In Minnesota, motorcyclists have all the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. However, these vehicles also come with special laws that are reserved only for motorcycles. Staying up to date on Minnesota’s latest motorcycle laws can help you understand your rights as a rider. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, consulting an experienced Minneapolis motorcycle accident lawyer can ensure your rights are protected.
Motorcycle License Rules in Minnesota
In Minnesota, it is illegal to operate a motorcycle without a motorcycle license endorsement. All motorcycle riders must have valid driver’s licenses or instruction permits with Class M motorcycle license endorsements.
The motorcycle endorsement can be earned in the following ways:
- Passing a written knowledge test and a riding skills test at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam station.
- Waiving the riding skills test requirement by completing the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center’s Basic Rider Course(if the rider is 18 or older).
If a motorcyclist is caught by law enforcement while riding without a motorcycle license endorsement, he or she can face moving violations, fines and other penalties. Motorcycles must also have up-to-date vehicle registrations.
Roadway Rules
Most of Minnesota’s general traffic laws and roadway rules apply to motorcyclists in the same manner as other motorists. However, there are also additional requirements specifically reserved for motorcycles:
- Lane-splitting, or riding a motorcycle on the line between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, is legal in Minnesota (in slow-moving traffic) as of July 1, 2025.
- Motorcyclists may ride two abreast with one another, with permission from both riders, but motorcycles may not share a lane with passenger vehicles.
- Minnesota’s reckless or careless driving statute also applies to trick riding when it comes to motorcycles, such as wheelies and standing on the seat.
There are also special rules for other drivers when driving near motorcyclists. Drivers must keep at least three feet of distance when passing a motorcycle, for example, and are required to allow a motorcyclist the full use of a lane.
Motorcycle Helmets
In Minnesota, protective helmets are only required for motorcycle riders and passengers who are under the age of 18. These helmets must be safety-approved by the Department of Transportation. Although helmets are not mandatory for motorcyclists 18 and older, they are highly recommended, as they can dramatically reduce the risk of traumatic and fatal brain injuries in motorcycle accidents.
Mandatory Motorcycle Equipment
Motorcycles are not deemed street-worthy in Minnesota unless they have all of the required parts and equipment. This includes:
- At least one, but not more than four, working headlights
- Turn signals
- At least one rearview mirror
- At least one hand or foot brake
- A working horn
- A passenger seat and footrests, if a passenger is being carried
- A muffler that prevents excessive noise
- A securely fastened license plate
Minnesota requires the use of daytime running lights, meaning a motorcycle’s headlight must be on at all times while riding.
Minnesota’s Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
All motorcycle operators in Minnesota are required to carry certain amounts of liability insurance before they can ride on public roads. Currently, the minimum amount of coverage is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance, as well as $10,000 in property damage insurance.
If a motorcycle accident takes place, Minnesota’s no-fault law does not apply. Motorcyclists are excluded from the no-fault system, meaning the at-fault driver or party can be held responsible. However, an injured motorcyclist will have to go up against insurance companies and the biases they often have toward riders in the pursuit of fair compensation.
If you get hurt in a Minnesota motorcycle accident, contact a Minneapolis car accident attorney from Goldenberg Lauricella to help you handle the injury claims process. An attorney will prevent an insurance provider from taking advantage of you with strong legal representation.