motorcycle 101 guides

Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Illinois, United States

Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Illinois, United States

1. Introduction

When you ride on a motorcycle, you tend to focus on enjoying the experience of cruising on either smooth or bumpy pavement. But just like with any other kind of vehicle, you have to be responsible while behind the controls. You must respect the rules of the road, be aware of other drivers, and safely handle your motorcycle. Throughout the United States, each state comes with its own set of regulations and restrictions regarding what motorcyclists can do.


Because every motorcyclist who memorizes and travels in compliance with Illinois’s road laws will promote better safety, you would benefit from reading about Illinois’s motorcycle laws and licensing process.

2. Illinois Motorcycle Insurance

Illinois Motorcycle Insurance

Accidents in Illinois can happen without warning to even the most experienced of riders. Therefore, all motorcyclists are required to own Illinois motorcycle insurance before they can take to the streets.


Though motorcycle insurance coverage deals with a wide range of scenarios, the only ones you technically need deal with bodily injuries and property damages. For those only interested in paying the minimum for insurance, the expenses should be:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury to a person per accident

  • $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple people per accident

  • $20,000 for property damages sustained per accident


This required Illinois motorcycle insurance provides compensation for medical bills, loss of property, or any pain and suffering to other parties that were affected in an accident. While the following insurance coverage is optional, you may want to consider them as they provide financial aid if there were additional details leading up to the crash:

  • Collision coverage

  • Uninsured coverage

  • Underinsured coverage

  • Comprehensive coverage

3. Illinois Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Illinois Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Unlike the majority of states in the U.S., Illinois does not possess a defined set of motorcycle helmet laws. Thus, motorcyclists are not required to wear protective headgear when making their way.


But as of recent years, the majority of motorcycle fatalities are the result of motorcyclists not wearing protective headgear during high-speed collisions. The statistics laid out below show the dire need for approved motorcycle helmets in Illinois:

  • Though motorcycles only made up 3% to 4% of vehicles registered in Illinois, they have made up 15% of motor vehicle fatalities in recent years

  • Motorcycle fatalities have been steadily growing as it jumped at least 19% during 2012

  • In 2016, about 151 motorcycle accident made up the 1,000 fatal accidents 

  • In 2017, about 153 motorcycle accidents made up the 998 fatal accidents

  • In 2018, about 118 motorcycle accidents made up the 948 fatal accidents


Go with either a three-quarter or a full-face helmet as both provide the most coverage for your head and neck. Both of them are manufactured by the Snell Memorial Foundation and follow the safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation.


Requirements Three-Quarter Helmet Full-Face Helmet
Has the Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker ✔️ ✔️
Contours around your head to fit snugly ✔️ ✔️
No signs of damage Ex:// cracks, loose padding, scratches, or frayed straps ✔️ ✔️
Has a face shield with no scratches ✔️
Includes separate eye protection with no scratches Ex:// goggles, glasses ✔️
Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant ✔️ ✔️
Gives you a clear, peripheral view of your surroundings ✔️ ✔️
Securely fastened with neck- or chin-strap ✔️ ✔️
Allows airflow without fogging up ✔️ ✔️
Can allow you to wear sunglasses underneath ✔️ ✔️

4. Illinois Motorcycle License Laws

4.1 Illinois Motorcycle Instruction Permit

Once you have turned or are older than 16, you can apply for an Illinois motorcycle instruction permit that is worth at least $20.


Listed below are the criteria you need to fulfill before you are ready to get an Illinois instruction permit:


Requirements Applicants Ages 16 to 17 Applicants Ages 18 and Above
Can only operate during the daylight hours ✔️ ✔️
Pay the required fees ✔️ ✔️
Must complete IDOT Motorcycle Rider Education Course ✔️
Pass the vision exam ✔️ ✔️
Pass the knowledge test ✔️ ✔️
May only ride under the supervision of a 21-year-old or older with at least a year of driving experience ✔️ ✔️
Valid for 12 months ✔️
Valid for 24 months ✔️

4.2 Illinois Class M License

You can begin applying for your motorcycle endorsement or a Class M license upon reaching the age of 16. You will have to pay $10 if you are being issued an Illinois motorcycle license for the first time or are adding an upgrade to your existing Illinois driver’s license. If you wish to renew your Illinois motorcycle license, you must pay a fee of $5.


