Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Ohio, United States

Riding a motorcycle can make for a fun experience, but not everything is going to be thrills and chills. There is work involved to ensure the safety of yourself, the well-being of other drivers, and that you follow the rules of the road. Depending on which region of the United States you are in, the regulations for motorcycle operation will differ. If you are heading to Ohio, it is your responsibility to become familiar with this information. 

Before you can be allowed to ride your motorcycle freely through Ohio, you are required to own Ohio motorcycle insurance. In the event you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the costs you would need to pay could strain your finances. Having liability insurance coverage helps cover the bulk of the compensation while confirming that you are financially responsible. You will have to carry physical documentation and must be able to show it at traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections.

Whatever insurance company offering liability coverage for your motorcycle you go to, make sure that the plan deals with bodily injuries and property damages at a minimum:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident

• $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident

• $25,000 for property damages sustained per accident

If you are not sure if coverage for injuries and destruction of personal belongings is adequate, you may want to incorporate other optional coverage in your Ohio motorcycle insurance plan:

• Uninsured coverage

• Underinsured coverage

• Collision coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

• Medical payment coverage

• Bodily injury coverage 

In Ohio, you must put on a motorcycle helmet if you are under 18, currently hold a temporary motorcycle permit or have less than a year of riding experience.

Based on recent statistics provided by the Ohio State Patrol, motorcyclists have a need for motorcycle helmets now more than ever:

• In 2020, there were a total of 3,982 motorcycle accidents that occurred in Ohio

• Compared to 2019, 2020 saw an 11% in motorcycle-involved crashes

• In 2020, About 60% of motorcyclists were considered at fault for motorcycle-involved crashes

• In 2020, only 38% of motorcyclists involved in motorcycle accidents were wearing appropriate motorcycle helmets

Your motorcycle helmet should have been made by the Snell Memorial Foundation and has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The types of models that meet the criteria provided above plus give you adequate protection and visibility are three-quarter and full-face helmets. If you are looking for a motorcycle helmet, make sure that they have the following features:

Upon reaching the age of 15 ½, you can try for an Ohio temporary motorcycle permit after you pay $22.50 for it to be issued.

To be given the permit, you must provide the appropriate forms and pass these qualifications:

• Present full name and birth date

• Provide proof of Ohio residency

• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship

• Provide your Social Security Number

• Pass the knowledge exam

• Pass the vision exam

• Pay the required fees

Even after you get the permit, you still have to work up to get full use of your motorcycle. While you are practicing, there are certain tasks that you cannot do due to the mistakes a learning novice could make:

• You cannot carry passengers

• You can only operate during daylight hours

• You cannot ride on interstates or congested roads

• You must wear a motorcycle helmet

If you are 15 ½ or above, you can begin preparing to acquire an Ohio motorcycle endorsement. You will have to pay $24.50 for a 4-year endorsement or $48 for an 8-year endorsement to be added to your Ohio driver’s license.

Listed below are the requirements you will need to fulfill to obtain an Ohio motorcycle endorsement:

*While taking the Motorcycle Ohio Basic Course is only mandatory for minors, any legal adults may take it as well if they wish. Upon completion, they can waive the skills test within the next 60 days. 

Written Portion:

• Complete 40 multiple-choice questions

• Questions will be based on content from Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual

• Requires a passing grade of 75% or higher

Riding Portion:

• Will either be conducted in a controlled, off-street area

• Your motorcycle will be subjected to a pre-ride inspection to ensure it meets safety standards

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of motorcycle operation

• You will be tested on your ability to stay within the speed limit, adjusting speed and position, maintaining visibility, operating under stress, accelerating, braking, turning, stopping, and swerving

• The examiner will grade you based on how well you ride at safe speeds, stay within the lanes, and demonstrate riding maneuvers

Ohio does not have a minimum age that passengers need to meet or be above to be permitted onto a motorcycle.

You are only allowed to transport as many passengers as your vehicle is designed to carry without being detrimental to your vehicle’s performance. Your motorcycle must be outfitted with equipment to provide secure and safe seating for additional people. These will include a designated passenger seat, footrests, and handholds.

Your motorcycle passenger is not allowed to be seated in front of you and s/he must have a leg hanging on each side of the vehicle. The designated passenger seat can only be positioned at the following places on your motorcycle:

• At the back of a large driver’s seat

• Towards the rear as a separate saddle

• Fixed to the side as a sidecar

As there is no age restriction, you must be discerning when determining who can safely ride along with you on your motorcycle. In general, it is best to not take on young children or elderly individuals as they may have difficulty planting their feet against the footrests. The following criteria are good indicators that a person can stay secure while the vehicle is in motion:

• Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests

• Your passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet

• Your passenger cannot be carrying any packages

• Your passenger must be able to understand and follow your directions

• Your motorcycle should only be able to transport one other person

In Ohio, motorcyclists are prohibited from doing lane splitting. Because traveling on top of the lanes and in between larger vehicles is considered too risky, riders should not attempt this for safety’s sake. You will be penalized for reckless driving if you attempt the following:

• Riding on top of the dividing lines between lanes

• Riding in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles 

• Overtaking a larger vehicle ahead in the same lane 

Motorcycles can pull off maneuvers that four-wheel vehicles cannot due to their compact size and slim chassis. Therefore, motorcyclists are still afforded liberties regarding how they can operate on Ohio’s roads:

• You are allowed to make full use of the space within your current lane 

• You can only share a lane with another motorcycle if:

  • Both parties stay apart at least two abreast

  • Both parties consent beforehand

While conducting a periodic inspection on your ride may be the dullest part of owning a motorcycle, it is arguably the most important task you have to undertake. Checking the primary components are functioning correctlly will make sure that your motorcycle does not break down. The overall functionality of your motorcycle becomes compromised if even a single component becomes defective.

• Horn

• Wheels

• Tires

• Handlebars 

•  Front and Rear Brakes 

• Controls

• Headlight(s)

•  Taillight 

•  Brake Light 

• Exhaust System

•  Muffler 

•  Rearview Mirrors 

• Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Mandatory Insurance
• Traffic Safety Bulletin May 2021 - Motorcycles in Ohio
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Operator Laws and Regulations
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Documents & Fees
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Motorcycle/Scooter License