Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Missouri 2021

Besides having a ton of beautiful rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers passing through its landscape, the state of Missouri has ideal terrain that any motorcyclist would love. Missouri is renowned for its rolling hills, winding country roads, and its unspoiled natural scenery.

Also referred to as the “Show-Me State,” Missouri earned its nickname because there is a long history of its people adhering to the value of common sense. Common sense is especially important when it comes to riding a motorcycle. While the urge to speed up or try a risky maneuver is stronger when on a motorcycle, riders have to suppress those feelings in the interest of safety.

To help ensure the well-being of motorcyclists, motorcycle laws exist to help inform them about what is considered acceptable behavior while on the road. To test who is ready to operate a motorcycle, a licensing process is put in place to check the qualifications and knowledge of applicants.

This article will inform you of the motorcycle laws and how to do licensing in Missouri.

In Missouri, you are required to own motorcycle insurance to be allowed to operate your ride. You must show proof that you can provide liability insurance coverage before registering or renewing the license plate for your motor vehicle.

You must be carrying documentation of your Missouri motorcycle insurance at all times while you are on the road. If officers of the law pull you over, you will be asked to show proof of your motorcycle insurance. The Missouri Department of Revenue also has the authority to ask you to show proof of your motorcycle insurance at any time.

The minimum costs that your Missouri motorcycle liability insurance must be able to cover include the following:

• $25,000 for bodily injuries per person

• $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident

• $25,000 for property damages per accident

You are also required to have uninsured motorist coverage if you get into a collision with a driver who does not have insurance. The minimum costs that your uninsured motorist coverage must be able to cover include the following:

• $25,000 for bodily injuries per person

• $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident

As your motorcycle liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage only cover the bare minimum, they may not be enough to pay the full costs for extensive damage or serious injuries to other people. You may want to consider also getting the following forms of coverage as well:

• Collision coverage: May or may not include uninsured or underinsured coverage. Will help protect your motorcycle in the event of an accident

• Underinsured coverage: Helpful when dealing with a driver who has insurance coverage, but is unable to pay the full cost for the damages and injuries

• Comprehensive coverage: Deals with damage to your motorcycle caused by matters unrelated to an accident. These include theft, vandalism, fire, wind, and water

• Body injury coverage: Protects your passenger if you were carrying one and covers costs related to injuries

• Medical payment coverage: Helps with payments for medical services and supplies

If you are pulled over and cannot provide proof of Missouri motorcycle insurance, your driving record at the Driver License Bureau will be marked. If you repeatedly fail to provide proof of motorcycle insurance, your driving privileges and vehicle’s license plate can be subject to suspension. You may be monitored by the Driver License Bureau to check whether you are in the process of getting motorcycle insurance.

You will not have your driving privileges and motorcycle license plate suspended after your first offense. However, your second offense will result in them being suspended for 90 days. If you still refuse to get Missouri motorcycle insurance, your third offense will result in them being suspended for 1 year.

You can only start the process of getting your Missouri motorcycle license and motorcycle license plate reinstated after the suspension period has passed. You will have to go to the Driver License Bureau and provide the following based on how many offenses you have committed:

• 1st Suspension: You will have to submit proof of insurance and pay a $20 reinstatement fee

• 2nd Suspension: You will have to submit proof of insurance and pay a $200 reinstatement fee

• 3rd Suspension: You will have to submit proof of insurance and pay a $400 reinstatement fee

If you would like to know more about what kind of Missouri motorcycle insurance you need, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue .

As laid out by Missouri Revisor of Statutes § 302.026., any riders under the age of 26 are required to wear a motorcycle helmet at all times.

If you are 26 years old or above, you can opt out of wearing a motorcycle helmet so long as you can provide proof of possessing a health insurance policy or any other insurance that covers medical benefits.

However, it is recommended that all motorcyclists wear a helmet regardless of age. A motorcycle helmet can absorb the shock of most impacts and prevent severe injury to your head and face.

