Illinois Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
You will need to have motorcycle insurance in Illinois. There is a minimum compulsory liability of:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $20,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $40,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $15,000
When looking for insurance quotes in Illinois, 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 Illinois, first time motorcycle applicants who do not hold a valid Illinois driver's license will be required to successfully complete a vision screening, written (basic and motorcycle) exam and a drive examination. Applicants under 18 years of age who present an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Course Student Completion Card will also be required to take the drive examination. Applicants 18 years or older who present an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Course Student Completion Card will not be required to take the drive examination.
Please visit these Illinois websites for updated and detailed information
- Illinois Driver License Information
- Illinois DMV
- Department of Transportation
- State Government Agencies
Helmet Laws
The use of motorcycle helmets is not required in Illinois. For your safety, we recommend wearing a helmet at all times when operating a motorcycle. 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 Illinois 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 Illinois. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- West Chicago - Lagrou Properties
- Rockford - Motorcycle Safety Project
- Joliet - Motorcycle Rider Program
- Northbrook - Allstate Insurance
- Lincolnshire - Stevenson High School
- River Grove - River Grove Moose Lodge
- Saint Charles - Zylstra Harley-davidson
- Villa Park - Odeum, Villa Park - North Lot
Accidents and Safety in Illinois
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 332,031 motorcycles registered in Illinois with only 121 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| IL | 332.031 | 121 | 26% | 74% | 47% |
| WI | 310.439 | 79 | 23% | 77% | 54% |
| IN | 204.402 | 119 | 24% | 76% | 35% |
| KY | 64.994 | 93 | 40% | 60% | 28% |
| MO | 99.025 | 102 | 77% | 23% | 36% |
| IA | 181.735 | 48 | 15% | 85% | 22% |
| WI | 310.439 | 79 | 23% | 77% | 54% |
Sweet Rides in Illinois
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Great River Road
- Historic National Road
- Historic Route 66
- Illinois River Road
- Lincoln Highway
- Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route
- Ohio River Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- Skyriders
- Blue Steel M/C Chicago Inc.
- Grave Robbers
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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