Michigan Motorcycle Laws

• July 16, 2025

Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom you don’t get in a car. But that freedom comes with responsibilities. Michigan has clear rules for motorcyclists, and following them keeps riders safer on the road. These laws cover everything from helmets to insurance, and every rider should know what’s required.

Understanding Michigan motorcycle laws also matters after a crash. If you or someone you love got hurt in a Michigan motorcycle accident, knowing the law can affect your recovery and your legal rights. Someone else's careless driving shouldn’t leave you stuck with the consequences. You can hold the at-fault driver responsible, and a motorcycle accident lawyer can help guide you through that process.

Following a motorcycle crash someone else caused, contact a Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation. They can walk you through your options and help pursue the maximum compensation available.

Michigan Motorcycle License Requirements

Before you can ride legally in Michigan, you need more than just a driver’s license. The state’s motorcycle laws require a motorcycle endorsement. Here’s what it takes to get one and keep it valid.

Getting Your Motorcycle Endorsement

Michigan doesn’t issue a separate motorcycle license. Instead, riders must add a motorcycle endorsement to their regular driver's license. You can’t legally operate a motorcycle without it.

Riders age 16 or older can apply for the endorsement. If you're under 18, you’ll need to complete a certified safety course first.

Testing and Training Requirements

For most riders, training starts with a state-approved Basic Rider Course. The course includes classroom lessons and hands-on riding practice. After passing the course, you’ll receive a certificate to take to the Secretary of State’s office.

If you're 18 or older, you can also take a written knowledge test and on-cycle skills test instead of the safety course. But taking the course can lead to better riding habits and lower insurance rates.

License Renewal and Restrictions

The motorcycle endorsement renews along with your regular driver’s license. You must keep your address up to date and make sure your license doesn’t expire. Motorcycle Riding without a valid endorsement can result in fines and may affect your ability to recover damages if you're injured in a crash.

Some riders may have restrictions, such as only riding during daylight or no freeway travel. These depend on your skills, experience, and any physical conditions that affect riding.

What Are Michigan's Motorcycle Helmet Laws?

Under the revised helmet laws in Michigan, riders now have more choices, but only if they meet certain conditions.

Current Helmet Requirements for Riders

If you’re under 21, you must wear a helmet every time you ride, whether you’re operating or just along for the ride. That includes on streets, highways, and even driveways.

Age and Insurance Requirements for Helmet Exemptions

Riders 21 or older don’t have to wear a helmet if they:

• Have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits


• Hold a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or passed an approved safety course

Passengers 21 or older can also go without a helmet if the operator meets the insurance rule and the passenger carries at least $20,000 in personal injury coverage.

Penalties for Helmet Law Violations

Breaking helmet laws in Michigan can lead to fines and possibly points on your license. If you don’t meet the age, insurance, or endorsement rules, you could get a ticket or worse. Not wearing a helmet might also affect an injury claim after a crash. Causes of Motorcycle Accidents often include not just driver error, but also inadequate safety gear or violations of traffic laws like these.

Michigan Motorcycle Equipment and Safety Standards

Michigan law sets specific rules about the gear your motorcycle must have. These rules help keep riders visible and reduce the risk of crashes or injuries.

Required Safety Equipment

Your bike must have:

• At least one rearview mirror


• A functioning horn


• Proper brakes on both wheels


• A muffler to control noise


• A working speedometer

If your motorcycle doesn’t meet these standards, you could get pulled over and ticketed.

Lighting and Visibility Requirements

Headlights must stay on at all times while riding, day or night. This helps other drivers see you.

You also need:

• A tail light


• Brake lights


• Turn signals (for bikes manufactured after 1973)

Reflective materials and extra lighting can improve your visibility, especially in bad weather or at night.

Motorcycle Inspection Standards

While Michigan doesn’t require yearly inspections, police officers can stop and inspect your bike if they suspect a safety issue. Keeping your bike in good working condition helps avoid fines and accidents.

Do Michigan Motorcyclists Need Special Insurance?

Yes. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system works differently for motorcycles than it does for cars. Riders need the right coverage before hitting the road. Avoid a Motorcycle Accident by making sure you have proper insurance, follow safety laws, and stay alert on the road.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

All motorcycle owners in Michigan must carry basic liability insurance. This policy covers injuries or property damage that the motorcyclist causes to others. It doesn’t cover the rider’s own injuries or damage to their bike. The minimum required policy must include:

• $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person


• $100,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people


• $10,000 for property damage in another state (Michigan doesn’t require property damage coverage within the state for motorcycles, but many riders carry it)

If you ride without this insurance, you could face fines, license suspension, and other penalties. You’d also likely lose the right to sue for injuries from a crash, even if someone else caused it.

No-Fault Insurance Coverage for Motorcyclists

Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists aren’t automatically covered by Michigan’s no-fault benefits. If you're hurt in a crash with a car, the car’s no-fault policy usually covers your medical costs.

But if no motor vehicle was involved, or if the vehicle isn't insured, you might not be covered unless you purchased extra protection.

