Michigan Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
You will need to have motorcycle insurance in Michigan. 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: $10,000
When looking for insurance quotes in Michigan, 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 legally ride a motorcycle on Michigan roads, you must possess a valid Michigan driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. To get the endorsement you must take a vision, written knowledge tests and pass a skills test from a rider skills testing organization. Operating a motorcycle without an endorsement can cost you--it is a violation resulting in court fines.
Please visit these Michigan websites for updated and detailed information
Helmet Laws
In Michigan, passengers and riders must wear helmets. 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 Michigan 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 Michigan. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Warren - Macomb Community College - Lot 4
- Flint - Mott Community College
- West Branch - Ogeman Heights High School
- Mount Clemens - Gibraltar Trade Center North, Inc.
- Port Huron - St. Clair Community College
- Yale - Yale High School
- Ann Arbor - Washtenaw Community College
- Livonia - Schoolcraft College - North Lot L/m
Accidents and Safety in Michigan
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 269,669 motorcycles registered in Michigan 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+) |
| MI | 269.669 | 121 | 88% | 12% | 35% |
| OH | 368.957 | 194 | 30% | 70% | 36% |
| IN | 204.402 | 119 | 24% | 76% | 35% |
| WI | 310.439 | 79 | 23% | 77% | 54% |
Sweet Rides in Michigan
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Copper Country Trail
- River Road Scenic Byway
- Woodward Avenue (M-1) - Automotive Heritage Trail
- Black River Scenic Byway
- Monroe Street (M125)
- Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- Detroit Hot Girlz
- Patriot Riders M/C
- U.S. Military Vets MC, Michigan Chapter 1
- Wolverine Leathernecks M/C
- 313riders
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
What's your view - The MIQ poll