When looking for a proper motorcycle helmet to wear, you have two options to choose from: a three-quarter helmet or a full-face helmet.

To make sure it is an approved model recognized by Missouri motorcycle helmet laws, your motorcycle helmet must have the following features:

If you would like to review the guidelines of the Missouri motorcycle helmet laws, check out this section of the Missouri Revisor of Statutes .

Otherwise, you can get a preview of the approved motorcycle helmets in Missouri by reading the Motorcycle Operator Manual provided by the Missouri Department of Revenue. 

To be allowed to operate a motorcycle, Missouri motorcycle license laws state that you need to either own a Class M instruction permit, an intermediate Class M permit, a Class M license, or a driver’s license with the Missouri motorcycle endorsement.

While each license allows you to operate a motorcycle, a few of them come with restrictions. These restrictions are meant for younger or newer applicants who do not have much experience with riding a motorcycle. In this chart below, you will be able to read about the limitations and compare the different motorcycle licenses:

You may apply for a Missouri motorcycle instruction permit when you are 15 ½ years old. If you are purchasing one, you will have to pay a fee of $6.25.

You may apply for a Missouri intermediate motorcycle permit when you turn 16. If you wish to upgrade to an intermediate motorcycle permit, you will have to pay a fee of $6.25

If you are purchasing a Missouri Class M license, you will have to pay a fee of $10 for a 3-year license and $20 for a 6-year license.

Regardless of whether you hold an instruction or intermediate permit, you are required to comply with all the restrictions for the instruction permit if you are below the age of 16.* 

When you are ready to take your Missouri motorcycle license test, set up an appointment with the nearest Missouri Department of Revenue.

The written portion of the Missouri motorcycle license test will test your knowledge of the Motorcycle Operator Manual. You will have to answer 25 multiple choice questions about riding practices, road rules, etc. A passing score will be if you answer 80% of the questions correctly.

The riding portion of the Missouri motorcycle license test will be asked to demonstrate on your motorcycle either within a controlled environment or out on the actual streets. You will have to show you can:

• Safely accelerate, brake, and turn

• Communicate to other drivers

• Follow the posted speed limit

• Make rational decisions in stressful situations

• Change speed and position based on the flow of traffic

If you can show proof of completing a Basic Rider Course, you can use it to waive the on-cycle skills exam when applying for your Missouri Class M license.*

If you wish to look over the requirements and restrictions outlined for the Missouri motorcycle license or want to know what to expect from the Missouri motorcycle license test, check out this section from the Motorcycle Operator Manual provided by the Missouri Department of Revenue. 

As explained in Missouri Revisor of Statutes § 300.345., you cannot carry more than one passenger at a time. Your motorcycle has to fasten a separate passenger seat either on the side or on the rear end. Or you can attach a single seat that is designed to allow two people to sit at once. Besides a designated place for your passenger, you also need to fix footrests. Without both, your motorcycle is not qualified to transport another person.

There are no age restrictions stated in the Missouri motorcycle passenger laws. However, it is recommended you do not carry small children with you on your motorcycle. You determine who can ride with you based on your best judgment.

Your passenger is not a passive observer while he/she is riding on your motorcycle. Your passenger also has to wear an approved motorcycle helmet and motorcycle safety gear. In case your passenger is not familiar with a two-wheeled vehicle, you will have to instruct him/her on how to mount up, position on the seat, and mimic your movements when on the road.

If you wish to read the full explanation on how to handle a motorcycle passenger, check out this section of the Missouri Revisor of Statutes .

Missouri is part of the majority of states that do not have a legal stance on lane splitting. Missouri motorcycle laws do not explicitly say that lane splitting is legal, but they also do not specifically prohibit lane splitting either.

Whenever you are planning to pass through a city or county in Missouri, you should research the laws of the areas to see if it is acceptable to engage in lane splitting.

While it is recommended you refrain from lane splitting, you can technically try it so long as you do it safely. If you stay within or below the posted speed limit and comply with Missouri motorcycle traffic laws, there should be little reason for local law enforcement to pull you over.

