 18 but encourages helmet use for safety. Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement and it is advisable to carry insurance. Lane splitting is not allowed.
42. Tennessee
In Tennessee, riders under 21 must wear helmets, while adults can ride without if they have insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is required, and lane splitting is prohibited. The state recommends safety courses.
43. Texas
In Texas, individuals over 21 may ride without a helmet if they have valid health insurance. Motorcycle endorsements are mandatory, and it is illegal to split lanes. Safety training is encouraged.
44. Utah
Utah requires helmets for riders under 18, with no specific helmet law for adults unless safety is a concern. A motorcycle endorsement is necessary, and there are no lane-splitting laws currently in place.
45. Vermont
Vermont allows riders of all ages to choose whether or not to wear helmets. However, a motorcycle endorsement is required, and it is advisable for riders to have insurance. Lane splitting is not legal.
46. Virginia
In Virginia, helmet use is mandatory for underaged riders, while others may ride without helmets if they have specific insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is essential, and lane splitting is prohibited.
47. Washington
In Washington, helmets are required for all riders, and having a motorcycle endorsement is mandatory. The state mandates insurance and prohibits lane splitting, enforcing motorcycle noise restrictions.
48. West Virginia
West Virginia requires helmets for riders under 21, though adults can ride without if they carry adequate insurance. Motorcyclists must have a Class M license, and lane splitting remains illegal.
49. Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires helmets for riders under 18, while adults may opt out if they have insurance. A motorcycle endorsement is needed. Lane splitting is not advised, and noise regulations are followed strictly.
50. Wyoming
Wyoming doesn’t require helmets for riders over 18, but state law necessitates the use of a motorcycle endorsement and encourages insurance coverage. Lane splitting is illegal, and riders should maintain noise levels per local laws.
Each state’s motorcycle laws are subject to change and may vary based on local ordinances, so it’s essential for motorcyclists to stay informed regarding the latest regulations to ensure safety and legal compliance while enjoying their rides.