Warm weather is right around the corner and if you own a motorcycle, you are more than anxious to hit the open road. As a rider in the state of Wisconsin, it is very important that you know and understand the applicable laws.
According to the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation, a motorcycle is defined as, “…a motor vehicle designed and built to have no more than three wheels. It must have its own power source and be capable, under ideal road conditions, of speeds in excess of 30 mph with a 150 pound rider.”
The specifics of Wisconsin’s motorcycle laws are as follows. Please note that these laws do not all apply to off-road use, but only to interstates, state roads and local roads.
· Every motorcycle operator must have a Class M
motorcycle license or motorcycle
instruction permit. To obtain a motorcycle
instruction permit, the applicant must pass the
motorcycle knowledge test, a sign test and a vision
screening. (There are very specific
instructions for obtaining an instruction permit.)
· Helmets are required for all riders and passengers under the age of 18 and those in this
age group must complete a rider education course. Those over the age of 18 with a full
license can decide whether or not to wear a helmet.
· Eye protection (a windscreen, a helmet shield, and glasses or goggles) is required of all
motorcycle riders.
· Motorcycle headlights must be turned on 24 hours a day when in use.
· All motorcycles must be equipped with turn signals, one rear-view mirror, and a muffler. In
addition, handlebars may not be more than 30 inches above the seat level.
· If carrying a passenger, motorcycles must be equipped with a passenger seat and footrest.
· Liability insurance coverage is required for all Wisconsin motorcyclists.
· Wisconsin law permits two motorcycles to drive next to each other in the same traffic lane.
· Use of helmet speakers is permitted.
· Passengers of any age may ride a motorcycle with a licensed driver.
As a motorcyclist in Wisconsin, you should always know the applicable laws so that you don’t inadvertently break them and so that you also know what safety requirements are in place to limit any personal injury that may occur from a motorcycle accident.
If you or a loved one has any issues riding this summer, it is important to contact an experienced attorney before it is to late. At Jones Law Firm we can help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation. Please contact us by text or phone at (414) 775-7445 or email at laura@jlfwisconsin.com anytime.
*Any articles in the Libra or posted by Jones Law Firm LLC are not legal advice for a particular client or situation. Further no attorney-client relationship is intended or created with this post.*
