Michigan Motorcycle Laws For Minors: What You Need To Know
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and National Youth Traffic Safety Month, which is a fitting time to talk about the Michigan motorcycle laws for minors. It sounds counterintuitive to allow teens and even children to ride motorbikes and motorized vehicles, but it is actually legal. But being legal and safe are two different things.
As an attorney who has helped far too many people injured in motorbike crashes, I would advise parents to hold off on giving their kids rides on motorbikes. The statistics on serious injuries – especially with younger riders and supersport, or “crotch rocket” motorbikes – show that there is no substitute for experience and the riding judgment that comes with it.
Regarding children and preteens riding motorized vehicles, I couldn’t find any accident statistics, but my concern is that the same issues of poor judgment and decision-making are just as likely to occur on a motorized vehicle as on a motorbike.
Here are answers to some common questions I receive as an attorney on the laws in Michigan regarding minors riding motorcycles:
Is there a specific age, or weight that children can legally ride as a passenger on a motorbike?
In Michigan, there is no minimum age for a child to ride on a motorcycle, subject to one exception based on size rather than age, according to the motorcycle laws for minors:
MCL 257.658a(1) states “A passenger shall not ride on a motorcycle unless his or her feet can rest on the assigned foot rests or pegs” except if “a permanent physical disability” prevents the passenger from doing so.
How old do you have to be to get a motorcycle license in Michigan?
Generally, in order to get a motorcycle license, a person must be old enough to get a Michigan driver’s license because the law provides that a person must first have an operator’s license before being issued a motorcycle endorsement (i.e., a motorcycle license) to legally operate a motorcycle on the roads in our state. (MCL 257.312a(1))
For a teenager who is under the age of 18 to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, the Michigan motorcycle laws for minors require:
- The aspiring motorcyclist must be at least 16 years of age
- He or she must possess a valid Level 2 or Level 3 Graduated Driver License
- He or she must complete an approved motorcycle rider education course – which is also referred to as “a motorcycle safety course” (MCL 257.312b(1))
- Pass the vision test at the Secretary of State
- A parent or guardian must sign if the aspiring motorcyclist is under 18 years of age
(Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Page 8)
Alternatively, the Michigan motorcycle laws for minors permit a teenager under 18 to obtain a motorcycle endorsement by securing a “Temporary Instruction Permit” and then passing a rider skills test.
Michigan law states that “an individual 16 or 17 years of age who is enrolled in or has successfully completed an approved motorcycle safety course” may be issued “a motorcycle temporary instruction permit that entitles the applicant, while carrying the permit, to operate a motorcycle on the public streets and highways for a period of 180 days” under certain, limited circumstances. (MCL 257.306(5))
In addition to passing a rider skills test, the Michigan motorcycle laws for minors provides that the aspiring teenage motorcyclist must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test, and present the signature of his or her parent or guardian. (Michigan Secretary of State, Motorcycle Endorsement, “What is a motorcycle Temporary Instruction Permit?“; Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Page 8)
Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website to learn more about motorcycle endorsements.
Can a minor ride on a motorcycle in Michigan?
Michigan law does not specifically address whether minors can operate or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle. However, under certain circumstances, minors who have a driver’s license may obtain a motorcycle endorsement. Additionally, a minor may also be eligible for a motorcycle temporary instruction permit.
What is the motorcycle helmet law for minors?
A person younger than 21 years of age who is “operating or riding on a motorcycle shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head.” (MCL 257.658(4) and (5)) The crash helmet must be approved by the Michigan State Police. (MCL 257.658(6))
Anyone operating a moped on a Michigan road who is younger than 19 years of age must wear a crash helmet on his or her head. (MCL 257.658(4))
Due to our state’s senseless motorcycle helmet law, operators and passengers who are at least 21 years of age may ride without helmets if the operator has: (1) had his or her endorsement for at least two years, (2) has passed a safety course, and (3) has obtained the required first-party medical benefits insurance coverage. (MCL 257.658(5))
Was your minor injured in a motorcycle accident in Michigan and have questions about the law? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!
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Written By
Steve M. Gursten,
Attorney,
License#: P53632
Steven Gursten, attorney at Michigan Auto Law and one of the most successful auto accident attorneys in Michigan. Michigan Auto Law represents people seriously injured in car, truck, motorcycle, and bus accidents, including catastrophic injury, traumatic brain injury, and No-Fault insurance cases. Steven has recovered the largest reported auto and truck accident settlement of any Michigan lawyer, and has been named Michigan Lawyer of the Year and a Top 50 Michigan Super Lawyer.
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