Bike Trader Michigan (2024)

FAQs

How old do you have to be to ride a motorcycle in Michigan? ›

Michigan motorcycle laws

To legally drive a motorcycle in Michigan, drivers must have a valid motorcycle endorsem*nt on their driver's license. Before getting the endorsem*nt, you'll need to get a temporary instruction permit for a motorcycle. Anyone 16 years old or older can get this permit.

Michigan.gov/ohsp

A valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorse- ment (CY) is required to legally ride a motorcycle on Michigan roadways. There are two methods for obtaining an endorsem*nt.

Lane sharing is legal for motorcycles in Michigan, as long as the number is limited to two motorcycles riding abreast in the same lane. Lane splitting, in which a motorcycle rides in between lanes of traffic on the dotted white line, is not legal in Michigan.

Per the Michigan moped laws you must be at least 15 years old to ride a moped. In order to ride this vehicle in Michigan, you must have a special restricted license to operate one (unless you already have a valid driver's license).

Required Equipment Laws for Michigan Motorcycle Riders

Motorcycles on public roads must also be equipped with front and rear brakes, a horn, working headlights, taillights and stop lights, a muffler, a rearview mirror, and a permanent seat.

Like most states, Michigan requires all motorcyclists to carry liability coverage for bodily injury (BI) and property damage (PD).

With a Level 1 License, a teen may operate a motor vehicle only when accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian or any licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian.

MI Traffic Safety offers DRIVING SKILLS ROAD TESTING for auto and motorcyle in cooperation with MRCHS (Michigan Resource Center for Health & Safety). Please visit www.mrchs.org to review the requirements or to register for a Driving Skills Road Test.

Michigan law doesn't require bicyclists (or most motorcyclists) to wear helmets. The law does require persons younger than 19 years old to wear a helmet on both mopeds and electric scooters (MCL 257.658). Should it? Studies show that mandatory helmet laws do not lead to net positive health outcomes.

Does Michigan require helmets for motorcycles? ›

Michigan does have a motorcycle helmet law and it generally requires that both rider and passengers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. However, if certain licensing and insurance requirements are met, then operators and riders who are 21 years of age or older are not required to wear a crash helmet.

If you're wondering how old you need to be to ride a motorcycle, while some jurisdictions will issue motorcycle licenses as young as 14 years of age, most states issue learners permits to riders over the age of 16 and after you have taken a driving exam.

For those between 15 and 17 years old, they need to take some additional steps to get their Class M license: Before enrolling in the motorcycle safety course, you must either have a Class C learner license and have completed 32 hours of classroom driver education or present a certificate proving you have done so.

Basic Requirements

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age. Pass a Motorcycle Skills Test. There are two methods: Complete a Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program Course.

You can obtain a motorcycle license permit at age 15½ in Missouri. However, anyone under 16 must complete a motorcycle driving course before the permit can be issued. Applicants under age 16 are also restricted to riding only during daylight hours, no more than 50 miles from home.