As the riding season is really getting going, it is nice to have a little refresher on the major laws that affect riders not just here, but in our surrounding states. Sometimes things change a bit here and there and there is no sense getting a ticket on a trip out of state, or getting a ticket in state for that matter. Refresh your memory and put some miles on! Ride Safe!
Iowa Daytime use of headlight required on motorcycles newer than 1977, modulating headlight permitted Eye Protection not required No handlebar height restriction No restrictions on helmet speakers Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane is permitted No acoustical criteria for muffler, check local ordinance Safety helmet use not required Turn signals not required
Minnesota
Midwest Motorcycle Laws
Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single not referenced in Administrative Code Muffler required Helmet required by law Turn signals not required
Illinois
Daytime headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection required unless windshield is installed Handgrips must remain below head height Helmet speakers allowed only for communication Lane Splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane not referenced in the Administrative Code Muffler required, Not modified to amplify or increase noise above that emitted by muffler originally installed. Maximum Sound Level, Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 feet. 80-82dBA at less than 35mph; 86dBA at more than 35mph. Helmet not required Modulating headlight permitted Eye protection required unless windshield is installed Traffic Actuated Signals, When a an automated system does not recognize a motorcycle at a red light, the No handlebar height restriction motorcycle may proceed with caution after 120 Lane splitting not authorized seconds. This provision does not include signals Riding 2 abreast in a single lane is permitted within municipalities of over 2,000,000 people. Muffler required, cut outs prohibited Turn signal not required Helmet required for riders/passengers under 18 Turn signals not required Daytime use of headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection required No handlebar height restriction Helmet speakers limited to single earphone speaker only Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane is permitted Muffler required, check local noise restrictions Helmet required for riders/passengers under 18 & permit holders Turn signals not required
South Dakota
Wisconsin
Nebraska Daytime use of headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection not required Handgrips must remain within 15” above fasten point Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane is permitted Muffler required, cut outs prohibited Helmet required by law Turn signals not required
Missouri Daytime use of headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection not required Handlebar height shall not exceed 15” above seat
68 - TRMI MAY 2017
Daytime headlight required, modulating headlight permitted Eye protection required unless windshield is at least 15” above handle bars Handgrips must remain below 30” above seat Lane splitting not authorized Riding 2 abreast in a single lane permitted Muffler required, cut outs not authorized Helmet required for riders/passengers under 18 & permit holders Traffic Actuated Signals, Motorcycles may proceed with due caution after a complete stop and 45 seconds Turn signals required All information compiled from the American Motorcycle Association and is current as of 3-9-2017. If you have any questions about specific legislation or lobbying efforts in Iowa, contact ABATE of Iowa.
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