Know the Law – Motorcycle Laws & Safety

• Helmets are encouraged
 As of 2012, Michigan motorcyclists no longer required to wear helmets
 Michigan motorcycle deaths in 2015 increased 23% over deaths in 2014 (some attribute increase to more motorcycle riders choosing to NOT wear helmets) – wearing helmet reduces risk of death by 37%
 Be safe and wear: (1) snug-fitting, full-face helmet; (2) durable/thick clothing (jeans, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, boots); (3) sunglasses/goggles (keep dust, stones, bugs out of eyes)
• Motorcyclists must have liability coverage
 Motorcycles not required to have no-fault insurance (not considered motor vehicles)
 Motorcycles must have liability insurance (“PLPD coverage”) – coverage if motorcyclist is at fault and causes bodily injury, death or property damage
 Penalties for not having PLPD coverage: 1) misdemeanor criminal conviction, fines and/or imprisonment; 2) disqualified from receiving no-fault benefits that may be available if in accident with motor vehicle
 Other insurance recommendations:
 purchase motorcycle PIP coverage – pays first-party medical benefits only – insurers legally obligated to offer
 make sure your auto no-fault policy offers adequate protection – recommend:
 uncoordinated medical & wage loss w/limits of at least $300,000
 UM benefits w/at least $300,000 in coverage
 UIM benefits w/at least $300,000 in coverage
• Auto no-fault benefits are possible
 No-fault laws don’t apply to motorcycles (motorcycle not “motor vehicle” under No-Fault Act)
 Caveat: motorcyclists may recover no-fault PIP benefits if they’re injured in a crash w/a motor vehicle – contact between vehicle/motorcycle not needed – coverage may be available under motor vehicle operator’s no-fault policy – if motor vehicle not involved in crash, then no-fault coverage unavailable
 Other driver’s no-fault insurance doesn’t cover motorcycle damage, even if it was caused by collision with the vehicle – however, if vehicle operator didn’t have required no-fault insurance, he/she may be personally liable for motorcycle damage