Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of being in an accident than other motor vehicle operators or passengers because other drivers may fail to consider biker safety. While a biker cannot change the behavior of other drivers, understanding Mankato motorcycle traffic laws can help bikers reduce their risk of getting into an accident and experiencing injuries.
A motorcycle rider or passenger who fails to follow the rules of the road may have a greater share of fault in an accident. The state uses a modified comparative fault model, which allows victims to seek compensation as long as they are no more than 50 percent responsible for their injuries. Failing to obey motorcycle rules can increase an injured rider’s share of responsibility. A seasoned motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand how your actions may impact your ability to collect damages after a motorcycle accident.
According to Minnesota Statutes § 169.974, most bikers and their passengers do not have to wear helmets. The law requires helmets for bikers and passengers under 18 and anyone on a motorcycle operated by a person with a motorcycle permit, not a license.
The law does require some protective equipment. Bikers should wear protective eye gear like glasses or goggles. The windshield on the motorcycle cannot substitute for the protective eyewear. Motorcycle traffic rules in Mankato do not require bikers or passengers to wear other protective equipment like boots, leather, or gloves.
A biker must have a Class M motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a motorcycle legally. While learning, they can have a motorcycle permit. Bikers must carry the permit or license with them while biking.
There are two ways to obtain a Class M motorcycle endorsement. Adults with a driver’s license can take a written test to get a Class M endorsement. Those under 18 must obtain a certificate of completion of a state-approved motorcycle rider training course before taking the written test. Once an applicant passes the written portion, they can either seek a permit or continue with the testing process and take the motorcycle skills test. If the rider is over 18, has a valid driver’s license, passes the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center Basic Rider Course, and completes the test to get the instruction permit, they do not need to pass a skills test.
People with permits may not ride on interstate highways, carry passengers, or drive at night. They must also wear helmets and approved eye protection until they obtain the Class M endorsement.
Like other drivers, bikers must have liability insurance and carry proof of insurance. However, they do not have to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance (also known as no-fault insurance). Still, bikers can purchase additional insurance to cover their injuries if they are in an accident and are at fault.
The motorcycle must be registered with the state and have a license plate sticker indicating the bike is registered.
Generally, bikers in Mankato must follow the same traffic laws as other motorists. Additionally, every person on the motorcycle must have a permanent seat and ride facing forward and straddling the bike. A biker cannot carry anything that keeps them from holding the handlebars.
Bikers may use a whole traffic lane, including carpool or high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Lane splitting is illegal for all bikers except for police officers. They can use hand signals or signals on the bike to indicate turning. Finally, if the traffic signal fails to change to green because it does not detect a biker, the biker may safely proceed through a red light.
Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating injuries. Most are due to other motorists, who often fail to look out for bikers and safely share the roads. Even if your behavior contributed to an accident or injury, you may still be entitled to compensation. Consult an attorney to learn more about Mankato motorcycle traffic laws and how they impact liability.