Additional Coverage Options

You can add optional coverage like:

• First-party medical benefits


• Collision and comprehensive coverage


• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage

These can help you recover more after a crash, especially if the other driver lacks insurance or carries low limits.

Michigan Traffic Laws for Motorcycles

Motorcyclists must follow the same rules as other drivers. But Michigan also has rules just for riders. Fault in Motorcycle Accidents often depends on whether those rules were followed, as violations can impact liability and affect your ability to recover compensation.

Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing Rules

Lane splitting, or riding between rows of traffic, is not legal in Michigan. However, two motorcyclists can share a lane if both agree. More than two side-by-side isn’t allowed.

Following Distance and Speed Regulations

Motorcycles need more space to stop safely. Tailgating can lead to rear-end crashes that leave riders seriously hurt.

Always keep a safe following distance and obey speed limits. Michigan treats speed violations on motorcycles the same as any other vehicle.

Passing and Merging Requirements

Use turn signals when changing lanes or passing. Watch for blind spots. Motorcycles can disappear from a driver's view more easily than a car.

Merging into traffic requires patience and clear signaling. Never assume a car sees you or will slow down.

What Should You Do After a Michigan Motorcycle Accident?

What you do right after a crash can shape the outcome of your case. Acting quickly helps protect your health and your legal options.

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

• Move to a safe spot if you can


• Call 911


• Check yourself and others for injuries


• Exchange information with all drivers involved


• Take photos of damage, injuries, road signs, and weather

Don’t admit fault or argue with the other driver. Let the police and insurance companies sort that out later. Motorcycle Accidents Happen quickly and often leave both parties shaken, which is why it's better to focus on safety and gather facts instead of debating blame at the scene.

Reporting Requirements

Report any motorcycle crash that causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to the police. The officer will create a report, which plays a big role in your insurance claim.

Preserving Evidence for Your Case

Keep all records related to the crash. That includes medical bills, repair estimates, and communication with insurers.

If possible, store your damaged gear, like your helmet or jacket. These can show the severity of the crash.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan

Motorcycle crashes often happen because of another driver’s poor decisions. Bad road conditions and equipment issues also contribute.

Driver Negligence and Visibility Issues

Most motorcycle crashes involve a car or truck. Drivers often say they didn’t see the rider, especially when turning left.

Distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield also put riders in danger.

Road Conditions and Weather Factors

Potholes, loose gravel, and wet roads are harder to handle on a motorcycle. Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles often create rough roads.

Rain, fog, and snow reduce visibility and traction, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mechanical Failures and Defective Equipment

Brake failure, tire blowouts, and faulty lights can cause serious crashes. If a defective part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or repair shop might share responsibility.

How Does Michigan's No-Fault Law Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Michigan’s no-fault rules confuse many riders. Motorcycle claims work differently than car accident claims, and Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Michigan Can Help You navigate those differences to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding No-Fault Benefits

If a car hits your motorcycle, that car’s insurance usually pays your medical bills under no-fault coverage. This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, and rehab.

You must apply for benefits promptly and give complete records. Delays or missing info can cause your claim to get denied.

When You Can Sue for Additional Damages

If your injuries are serious, you can sue the at-fault driver for losses not covered by insurance. This may include pain and suffering, lost income, and long-term disability.

If the driver refuses to cooperate or their insurer stalls, your Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer can file a lawsuit to demand a fair outcome.

Comparative Fault in Michigan

Michigan follows comparative fault rules. If you're partly at fault for the crash, your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

For example, if you're found 30 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $70,000.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

Getting the right outcome after a motorcycle crash takes work. Goodman Acker PC can handle the legal side while you focus on healing.

Investigating Your Motorcycle Accident

We dig into every detail. That includes crash reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions.

We build a timeline and show how the other driver’s actions led to your injuries in a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurers often try to pay as little as possible. They might blame you or downplay your injuries.

We push back with facts. Our team handles the paperwork, the phone calls, and the pressure so you don’t have to.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Our goal is to help you pursue the maximum compensation available. That includes current and future medical bills, lost income, and other damages tied to the crash.

Why Choose Our Firm

Riders trust Goodman Acker PC because we put clients first. We treat every case with care and focus on real results.

Experience with Michigan Motorcycle Laws

Our Detroit motorcycle accident lawyer understand how Michigan law affects motorcycle claims. We stay up to date and use that knowledge to build strong cases.

Track Record of Success

We’ve helped injury victims recover significant settlements and verdicts. Insurance companies know we’re ready to take cases to trial if needed.

Personalized Attention and Support

We take the time to listen. Every client gets one-on-one attention from a legal team that’s ready to fight for them.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights

Motorcycle laws in Michigan affect your safety, your license, and your ability to hold others accountable after a crash. Whether you need help getting proper insurance, understanding helmet rules, or pursuing a claim after a wreck, legal guidance makes a real difference.

Goodman Acker PC understands the risks riders face. If someone else's careless actions caused your crash, we can help you seek the maximum compensation available. Contact us today for a free case review. We’re here to help you move forward.