Virginia Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
Motorcycle insurance in Virginia is a requirement for all riders. 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: $20,000
When looking for insurance quotes in Virginia, 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
If you are 19 or older, to add a motorcycle designation to your license you must pass vision screening, pass the motorcycle knowledge exam, hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days and finally pass the motorcycle road skills test. Providing a Virginia Rider Training Program certificate of completion that is issued after July 1, 2007 exempts you from the requirement to take the motorcycle knowledge exam.
Please visit these Virginia websites for updated and detailed information
- Virginia Driver License Information
- Virginia DMV
- Department of Transportation
- Virginia Tech Transportation Infrastructure and Systems Engineering Division
Helmet Laws
It is requirement in Virginia, motorcyclists and their passengers must wear an approved motorcycle helmet that meets or exceeds the standards. 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 Virginia 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 Virginia. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Manassas - Apex Cycle Education
- Sterling - Nvcc
- Fairfax - Apex Cycle Edcuation
- Woodbridge - Potomac Mills Shopping Center
- Alexandria - Northern va Community College
- Fredericksburg - Moto Haven
- Locust Grove - Germanna Community College
- Winchester - Grove Harley-davidson
Accidents and Safety in Virginia
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 82,602 motorcycles registered in Virginia with only 82 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| VA | 82.602 | 82 | 93% | 7% | 46% |
| MD | 79.488 | 84 | 88% | 12% | 31% |
| NC | 121.597 | 159 | 91% | 9% | 38% |
| TN | 151.368 | 134 | 89% | 11% | 31% |
| KY | 64.994 | 93 | 40% | 60% | 28% |
| WV | 48.435 | 49 | 77% | 23% | 31% |
Sweet Rides in Virginia
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Colonial Parkway
- George Washington Memorial Parkway
- Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway
- Skyline Drive
Biking Clubs
- Virginia Lords of Loyalty
- KISS ARMY MOTORCYCLE CLUB
- Knight Wolves
- Northern Virginia
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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