Motorcycle riders
1. All motorcyclists must:
- have a motorcycle instruction permit or a motorcycle endorsement.
- register their motorcycle and display a valid license plate.
- carry liability insurance for their bike and proof of insurance when riding.
- wear eye protection, either a face shield, goggles, or glasses. Windshields no longer meet legal requirements.
2. When riding on a motorcycle permit, riders:
- must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
- cannot carry passengers.
- cannot ride on interstate freeways.
- cannot ride at night. Motorcycle permits are valid for one year.
3. If you are under 18, you must:
- complete an approved motorcycle rider training course.
- wear a DOT-approved helmet.
Motorcycle equipment
For street-legal motorcycles:
- if the motorcycle has a passenger seat, it must also have passenger footrests.
- a rear view mirror, horn, and muffler are required equipment.
- the headlight must be on at all times when riding. Motorcycles are required to have at least one, but not more than two, headlights with both high and low beam. Headlight modulators are legal in Minnesota as an exception to FMVSS 571.108.
- a red tail light is required, including a brake or stop lamp. A "blue dot" on the tail light of up to one inch in diameter is legal.
- at least one brake is required, front or rear, which may be operated by hand or foot.
Motorcycle laws
- Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of their lane and have all the rights and responsibilities of other drivers.
- Motorcyclists are permitted to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lanes.
- All laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs apply to motorcyclists as well.
- Passengers must wear eye protection.
- Passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet
- Motorcyclists may only ride on a permanent seat. Passengers may ride on a passenger seat or in a sidecar.
- Passengers must be able to reach both footpegs while seated on the bike.
- Operators and passengers must face forward with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
- Motorcyclists must not carry anything that interferes with holding onto the handlebars.
- Splitting traffic is illegal. No one except on-duty police officers may ride between lanes of traffic or in the same lane with other vehicles. It is legal for two motorcyclists to ride side-by-side in the same lane if both riders agree to it beforehand.
Penalties for riding without a motorcycle endorsement or instruction permit include up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and having the motorcycle towed and impounded.
>>BASED ON INFORMATION FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA CURRENT AS OF SPRING 2003.<<