Need Help With Missouri and Kansas Motorcycle Law?
Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Attorney Has You Covered
Aggressive, thorough Missouri and Kansas motorcycle legal representation that you can depend on is what our law firm provides. We have an in-depth understanding of Missouri and Kansas motorcycle laws, and we use this knowledge to your advantage in and out of the courtroom. We will do what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Obtaining a Missouri Motorcycle License
In Missouri, you must have either a Class M motorcycle license or a driver’s license with an M endorsement to operate on public roadways.
To obtain a Class M permit, you must pass a vision screening, a road sign test and an initial Class M written test. You must also be at least 15½ years of age, you cannot carry any passengers and you are only permitted to ride during the day. Drivers between the age of 15½ and 16 years of age are subject to additional requirements.
To obtain a Class M license or a Class M endorsement on an existing Missouri driver’s license, you must take a motorcycle knowledge test and a skills test. To learn more about safety while operating a motorcycle, you may take the Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program (MMSP) course, which teaches motorcyclists about the following:
- Effective turning
- Brake maneuvers
- Protective equipment and helmets
- Effectively avoiding obstacles in the road
- Bike maintenance
While the MMSP course is not required, it can be helpful in learning the proper safety techniques that may help avoid motorcycle accidents in the future.
Obtaining a Kansas Motorcycle License
The only way to obtain a motorcycle license in Kansas is to add a Class M endorsement to an existing Kansas driver’s license. To obtain such an endorsement, drivers must meet the following requirements:
- Pass a vision test
- Take and pass a written motorcycle test
- Complete either a skills test or an approved motorcycle driver’s education course
Unlike Missouri, Kansas allows drivers to take an approved motorcycle driver’s education course in lieu of a skills test.
Laws Regarding Protective Equipment
Protective equipment, especially helmets, can be crucial in avoiding permanent brain damage and other serious injuries. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are 29 to 35 percent effective in preventing motorcycling deaths and even more effective in preventing brain injury deaths. Accordingly, many states have helmet laws for motorcyclists.
In Kansas, helmets are mandatory for all motorcycle riders under the age of 18. Missouri, on the other hand, currently requires all riders to wear helmets. However, the Missouri law may be repealed and replaced with a law that only requires helmets for those travelling on interstates and for riders younger than the age of 21.
Laws Regarding Off-Road Riding
A separate set of laws governs off-road riding. In Missouri, you must either be 16 or older or be supervised by an adult to operate an off-road vehicle. The vehicle must be registered and have a title, and you must wear a helmet if you are under the age of 18. In Kansas, there are fewer restrictions for off-road riding. However, you must still have a vehicle title and you must use a headlight and taillight when riding in the dark.
To Learn More about Missouri and Kansas Motorcycle Law
If you have any questions about Missouri or Kansas motorcycle laws, a Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Richard D. Vandever, L.L.C., is available to help you. Our firm is experienced at investigating and litigating serious motorcycle and scooter accidents, and this experience allows us to be aggressive and effective in the courtroom. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a Kansas City Motorcycle Accide