New York Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
It is illegal to not carry motorcycle insurance. There is 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: $10,000
When looking for insurance quotes in New York, 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 New York you must start with a learner's permit, take a motorcycle written test and pass a road test. The DMV will waive the motorcycle road test if you are qualified and you complete an approved rider course.
Please visit these New York websites for updated and detailed information
- New York Driver License Information
- New York DMV
- New York State Department of Transportation
- New York Metropolitan Transportation Council
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- Thruway Authority
Helmet Laws
Helmets are required for riding two wheelers in the state of New York. Every rider must have a helmet and it must worn by riders and passengers while operating your bike. 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 York 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 York. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
Accidents and Safety in New York
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 339,633 motorcycles registered in New York with only 177 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| NY | 339.633 | 177 | 81% | 19% | 30% |
| VT | 28.284 | 7 | 100% | 0% | 16% |
| MA | 153.444 | 41 | 97% | 3% | 40% |
| CT | 65.475 | 50 | 37% | 63% | 37% |
| NJ | 163.429 | 78 | 87% | 13% | 37% |
| PA | 397.466 | 227 | 49% | 51% | 40% |
Sweet Rides in New York
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Great Lakes Seaway Trail
- Lakes to Locks Passage
- Mohawk Towpath Byway
- Adirondack Trail
- Black River Trail
- Bronx River Parkway
- Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
- Central Adirondack Trail
- Dude Ranch Trail
- High Peaks Scenic Byway (NYS Route 73)
- Military Trail
- North Fork Trail
- Olympic Trail
- Revolutionary Trail
- Roosevelt-Marcy Trail
- Route 20 Scenic Byway
- Scenic Route 90
- Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
- Southern Adirondack Trail
- Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (Route 97)
- Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- Zero 2 Sixty Motorcycle Club
- FEW GOOD MEN MC
- Lost Wheels Motorcycle Club, Inc.
- Latin American Motorcycle Assoc.
- Gunfighters Motorcycle Club
- Praetorian L.E.M.C.
- Long Island VTX Riders
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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