However, if you get into an accident while attempting lane splitting, you may be found at fault. Because lane splitting can be perceived as reckless driving behavior, you may be deprived of compensation to help you pay for damages or injuries. 

Before you take your motorcycle out onto the Missouri highways, you have to be sure that it is legally operational. That means all of the safety features that help with turning, braking, announcing your presence, and increasing your visibility have to be operating correctly.

Part of being a responsible motorcyclist is making periodic safety inspections of your motorcycle. It is better that you do them in your garage on your own time rather than letting the Missouri police do it for you on the side of the road.

When conducting a safety inspection, you should make sure that all of these motorcycle components are working:

• Horn

• Steering

• Rearview mirrors

• Turn signals

• Exhaust system & muffler

• Handlebars (Elevated 15 inches above seat)

• Headlight

• Taillight

• Brake light

• A set of brakes

• Clutch & throttle

• Tires & wheels

• Fluids

• Reflectors

• Fuel System

• Windshield (If equipped)

If you would like to find the checklist and guidelines for the condition of your motorcycle’s safety features, you can look it up in the Missouri Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Regulation Manual . 

According to Missouri Revisor of Statutes § 307.170., a motor vehicle must have a muffler attached that is designed to lower the volume of noise that comes from the exhaust. You are not allowed to apply a muffler cutout that could potentially cause excessive noise to be emitted from the engine, machinery, etc. If there are signs of cutouts or openings, you are required to close and disconnect them from the operating lever. It has to be put in a position where it cannot automatically open while the vehicle is in motion.

While your motorcycle is expected to have a muffler, Missouri does not have any laws that go into further detail regarding decibel amount, noise limits, etc. that relate to motorcycles.

Depending on the city or county you plan to travel through, you may want to learn about the Missouri exhaust noise laws of the different regions. This way you can make slight adjustments to your muffler and lower the volume of your exhaust if necessary. Otherwise, the local law enforcement patrolling the area may decide to pull you over to inspect your motorcycle.

If you wish to know more about the equipment required for a motor vehicle, check out this section in the Missouri Revisor of Statutes .

While you may be riding a two-wheeled vehicle that is well known for its speed and maneuverability, you should take it slow to make sure you fulfill all the conditions regarding Missouri motorcycle laws and licensing.

Despite its weight and metallic appearance, your motorcycle is still quite susceptible to damage. Even if you consider yourself a careful driver, you should always have motorcycle insurance to provide coverage for any possible threats to your ride and your health. You never know when a nasty surprise is about to hit you while on the road.

Most people are happy when they are not tied down by restrictions. However, that relief can be dangerous if it leaves your head vulnerable. If you are a 26-year-old or above who enjoys the wind rushing through your hair, you may find the experience less than stellar if you are thrown headfirst onto the street. Regardless of whether you are a minor or an adult, it is wiser to wear an approved motorcycle helmet just in case.

The process of getting a Class M license can be a grueling trial for first-timers who have never ridden a motorcycle by themselves. It is like going back to school considering you have to be taught the fundamentals of Missouri motorcycle traffic laws and how to operate a motorcycle. The endless practice and studying for the Missouri motorcycle license test can be tedious, but what knowledge you gain will remain with you when you finally earn your motorcycle license.

There are some aspects of riding a motorcycle that is left to the devices of the riders themselves. Just because there are no Missouri motorcycle laws that offer specific details regarding passengers and lane splitting does not mean that motorcyclists can do whatever they wish. They have to rely on their common sense to ensure the welfare of their passengers and the drivers within the closest lanes.

Of course, you cannot forget to take care of your motorcycle as well. Your motorcycle is a machine and its many parts can start to fail if you do not provide proper maintenance . From the wheels to the brakes, you have to inspect each component carefully when checking if they are working right. You cannot take your motorcycle out on the Missouri highways if even one of its components is malfunctioning.