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To
operate a motorcycle on public roads, you must possess a
valid Michigan driver license with a "motorcycle
endorsement." The cost of this endorsement is
added to your regular driver license fee.
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Definition
of a Motorcycle |
A
motorcycle is a two - or three-wheeled motor vehicle, which has:
A motorized two- or three- wheeled vehicle, which meets or
exceeds these specifications, is classified as a
"motorcycle" even if it has a working pedaling system.
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Helmets
and Other Key Safety Laws |
Michigan
law requires motorcycle riders to:
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Always wear a properly-fastened
safety helmet on your head. The safety helmet
must be approved by the USDOT, ANSI, or Snell.
Passengers must also comply.
-
Use shatterproof goggles, a face
shield, or windshield to protect your eyes when riding at
speeds of 35 mph or more. Eye protection is
recommended when riding at any speed.
-
Sit on a regular, permanently
attached seat.
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Never let someone without a
motorcycle endorsement drive your bike.
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Never attach yourself to another
vehicle for a "tow."
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Never ride a motorcycle on
sidewalks, more than two side-by-side on a public road,
between lanes of traffic, between traffic and the curb, or
on a bicycle path.
Lane
Use
When operating your motorcycle,
you are
entitled to use a full lane .
Freeways or Limited
Access
Motorcycles with engines smaller than 125 cc are not allowed on
freeways or limited access highways.
Safety Equipment on
the Motorcycle
Your motorcycle must have the following equipment, which must be
in good condition: front and rear wheel brakes, headlight,
taillight, stop-light, muffler, horn, rear-view mirror, and
permanently attached seat.
Handlebar Height
Your motorcycle handlebars must be positioned so that there are
no more than 15 inches between the lowest point of the
(unoccupied) seat to the highest point of the handle grips.
Signaling Turns
Signaling is a courtesy and a legal requirement. Before
stopping, turning, or changing lanes, see if it is safe.
Then, communicate to other drivers by giving the required
signal, either by using your left hand and arm or an electrical
turn signal device. Start your signal at least 100 feet
before you turn. In heavy traffic or on freeways, signal
sooner so drivers behind you have time to change their speed or
position. Make sure your turn signal light has stopped
blinking after you have turned.
The
proper hand and arm signals are: left arm and hand bent up for a
right turn; left arm and hand straight out for a left
turn; and left arm and hand bent down for a slow or stop.
Passengers and Cargo
Motorcycles with extra foot pegs and seating space may be used
to carry a passenger. If your motorcycle has this
equipment, it does not necessarily mean that a passenger can be
carried legally or safely. When in doubt, check with
a motorcycle manufacturer or dealer. A motorcycle
operator may never carry more than one passenger.
Never
carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents you from
keeping both hands on the handlebars of the vehicle.
Special
Situations
Starting
on a Hill
Be
Extra Careful
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MOTORCYCLE
HELMET LAW
A clarification has been made to Michigan’s motorcycle
helmet law concerning the legal requirement to wear a helmet. On July
27, 2000, a new administrative rule took effect. A motorcyclist in
Michigan has been and continues to be required to wear a D.O.T.-approved
motorcycle helmet on his or her head when operating a motorcycle or
when riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. This applies to all
highways, roads, streets, and other thoroughfares in Michigan.
For more information, please visit the Michigan Department of State
Police Motorcycle Helmet Law website at the following address: http://www.michigan.gov/msp/1,1607,7-123-1589_1711_4587-16062--,00.html
RIDING
STRAIGHT
- Alcohol
use is a significant factor in fatal motorcycle crashes.
- A six-year
study of Michigan's fatal motorcycle crashes showed that as of
2002, 29.3% of all motorcyclists killed were under the influence
of alcohol.
- Of
the fatal crashes involving motorcyclists, 29% to 36% had a BAC
over .08 g/dl.
- In
Michigan, you are presumed guilty of operating under the influence
of liquor (OUIL if you have a blood alcohol content of .08% or
more).
- An
OUIL first offense conviction could cost you up to $500 and/or 90
days in jail with your driver's license being revoked.
SPEED
AND THE MOTORCYCLIST
Many times after a crash you will hear people comment on how fast
a cyclist was traveling. While excess speed is an important factor, it
is more serious when combined with alcohol and/or rider inexperience.
- More
experienced cyclists react quicker in emergency situations.
- The
speed and alcohol combination is especially deadly because alcohol
slows reaction time.
- An
impaired rider has to use emergency skills more often, but has
less ability to perform them at any speed.
MOTORCYCLE
CHECKLIST
- Helmet:
Approved safety helmet that lets you see as far to the sides as
necessary. Make sure the fit is snug and the helmet has no obvious
defects such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps. Also,
never wear a helmet that has been involved in a crash or dropped
on the ground. This could ruin the effectiveness of the helmet
- Eye
and Face Protection: Use a plastic face shield or goggles to
protect eyes from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and stones.
Make sure eye or face protection is free of scratches, made of
material that does not shatter, and gives a clear view to either
side.
- Tires:
Check the air pressure before every ride.
- Fluids:
Check gas, oil, broke fluid, and coolant (when applicable).
- Lights:
Check brake lights, head- and taillights, and turn signals.
- Hydraulic
Fluids: Check sight windows when accessible. At a minimum,
check weekly.
- Clutch,
Throttle and Brakes: Make sure they work smoothly. Throttle
should snap back when let go. Brakes should feel firm and hold
motorcycle when applied.
- Mirrors:
Clean and adjust both mirrors before starting out.
- Horn:
Try the horn. Make sure it works.
MICHIGAN
MOTOR VEHICLE LAW
Every rider should be aware of all Michigan's motor vehicle laws,
particularly those which apply specifically to motorcycles. These laws
can be found in the Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual
available from the Secretary of State and can be obtained at any
Secretary of State branch office.
Michigan
law states that a motorcycle owner may never let a non-licensed person
operate his/her motorcycle.
A
frequently asked question by visitors to Michigan is whether the state
has a law requiring helmets. Michigan has a mandatory helmet use
law for all riders and passengers.
Michigan
also requires motorcyclists to wear either shatterproof goggles, a
face shield or a windshield to protect the eyes.
Training,
Education and Licensure
Almost half of all motorcycle
fatalities involved riders not properly licensed.
Michigan
law requires a special endorsement to an operators license to drive a
motorcycle. It is a misdemeanor to drive a motorcycle without an
endorsement and can add points to your driving record.
If
you are under 18 years of age, you must complete a rider education
course approved by the Secretary of State before you can
apply for a motorcycle permit. Although permit applicants over 18
years are not required to take an instruction course, it is highly
recommended for new riders of all ages.
Training
and education is an ongoing process for every rider and should not end
with licensure. Contact your local Secretary of State branch office
for additional information and for the nearest motorcycle safety
course.
 
A.B.A.T.E. of Michigan Inc.
P.O.Box 309
Milford, Michigan
48381-0309
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