Colorado Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More

Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements

Colorado regulations state that motorcycle insurance is required. Your policy must provide a minimum liability protection to satisfy the legal requirement:

  • Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $25,000
  • Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $50,000
  • Property Damage Liability Limit: $15,000
It is necessary to have motorcycle insurance to replace your bike and cover your medical bills should you find yourself in an accident.

When looking for insurance quotes in Colorado, you may want to begin by looking at our review of insurance companies or get more detailed information on motorcycle insurance companies from the state regulator's website. You can see the full list of licensed insurers in the state plus get many other useful resources including information on how to file a complaint by visiting the state insurance division web site.

Licensing and Registration

In Colorado there are two options to get license. Option 1: pass the written test at a Driver's License office, purchase a motorcycle instruction permit, pass a drive test at a Driver's License office or with an approved 3rd-party company. Option 2. Enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Training course and, after successful completion of the course, present your MSF certification card at a Driver's License office to have written and drive tests waived.

Please visit these Colorado websites for updated and detailed information


Helmet Laws

Those riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in the state of Colorado. We strongly advocate the use of helmets at all times for all riders and passengers to protect from injuries.

Use our specialized search to find Colorado motorcycle resources



Motorcycle Safety Schools and Training Programs

Many states offer motorcycle safety training programs and most insurance companies will offer discounts to bikers that have completed a certified course.
Below is a partial list of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Safety courses in Colorado. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list


Accidents and Safety in Colorado

According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 118,391 motorcycles registered in Colorado with only 88 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.

StateRegistered MotorcyclesMotorcycle Riders KilledPercent HelmetedPercent Not HelmetedImpaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+)
CO118.3918833%67%32%
WY30.5021741%59%23%
NE43.4071984%16%39%
KS84.2594326%74%49%
OK115.5888025%75%32%
NM46.882454%96%38%
AZ133.58613349%51%32%
UT57.8063432%68%15%

Sweet Rides in Colorado

Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.

  • Colorado River Headwaters Byway
  • Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway
  • Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway
  • Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway
  • Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway
  • Lariat Loop Scenic & Historic Byway
  • San Juan Skyway
  • Santa Fe Trail
  • Top of the Rockies
  • Trail of the Ancients
  • Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road

Biking Clubs

  • Los Muchachos MC
  • Colorado Freewheelers

Useful Resources

Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states

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