5 Motorcycle Laws Every Minnesota Rider Should Know

This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many Minnesotans ride their motorcycles without the proper license.

To obtain a motorcycle license, you must follow these steps:

1. First, you will need a valid driver’s license
2. Then, you will have to pass a written knowledge test to receive an instruction permit
3. Once you have practiced your riding, you can take the state skills test
4. If you pass your skills test, the state will add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license

If you’re under the age of 18, you will also have to complete a state-approved rider training course before receiving your instruction permit.

As mentioned above, while driving with a permit, you will be required by law to wear a helmet and eye protection. In addition to this, you will not be allowed to:

• Ride on interstate highways
• Carry passengers
• Ride at night (defined as any time from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunup)

Once you have an endorsement, these restrictions will no longer apply.

All Minnesota motorcyclists are required to purchase motorcycle insurance. At the very least, you will need liability insurance.

And while Minnesota doesn’t require motorcyclists to purchase uninsured motorist or no-fault insurance, it is strongly recommended that you do anyway. Motorcycle accidents are far more likely to result in injuries than most auto accidents. Without sufficient coverage, you could find yourself facing serious financial hardships after an accident.

Along with buying liability insurance, Minnesota riders must also register their bikes with the state. This must be done before riding on any public roads. (Unless you are a new resident of Minnesota, in which case you will have a 60-day grace period to register.)

After paying the Minnesota registration tax, you will receive a sticker to put on your license plate. This will certify that your motorcycle has been registered.

In Minnesota, wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is mandatory if:

• You are under the age of 18, or
• You have a motorcycle instruction permit without a license endorsement yet

If you are over the age of 18 and already have your license endorsement, wearing a helmet is optional. However, it is always best to do so. A helmet is the most important motorcycle safety equipment. In the event of an accident, it could help prevent serious injury—or even save your life.

Lane splitting means riding your motorcycle between two vehicles to pass them. This is also known as “threading the needle.” No matter what you call it, it’s reckless, dangerous, and illegal in Minnesota.

If you find yourself in a traffic jam or following slow-moving vehicles, don’t try to sneak between them. Wait for an opening to pass safely and legally.

If you have been injured in an auto accident involving a motorcycle, you may be entitled to compensation. In fact, because Minnesota uses a comparative negligence system, you can receive compensation even if the accident was partially your fault.

However, it’s never wise to pursue a personal injury lawsuit on your own. If you’d like to increase your chances of winning the compensation you deserve, it’s essential that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney.

At SiebenCarey, we’ve helped thousands of injury victims get the financial support they need in the aftermath of an accident. Just contact us, and we can:

• Evaluate your case
• Answer all your questions
• Investigate the details of your accident
• Build a solid case on your behalf
• Help you recover every dollar of compensation you deserve

Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis, so unless you win your case, you won’t owe us a dime.