Maryland Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
In Maryland you must have motorcycle insurance and the policy must provide a minimum liability protection to satisfy the legal requirement:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $20,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $40,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $10,000
When looking for insurance quotes in Maryland, 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
Obtaining a permit and license in Mayland takes a few steps. If you are less than 18 years of age, you must complete a motorcycle safety course. Typically, this means one of the basic rider courses offered through the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program. If you are 18 years of age or older, you are encouraged, but not required, to take a motorcycle safety course. You will also need a learner's permit, meet the MVA’s vision requirements, pass the applicable knowledge test and pass the applicable skills test.
Please visit these Maryland websites for updated and detailed information
- Maryland Driver License Information
- Maryland DMV
- Department of Transportation
- State Highway Administration
Helmet Laws
The Maryland requirement is for motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets which must be in all riders possession. 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 Maryland 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 Maryland. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Frederick - Frederick Mva
- Columbia - The Rider School at Howard Comm. Coll.
- la Plata - College of Southern Maryland
- Laurel - Old Glory Harley-davidson
- Largo - Old Glory Harley-davidson/buell
- Apg - Apg, Installation Safety Office (attn: Mike Allen)
- Bel Air - Harford Community College-joppa Hall Annex
- Glen Burnie - Glen Burnie Mva
Accidents and Safety in Maryland
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 79,488 motorcycles registered in Maryland with only 84 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| MD | 79.488 | 84 | 88% | 12% | 31% |
| PA | 397.466 | 227 | 49% | 51% | 40% |
| DE | 24.408 | 16 | 50% | 50% | 63% |
| VA | 82.602 | 82 | 93% | 7% | 46% |
| WV | 48.435 | 49 | 77% | 23% | 31% |
Sweet Rides in Maryland
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Baltimore's Historic Charles Street
- Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
- Historic National Road
- Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway
- Religious Freedom Byway
Biking Clubs
- Proud Few MC
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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