Minnesota Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
In Minnesota, motorcycle insurance is required by law. A minimum liability must be maintained for your policy to be valid of:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $30,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $60,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $10,000
When looking for insurance quotes in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, if you are over 18+ years old and have a dirivers license there are two ways to get a motorcycle endorsement: 1) Take the knowledge test and the riding endorsement test at a state exam station. 2) Take the knowledge test at a state exam station, and then take our basic rider course. If you pass, youll qualify for your motorcycle endorsement without having to take the riding test at the state exam station. If you are a younger than 18 years of age, you must take our basic course first, then take the knowledge test and the riding test at a state exam station.
Please visit these Minnesota websites for updated and detailed information
Helmet Laws
Helmet law covers motorcycle riders 17 years and younger in Minnesota. Those riders under this age are required to wear a helmet. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Saint Paul - Saint Paul College-brc Range
- Rochester - Rochester Comm. And Tech. College- #2
- Duluth - Lake Superior College
- Faribault - Faribault Harley-davidson
- Rosemount - Dakota County Tech College
- White Bear Lake - Century College
- St. Paul - Indian Motorcycle
- Anoka - Anoka Technical College
Accidents and Safety in Minnesota
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 248,350 motorcycles registered in Minnesota with only 64 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| MN | 248.350 | 64 | 19% | 81% | 44% |
| WI | 310.439 | 79 | 23% | 77% | 54% |
| IA | 181.735 | 48 | 15% | 85% | 22% |
| SD | 58.296 | 14 | 29% | 71% | 21% |
| ND | 31.030 | 12 | 25% | 75% | 51% |
Sweet Rides in Minnesota
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Edge of the Wilderness
- Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
- Great River Road
- Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway
- Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
- Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
- North Shore Scenic Drive
- Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- Red Knights Minnesota Chapter 1
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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