New Hampshire Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
New Hampshire does not require helmets but motorcycle insurance is required. The state has a minimum compulsory liability of:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $25,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $50,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $25,000
When looking for insurance quotes in New Hampshire, 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 obtain a motorcycle endorsement in NH, you should apply for a 30-day riding permit at any DMV Substation, successfully pass the motorcycle written test and successfully complete a road test given at one of the DMV Motorcycle Road Testing Locations. You may be exempt from the DMV skills test if you successfully complete the Motorcycle Rider Training Course.
Please visit these New Hampshire websites for updated and detailed information
Helmet Laws
In New Hampshire, land of live free or die, helmets are not required to be worn while operating a motorcycle. We recommend wearing a helmet for you and your passenger for protection in case of an accident. 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Manchester - M.o.s.t. Inc
- Concord - Dmv Motorcycle Rider Training
- Laconia - Laconia Ice Rink
- Portsmouth - Pease Development Authority
- North Hampton - Seacoast Harley-davidson
Accidents and Safety in New Hampshire
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 80,689 motorcycles registered in New Hampshire with only 29 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| NH | 80.689 | 29 | 38% | 62% | 40% |
| ME | 54.540 | 18 | 24% | 76% | 17% |
| MA | 153.444 | 41 | 97% | 3% | 40% |
| VT | 28.284 | 7 | 100% | 0% | 16% |
Sweet Rides in New Hampshire
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
- Kancamagus Scenic Byway
- White Mountain Trail
- Amoskeag Millyard Scenic and Cultural Byway
- The Apple Way of Londonderry
- Branch River Valley Trail
- Canterbury Shaker Village Byway
- Coastal Byway
- Currier & Ives Trail
- General John Stark Scenic Byway
- Independence Byway
- Lakes Region Tour
- Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway
- Moose Path Trail
- Presidential Range Tour
- River Heritage Tour
- Woodland Heritage Trail
Biking Clubs
- Manchester Motorcycle Club (MMC)
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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