Riding a motorcycle in Illinois comes with its own set of legal requirements that go beyond what applies to standard passenger vehicles. If you ride a bike in the state, knowing the rules of the road can help you stay safe and protect your legal rights if something goes wrong and you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.
Here’s an overview of the key motorcycle laws in Illinois and how they can affect your legal rights and options following a motorcycle crash in Chicago, IL.
Licensing Requirements
Illinois requires all motorcycle operators to hold a valid motorcycle license or endorsement. The state issues two classes depending on engine size. A Class M license covers motorcycles with engines of 150cc or greater, while a Class L license is for motor-driven cycles under 150cc. Riders must be at least 16 years old to apply.
Applicants under 18 must complete a written knowledge test and an on-cycle skills test. Riders 18 and older can either take those same tests or complete an approved motorcycle safety course through the Illinois Department of Transportation, which waives the road test requirement.
Helmet Laws
Illinois is one of only three states with no motorcycle helmet requirement. The law does not mandate helmet use for riders or passengers of any age. That said, the Illinois Department of Transportation strongly encourages all riders to wear a DOT-approved helmet, and for good reason. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury in a crash by an estimated 69 percent, according to the CDC.
While not wearing a helmet is legal, it can still come into play after an accident. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries would have been less severe had you been wearing one, which could affect the value of your claim under Illinois’s comparative negligence rules.
Eye Protection
Although helmets aren’t required, eye protection is mandatory for all riders and passengers. Acceptable forms of eye protection include shatterproof glasses, goggles, and a windshield mounted on the motorcycle that extends above the rider’s eyes in a normal seated position. A face shield attached to a helmet also satisfies this requirement.
Insurance Requirements
Motorcyclists in Illinois must carry liability insurance with the same minimum limits that apply to other motor vehicles: 25/50/20. That means $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 in property damage coverage. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is also mandatory at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Riding without insurance can result in fines and fees that add up quickly, so motorcyclists should carry proof of insurance at all times while operating their bikes.
Carrying Passengers
A motorcycle may only carry a passenger if the bike is equipped with a dedicated passenger seat and footrests. There is no minimum age requirement for passengers in Illinois, but the passenger must be able to reach the footrests. Sidecar passengers are also permitted.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Illinois
Learning about these laws is important for both your safety as well as your legal interests in the event of an accident. If you’ve been injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to significant compensation from the opposing party.
Meyers & Flowers is here to help you take legal action. Contact our Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation at (630) 793-0834.