Massachusetts Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
Massachusetts required motorcycle insurance for all bikes on the road. The insurance must carry at least:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $20,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $40,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $1,000
When looking for insurance quotes in Massachusetts, 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
To get a Massachusetts motorcycle permit you will need to complete an application, pass a vision test and successfully pass a written test. To obtain a motorcycle license in MA, you must bring the following to the road test: a completed road test application, your Class M permit and a motorcycle. You must successfully complete the road test before the expiration date on your permit. Bring the stamped, signed permit, a completed Class D, M, or D/M License and ID Card Application, and the appropriate fees to any RMV full service office to get your license.
Please visit these Massachusetts websites for updated and detailed information
- Massachusetts Driver License Information
- Massachusetts DMV
- Executive Office of Transportation and Construction
- Highway Department
Helmet Laws
The requirement by Massachusetts law is that protective head gear must be worn by drivers and passengers at all times. 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Boston - Streetwise Cycle School 1
- Westfield - Pioneer Valley Rider Training, Inc.
- Orange - S.m. Motorcycle School
- Ayer - State Police Driver Training Facility
- Auburn - Sheldon's Harley-davidson/buell
- Northbridge - American Legion Hall
- Uxbridge - Cocke'n Kettle Restaurant
- West Boylston - Central Massachusetts Safety Council
Accidents and Safety in Massachusetts
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 153,444 motorcycles registered in Massachusetts with only 41 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| MA | 153.444 | 41 | 97% | 3% | 40% |
| NH | 80.689 | 29 | 38% | 62% | 40% |
| RI | 32.02081089 | 7 | 71% | 29% | 30% |
| CT | 65.475 | 50 | 37% | 63% | 37% |
| NY | 339.633 | 177 | 81% | 19% | 30% |
| VT | 28.284 | 7 | 100% | 0% | 16% |
Sweet Rides in Massachusetts
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Connecticut River Byway
- Battle Road Scenic Byway
- Essex National Heritage Area Scenic Byway
- Jacob's Ladder Trail (Route 20)
- Mohawk Trail - MA
- Mount Greylock Scenic Byway
- Old King's Highway (Route 6A)
- Route 112 Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- Vision Riders
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
What's your view - The MIQ poll