Illinois Law Governing Motorcycles

Many of us enjoy the freedom of the open road, riding a motorcycle on a clear fall day. However, before setting off on your bike, you need to know the rules of the road as they apply to motorcycles.

For the most part, motorcycles are treated the same way as all motor vehicles on the roads. This means that motorcyclists must be licensed and must obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals, just like other drivers. Motorcyclists must also carry at least the minimum insurance coverage required by law: $20,000 for the injury or death of one person, $40,000 for the injury or death of more than one person, and $15,000 in property coverage.

However, motorcyclists are subject to a number of laws that govern only motorcycles. Motorcycle riders must wear eye protection, unless their bikes have windscreens. A motorcycle can carry a passenger only if there is a seat for the passenger and foot rests (unless the seat is in a side-car). Motorcyclists must always use their headlights, even in the daytime. Finally, some of the more exotic conversions (such as handlebars that extend above shoulder level and mufflers that have been modified from stock) are prohibited.

Finally, a word about helmets. Illinois remains one of the three states that does not have any mandatory helmet law; the state Senate rejected the most recent attempt to pass such a law just this year. However, wearing a helmet is just good sense, and it may save your life in the event of a crash.

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