To legally ride a motorcycle in Indiana, you need a valid license. Motorcycle licensing requirements in Indiana aim to keep bikers safe on the road. It’s important to understand these laws if you plan on riding in the Hoosier State.
At Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, our seasoned team has in-depth knowledge of vehicle licensing requirements — and knows how to help you effectively navigate the law when you need to file a claim after a motorcycle accident. If you’ve been injured in a crash, our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers can fight to help you get fair compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at (317) 916-0000.
How Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Indianapolis, IN
Our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers have a strong track record of success when it comes to helping riders obtain compensation for their losses. Our team of Indianapolis personal injury lawyers has over 40 years of combined experience and has recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
When you hire our experienced team, you can count on us to:
- Fully investigate your accident to find out who was at fault
- Document all your injuries and costs
- Talk to the insurance companies
- Work with medical experts to show how your injuries affect your life
- Prepare your case while looking for fair settlement options
- Fight hard to get the compensation you need
We know Indiana motorcycle laws well, including all the rules about licensing, which helps us build better cases for our clients. Contact us today to learn more.
Indiana Motorcycle License Requirements
In Indiana, you need what’s called a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to legally drive a motorcycle. According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), you can either add this Class M designation to your regular license or get a motorcycle-only license.
To receive either one, you must:
- Be at least 16 years and 90 days old
- Have a valid Indiana driver’s license if you’re seeking an endorsement
- Pass a written test about motorcycle safety
- Pass a skills test showing you can ride safely
The written test asks questions about how to operate a motorcycle, safety tips, and special road rules for motorcycles. The skills test verifies that you can control a bike safely in different situations.
How to Get a Motorcycle Endorsement in Indiana
There are two main ways to get your endorsement: obtaining a learner’s permit or taking a safety course.
Obtain a Learner’s Permit
If you choose to get your endorsement by obtaining your learner’s permit first, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Pass the written test at the BMV
- Practice riding with some limits
- Later, take the skills test or safety course
After completing these steps, you’ll be ready to move on to a full endorsement.
Go Through the Safety Course
You can make getting your motorcycle license easier by taking a safety course. The Ride Safe Indiana (RSI) program offers courses that teach you how to ride safely. If you pass the course, you won’t need to take the skills test at the BMV.
The safety course option includes these important steps:
- Complete classroom learning and hands-on practice
- Get a waiver for the BMV skills test
- Visit the BMV to add the endorsement to your license
Many riders find this option more helpful since you learn proper techniques from the start.
Rules for Young Riders Under 18
Indiana has stricter rules for riders under 18 years old. If you’re a minor, you must:
- Complete an approved motorcycle safety course
- Have a valid Indiana driver’s license
- Have a clean driving record for at least 180 days
- Get your parent or guardian’s permission
These extra steps help make sure young riders learn proper skills before riding on their own.
Indiana Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Besides having the right license, Indiana law also requires all motorcycle riders to have insurance. Motorcycles, like all other motor vehicles on Indiana roads, must meet the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
This means you must have at least:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person
- $50,000 for injuries to multiple people in one accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Having the proper insurance protects you financially and is required by law. Without it, you could face serious penalties and be responsible for all costs if you cause an accident.
What Happens If You Ride Without A License?
According to Indiana Code §9-24-1-1, it’s illegal to operate any motor vehicle without the proper license.
By riding a motorcycle without the right license in Indiana, you could face these consequences:
- Fines up to $500
- Driver’s license suspension
- Increased insurance rates
- Criminal charges, if you repeat the offense
It’s also important to note that if you get in an accident without the right license, your insurance might not cover you.
Contact Our Indianapolis, IN, Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis, the team at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers can help you protect your rights and your future. Insurance companies often try to pay claimants as little as possible, but our Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorneys can fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and suffering.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you pursue justice.
