Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Wisconsin, United States

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Wisconsin Motorcycle Insurance
3. Wisconsin Motorcycle Helmet Laws
4. Wisconsin Motorcycle License Laws

4.1 Wisconsin Motorcycle Instruction Permit & Class M License
4.2 Wisconsin Motorcycle License Test

5. Wisconsin Motorcycle Passenger Laws
6. Wisconsin Lane Splitting Laws
7. Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Features
8. Sources

1. Introduction

Most people are drawn to motorcycles because the idea of riding a vehicle that provides improved maneuverability and greater freedom is an exciting prospect. However, the journey to earn the right to operate a motorcycle can be a long and difficult task. Besides hand-on training when controlling the vehicle, you also have to become familiar with the rules related to motorcycles. These sets of rules can differ depending on which state you are in throughout the United States.

If you are a novice motorcyclist, an out-of-town tourist, or an experienced rider who is not familiar with the rules of the road in Wisconsin, this infographic will provide you with an overview of this state’s motorcycle laws and licensing process.

2. Wisconsin Motorcycle Insurance

It is your responsibility as a motorcyclist to make sure that you have Wisconsin motorcycle insurance if you wish to handle a motorcycle. Besides providing financial aid in the event of an accident, it also shows that you can fully recompense any parties involved whose health or property has suffered damage. Whether you are or are not held liable for an accident, it is always best to have Wisconsin motorcycle insurance with you. Whenever you take out your motorcycle, make sure to carry documentation showing proof of ownership so you can show it to the local law enforcement or other parties.

Your liability insurance coverage must be able to cover the minimum costs for the following accident-related fees:

$25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident
$50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident
$10,000 for property damages sustained per accident

The required forms of liability insurance coverage provide compensation for other parties involved in an accident. If you wish to have support for your health and property, you may want to consider paying for optional forms of Wisconsin motorcycle insurance. While you may not need additional insurance, you would be deprived of additional protection that could be useful in specific circumstances:

Collision
Comprehensive

3. Wisconsin Motorcycle Helmet Laws

All motorcyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear a motorcycle helmet while operating their vehicles in Wisconsin. If you are not a minor, you can choose not to have a motorcycle helmet on while you are riding your motorcycle. Because a motorcycle helmet mitigates the risk of sustaining severe or fatal head injuries, it is better for all riders to always wear a motorcycle helmet.

In recent years, there have been worrying statistics in Wisconsin due to many adults preferring not to wear compliant motorcycle helmets when riding on their vehicles:

From 2013 to 2017, there have been over 11,000 motorcycle accidents
From 2013 to 2017, there were about 394 fatalities and 10,217 injuries
From 2013 to 2017, only about 96 of the motorcycle fatalities were wearing motorcycle helmets
On average, about 25% of riders wear motorcycle helmets while the other 75% of riders did not

When browsing for a new motorcycle helmet, you should pick out one that was made by the Snell Memorial Foundation. It should also meet or exceed the safety standards for the U.S. Department of Transportation and this state. The two types of motorcycle helmets that provide the best protection and visibility are the three-quarter and full-face helmets.

Listed in this table are the requirements and features you should look for when selecting a motorcycle helmet:

Wisconsin Motorcycle Helmet Laws

4. Wisconsin Motorcycle License Laws

4.1 Wisconsin Motorcycle Instruction Permit & Class M License

If you are at least 16 years old, you are allowed to begin applying for a Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit. You must pay a fee of $32 for one to be officially issued.

If you are at least 16 years old and have held onto a Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit, you can then move onto acquiring a Wisconsin Class M license. You must pay a fee of $22 if you wish to receive an original, new license.

Listed in this table are the requirements and restrictions you need to know if you need to obtain credentials or are ready to operate your motorcycle if you are holding onto either a Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit or a Wisconsin Class M license:

Wisconsin Motorcycle Instruction Permit & Class M License

If you are 18 years old or older, you are not required to first hold onto a motorcycle instruction permit to get a Class M license unless you wish to practice before taking the motorcycle license test.

If you are 18 years old or older, you are eligible to take the motorcycle license test the same day you are issued a motorcycle instruction permit so long as you set the appointment beforehand.

If you submit proof that you completed the Basic Motorcycle Rider Course, you will have the option of waiving the skills portion of the motorcycle license test.

4.2 Wisconsin Motorcycle License Test

Written Portion:

Will be completed on touch-screen computers
Complete 25 multiple-choice questions
Questions will be based on content from Wisconsin Motorcycle Operator Manual
Requires a passing grade of 80% or higher

Riding Portion:

Will be conducted in an actual traffic environment or in a controlled, off-street area.
Examiner will conduct a pre-ride inspection to ensure your motorcycle 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.

When you take the skills exam, you will have to pay a fee of $15. If you fail the exam two times, you must complete a basic rider course instead to have this part of the motorcycle license test waived.

5. Wisconsin Motorcycle Passenger Laws

In Wisconsin, there is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. Any motorcycle passengers under the age of 18 are only permitted to ride with you if they wear an approved motorcycle helmet at all times.

With the lack of an age restriction, technically anyone can ride with you on your motorcycle. However, not everyone can be safely seated. Therefore, it is up to your best judgment to figure out who can or cannot be a motorcycle passenger. You should keep the following criteria in mind:

Never take on a passenger that cannot plant his/her feet flat against the footrests
Never take on a passenger that cannot understand and follow directions
Never take on more than one person at a time

It is only legal to transport a motorcycle passenger if your vehicle is fitted with equipment suited for carrying an additional person. Your motorcycle must have a designated passenger seat and footrests. The passenger seat can be positioned in any of the following positions:

The back of the driver’s saddle if it can fit two people
A separate saddle placed near the rear
A sidecar

6. Wisconsin Lane Splitting Laws

Lane splitting is explicitly declared an illegal practice amongst motorcyclists in Wisconsin. Also sometimes referred to as lane filtering, you cannot engage in the following behavior when on Wisconsin’s laned roads and highways:

You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines between lanes
You cannot ride in between adjacent rows of vehicles that are stopped
You cannot overtake another vehicle sharing the same lane

Due to motorcycles having a compact design and good maneuverability, riders are permitted to engage in lane sharing. It is best for motorcyclists to stay centered in the lane they are currently in. However, so long as the following criteria are met, it should be safe to attempt lane sharing:

You are entitled to 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

7. Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Features

Every component in your motorcycle serves a specific function and works in collaboration with the others to help the vehicle operate. But the stress from overuse and the passage of time can eventually cause your motorcycle to start breaking down. Because the damage can be almost unnoticeable, you should take your time inspecting the condition of your motorcycle while it is still parked.

Make sure that your motorcycle has the following equipment installed and that they are given proper maintenance to ensure peak performance: