Ohio Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
Motorcycle insurance is required. There is a minimum compulsory Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $12,500, Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $25,000 and Property Damage Liability Limit of $7,500. We recommend good purchasing a motorcycle insurance policy as it can safeguard you from liability and help you save money long term
When looking for insurance quotes in Ohio, 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
Anyone wishing to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement in Ohio must either complete motorcycle skills testing at an Driver Exam Station or complete the Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course. Applicants 18 years of age or older are not required to complete the motorcycle course to attempt the motorcycle skills test. The Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course completion card is valid to waive motorcycle skills testing within 60 days of completing the couse.
Please visit these Ohio websites for updated and detailed information
Helmet Laws
Those riders of 17 years old and under are required to wear a helmet in Ohio. 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 Ohio 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 Ohio. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Columbus - Columbus State Community College
- Cleveland - Cuyahoga Community College
- Cincinnati - Great Oaks Inst. of Tech. And Development
- Troy - Motorcycle Safety Foundation
- Fremont - Terra Community College
- Canton - Stark County Sheriff’s Office
- Kent - Kent State University/warren
Accidents and Safety in Ohio
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 368,957 motorcycles registered in Ohio with only 194 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| OH | 368.957 | 194 | 30% | 70% | 36% |
| PA | 397.466 | 227 | 49% | 51% | 40% |
| WV | 48.435 | 49 | 77% | 23% | 31% |
| KY | 64.994 | 93 | 40% | 60% | 28% |
| IN | 204.402 | 119 | 24% | 76% | 35% |
| MI | 269.669 | 121 | 88% | 12% | 35% |
Sweet Rides in Ohio
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Amish Country Byway
- Historic National Road
- Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
- Ohio & Erie Canalway
- Ohio River Scenic Byway
Biking Clubs
- IRONMARSHALS M.C.
- V-TWIN CRUISERS M/C
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
What's your view - The MIQ poll