Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Laws
STATUTE: Chapter VI. Obedience To and Effect of Traffic Laws. Operation
of Bicycles, Motorcycles and Toy Vehicles. Section 257.658. Bicycles, motorcycles,
mopeds, autocycles; operators and riders, seating, number, crash helmets, seat belts;
rules. :
". . . (4) A person operating or riding on a motorcycle . . . on a public thoroughfare
shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. . . ."
FINE: The fine in Michigan is $50.00.
STANDARDS: Title XVI. Motor Vehicles. Chapter 189. Traffic Regulations;
Vehicle Equipment and Storage. Section 189.285 Regulations for Operating and Riding
On Motorcycles. :
" . . . Crash helmets shall be approved by the department of state police. The department
of state police shall promulgate rules for the implementation of this section pursuant
to the administrative procedures act of 1969, Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of
1969, being sections 24.201 to 24.315 of the Michigan Compiled laws. Rules in effect
on June 1, 1970, shall apply to helmets required by this act. . . ."
MISCELLANEOUS MOTORCYCLE LAWS
State Funded Rider Education
Available for all eligible applicants.
Required under age 18.
May waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed.
Eye Protection
Required unless equipped with wind screen.
Required at speeds over 35 mph.
Daytime Use Of Headlight
Modulating headlight permitted.
Passenger Seat
Required if carrying a passenger.
Passenger Footrests
Required if carrying a passenger.
Mirror
Required by law.
Periodic Safety Inspection
Random inspections, required by law.
65 MPH Speed Limit
In effect on designated rural interstate highways.
Michigan law requires motorcycle riders to:
Always wear a properly-fastened safety helmet on your head. The safety helmet must
be approved by the USDOT, ANSI, or Snell. Passengers must also comply.
Use shatterproof goggles, a face shield, or windshield to protect your eyes when
riding at speeds of 35 mph or more. Eye protection is recommended when riding at
any speed.
Sit on a regular, permanently attached seat.
Never let someone without a motorcycle endorsement drive your bike.
Never attach yourself to another vehicle for a "tow."
Never ride a motorcycle on sidewalks, more than two side-by-side on a public road,
between lanes of traffic, between traffic and the curb, or on a bicycle path.
Lane Use When operating your motorcycle, you are entitled to use a full lane.
Freeways or Limited Access Motorcycles with engines smaller than 125 cc are not
allowed on freeways or limited access highways.
Safety Equipment on the Motorcycle Your motorcycle must have the following equipment,
which must be in good condition: front and rear wheel brakes, headlight, taillight,
stop-light, muffler, horn, rear-view mirror, and permanently attached seat.
Handlebar Height Your motorcycle handlebars must be positioned so that there are
no more than 15 inches between the lowest point of the (unoccupied) seat to the
highest point of the handle grips.
Signaling Turns Signaling is a courtesy and a legal requirement. Before stopping,
turning, or changing lanes, see if it is safe. Then, communicate to other drivers
by giving the required signal, either by using your left hand and arm or an electrical
turn signal device. Start your signal at least 100 feet before you turn. In heavy
traffic or on freeways, signal sooner so drivers behind you have time to change
their speed or position. Make sure your turn signal light has stopped blinking after
you have turned.
The proper hand and arm signals are: left arm and hand bent up for a right turn;
left arm and hand straight out for a left turn; and left arm and hand bent down
for a slow or stop.
Passengers and Cargo Motorcycles with extra foot pegs and seating space may be used
to carry a passenger. If your motorcycle has this equipment, it does not necessarily
mean that a passenger can be carried legally or safely. When in doubt, check with
a motorcycle manufacturer or dealer. A motorcycle operator may never carry more
than one passenger.
Never carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents you from keeping both
hands on the handlebars of the vehicle.
MICHIGAN: DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL
Article 1, Section 2 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 as well as the First Amendment
of the Constitution of the United States of America make it clear that free people
may freely exercise their rights to petition for redress of their grievances and
to assemble peacefully in public to protest discrimination of any sort. Michigan
laws also prohibit discrimination in public accommodations. If you discriminate
against persons wearing colors or motorcycle attire, you will be subjecting yourself
to peaceful demonstrations, picketing and other forms of constitutionally protected
activity to encourage you to stop those practices, You will also be subjecting yourself
to expensive and time-consuming lawsuits to enjoin those practices.
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