Listed below are the criteria you need to fulfill before you are ready to get an Illinois Class M license:


Requirements Applicants Ages 16 to 17 Applicants Ages 18 and Above
Have a valid Illinois driver’s license ✔️* ✔️*
Completed an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Education Course ✔️ ❌*
Provide proof of Illinois motorcycle insurance ✔️ ✔️
Provide proof of Illinois vehicle registration ✔️ ✔️
Fill out the appropriate driver’s license application ✔️ ✔️
Must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian if you are a minor ✔️
Provide your social security number ✔️ ✔️
Pay required fees ✔️ ✔️
Present valid photo I.D. ✔️ ✔️
Take a photo ✔️ ✔️
Take vision exam ✔️ ✔️
Pass the knowledge test ✔️ ✔️*
Pass the skills test ✔️ ✔️*
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship ✔️ ✔️
Provide proof of residency in Illinois ✔️ ✔️

*If you are over 18, you are not required to enroll in an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Education Course. However, if you submit proof of completion, you will have the option of waiving both the written and riding tests.


*If you are under 18, you are required to take the IDOT Motorcycle Rider Education Course to get both the instruction permit and Class M license. However, you are still required to pass both parts of the Illinois motorcycle license test. 

4.3 Illinois Motorcycle License Test

Illinois Motorcycle License Test

Written Portion:

  • Complete 15 multiple-choice questions

  • Questions will be based on content from Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual

  • Requires a passing grade of 80% or higher


Riding Portion:

  • Will be conducted in a controlled, off-street area

  • Your motorcycle will be subjected to a pre-ride inspection to ensure it meets safety standards

  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of motorcycle operation

  • You will be tested on your ability to stay within the speed limit, adjust speed and position, maintain visibility, operate under stress, accelerate, 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


You will fail the Illinois motorcycle license test if:

  • If your motorcycle drops or falls at any time

  • Attempt an unsafe act

  • Do not finish within the time limit

5. Illinois Motorcycle Passenger Laws

Illinois Motorcycle Passenger Laws

In Illinois, there is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. Because the safety of a motorcycle passenger is dependent on the operator, you must make the necessary preparations to securely transport him/her. Your motorcycle passenger is not required to wear a motorcycle helmet either, but you should urge him/her to put it on for their safety. Also, make sure that your passenger is not carrying any packages or acting in a disruptive manner that will impede your ability to ride a motorcycle. Additional criteria to consider when deciding who can ride with you include the following:

  • Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests

  • Your passenger must be able to understand and follow your directions

  • Your motorcycle should only be able to transport one other person


Your motorcycle is only fit to carry an additional person if it has the necessary equipment meant to secure a motorcycle passenger. These include a designated passenger seat and adjustable footrests. It is illegal for your passenger to be placed in front of you or hang both legs off to one side. Thus, you can only position the passenger seat in either one of the following positions:

  • At the back of a large driver’s seat

  • Towards the rear with a separate saddle

  • Fixed to the side as a sidecar

6. Illinois Lane Splitting Laws

 Illinois Lane Splitting Laws

Though it is not often addressed, Illinois does not allow motorcyclists to do any type of lane splitting. Because motorcycles can be difficult to spot, lane splitting may surprise other drivers who may not catch you in their blind spots until it is too late. Therefore, motorcyclists are not allowed to engage in the following:

  • 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 


Because motorcycles have better maneuverability compared to other motor vehicles, riders are allowed to lane share. Remember that you can attempt the following when atop your motorcycle so long as the conditions are safe:

  • You are allowed to make 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. Illinois Motorcycle Safety Features

Though periodic vehicle and safety inspections are not mandatory in Illinois, you should strive to examine the state of your vehicle whenever possible. Looking over the machinery, you may be surprised to discover damage you may not have noticed before. Dents in the exhaust pipes, scuffs on the chassis, or punctures in the tires. As a motorcycle does not have redundant systems, any primary component that starts to fail will be detrimental to the vehicle’s overall functionality. Patching up these components will save you a trip to the hospital and extend your vehicle’s longevity:

  • Horn

  • Wheels

  • Tires

  • Handlebars 

  •  Front & back brakes 

  • Controls

  • Headlight

  • License plate light

  •  Taillight 

  •  Stoplight 

  •  Reflector 

  • Exhaust system

  •  Muffler 

  •  Rearview mirror 

  •  Windshield 

8. Sources

Reading next

Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Michigan, United States
Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for Louisiana, United States

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.