What Every Biker Should Know: A Basic Guide to Michigan Motorcycle Laws

If you are reading this, chances are you already know the many benefits of riding a motorcycle in Michigan. Perhaps you’re about to start your journey as a new motorcycle enthusiast or you might be an experienced rider looking for a refresher on current riding requirements. To help you navigate these laws, we’ve compiled a quick handbook that is designed to overview the essential Michigan motorcycle laws you should know.

Combine this with the complete Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual (SOS-116) from the state of Michigan website to cover all your bases when it comes to riding safely and legally.

The Definition of a Motorcycle Under Michigan Law

The Michigan Vehicle Code defines a motorcycle as “a motor vehicle that has a saddle or seat for the use of the rider and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.”

Despite the wording of this definition, a motorcycle is not considered a motor vehicle under Michigan No-Fault law. This means standard motorcycle insurance policies do not include the same Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits provided under No-Fault automobile policies. A motorcyclist who is injured in an accident with another vehicle may seek reimbursement from the No-Fault policy covering the other driver.

Do I have to register my motorcycle in Michigan?

Yes. Motorcycle owners must register their bikes with the Michigan Secretary of State. Upon providing proof of insurance, the motorcyclist will receive a license plate that must be securely attached to the bike in a clearly visible position.

Do I need a Michigan motorcycle endorsement if I have a driver’s license?

Yes. Motorcyclists must have a motorcycle (CY) endorsement from the Secretary of State on their driver’s or chauffeur’s license. 

To obtain the endorsement, the motorcyclist must pass a vision test and present a certificate of completion from an approved motorcycle rider education course. 

Additionally, a motorcyclist may obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit from the Secretary of State after passing a vision and knowledge test. This permit, which is valid for 180 days, allows the motorcyclist to ride under the supervision of an endorsed biker. 

The motorcycle endorsement will be issued after the applicant passes a rider skills test administered by an approved third-party provider. 

Is insurance required under Michigan motorcycle laws? 

Yes. Motorcycle owners are required to carry liability coverage. As part of the new No-Fault reforms in the state of Michigan that took effect July 1, 2020, the mandatory minimum limits for motorcyclists’ liability coverage increased from $20,000/$40,000 to $50,000/$100,000.

In addition, motorcyclists over 21 who wish to ride without a helmet must purchase a minimum of $20,000 first-party medical benefits.

Do I have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle? 

If you are 21 or older, you are not legally required to wear a helmet in Michigan providing you meet certain conditions:

• Motorcycles and passengers must have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits. 
• The motorcycle operator must have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or have passed a state-approved motorcycle safety course. 

Motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 years old must wear a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.

Nevertheless, numerous studies show that wearing a helmet helps prevent serious head injuries and brain damage in the event of a crash. Therefore, motorcyclists and passengers should wear helmets whenever they ride, even on short trips.

Check out our previous post for more information about Michigan motorcycle helmet laws.

*Note: Motorcycles without windshields

Bikers who are riding faster than 35 mph on a motorcycle that does not have a windshield must wear transparent goggles, eyeglasses or a shatter-resistant face shield. 

Is there a noise level limit under Michigan motorcycle laws?

Yes. Motorcyclists are not allowed on roads if they are too loud. According to Michigan motorcycle requirements, bikes must not exceed the following noise levels:

• 86 DBA* on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or greater
• 82 DBA on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less
• 95 DBA under a stationary run-up test at 75 inches

*DBA stands for “decibels on the a-weighted network” of a sound level meter, according to the American National Standards Institute.

Motorcycle Safety Equipment Requirements Under Michigan Motorcycle Laws

Let’s make sure you’ve got all the essential equipment to safely operate your motorcycle.

Mirrors

Motorcycles must be equipped with an outside rearview mirror on the driver’s side that allows a rear-viewing angle. In addition, a rearview mirror may be attached to the biker’s helmet or visor. 

Lights

Head lamps: at least one and not more than two 

Rear stop lights: one 

Spot lamps: at least one (may be white or amber)

Fog lamps: no more than two 

Color of clearance/marker lamps and reflectors:

• Amber: those on front or side near the front of the vehicle
• Red: rear-mounted or on sides near the rear of the vehicle
• White: light illuminating the license plate
• Stop lights and other signals may be amber or red

Horn

Motorcycles operating on highways must have a working horn capable of emitting a sound audible from a minimum of 200 feet.

Brakes

Motorcycles must have at least two brakes that can be operated by hand or foot; one on the front wheel and one on the rear wheel.

Seats and Footrests

Motorcycles must be equipped with seats and securely attached footrests or pegs for each designated seating position. 

Handlebars

Handlebars cannot be higher than 30 inches from the lowest point of the un-depressed saddle to the highest point of the handle grip of the operator.

Muffler and exhaust system 

A motorcycle may be equipped with a working muffler that prevents excessive noise and smoke. The owner may not remove any of the baffles or use a device such as a muffler bypass.

Tires

Tires must be in good condition with no excessive wear or tread levels below 1/32 inch.

Can more than one person ride on the same seat?

No. According to Michigan motorcycle laws, only one person may ride in a seat unless it is designed for multiple riders. 

Can I carry a package while riding a motorcycle?

Motorcyclists cannot carry packages or items that prevent them from keeping both hands on the handlebars of the bike.

What is the Michigan law regarding riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

It is illegal to operate any vehicle, including a motorcycle, while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs and certain prescription medications. In Michigan, a driver with a Bodily Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is considered impaired. Since alcohol significantly increases the risk of crashing, motorcyclists (and automobile drivers) should never mix drinking and driving.

Additional Rules of the Road for Motorcyclists

In general, motorcyclists have to follow the same traffic laws as those who drive automobiles and trucks. This means they must comply with posted speed limits, obey traffic lights and signs and use appropriate turn signals.

In addition:

• Bikes with engines less than 125 cubic centimeters are not allowed on freeways and limited access highways.
• No more than two motorcycles may ride abreast in the same lane.
• Lane splitting (riding down the middle of two lanes of traffic) is illegal in Michigan.

What is the penalty for violating a Michigan motorcycle law?

A motorcyclist will be penalized based on which law was violated and what consequences resulted from the infraction. 

In addition to being penalized or fined by the legal system, being in violation of Michigan motorcycle laws can also influence any potential motorcycle accident settlements you might be seeking. The severity of the law being broken determines the impact on your case. For example, a motorcyclist who caused an accident due to speeding will be penalized more severely than someone caught riding without a temporary permit.

Choose An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer from The Sam Bernstein Law Firm

We hope this guide serves you well in understanding Michigan motorcycle laws. 

And if you or a loved one ever experience an injury from a motorcycle related accident, give our experienced team of motorcycle lawyers a call to get the settlement you deserve.

Many of our lawyers and staff members ride motorcycles. Therefore, we understand first-hand the joy and the challenges that bikers experience. And, we take these cases personally because we know how devastating a motorcycle accident can be.

That’s what we call the Bernstein Biker Advantage®

Motorcycle accident law is complicated, but finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer is simple. 

Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, remote no-obligation consultation from the safety of your home.