Motorcycle Laws & Licensing for New York, United States

Whether you travel through the rural or urban regions of New York, all motorcyclists need to be well informed of the rules of the road and how to operate two-wheeled vehicles. Before you even embark on New York’s highways, you need to have the appropriate documentation, protective gear, and motorcycle equipment. You then have to become familiar with regulations when it comes to carrying passengers and attempting lane splitting. You will have to know all of this information plus the process for earning the credentials to handle a motorcycle. 

To be allowed to register and operate your motorcycle in New York City, you will have to acquire New York liability insurance coverage. It must have been issued by a company licensed by the NY State Department of Financial Services and certified by the NY State DMV. The motorcycle insurance forms have to be with you when you ride. If you cannot show that you own any New York motorcycle insurance, the police will fine you heavily plus your vehicle registration or driver’s license could be suspended.

Though the chances of getting into an accident are slim if you ride responsibly, New York liability insurance coverage is mandatory because it is better to be financially prepared in case a collision results in injuries or destruction of property:

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

• $50,000 for the death of a person per accident

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

• $100,000 for the death of multiple people per accident

• $10,000 for property damages sustained per accident

Though not always relevant, additional factors could arise involving an accident that may not be included with a standard New York motorcycle insurance plan. Though these help you gain additional compensation, it is also more expensive to include these in your insurance:

• Uninsured coverage

• Underinsured coverage

• Collision coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

Whether you are a minor or an adult, operators and passengers alike must put on a motorcycle helmet for their own safety.

Recent studies have shown that it is overall beneficial to have a motorcycle helmet handy as it has been instrumental as a safety precaution during collisions and accidents:

• Motorcycle helmets help prevent 37% of fatal injuries to riders and 42% of fatal injuries for passengers

• Motorcycle helmets help prevent 67% of brain injuries in crashes

• Motorcyclists without protective headgear are three times more likely to suffer brain injuries in crashes

• Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes

Motorcycle helmets that are known for providing good head and neck protection are the three-quarter and full-face helmets. They have been made by the Snell Memorial Foundation and are compliant with the safety standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Listed in this table below are the features that your motorcycle helmet is required to have if you wish to operate a motorcycle in New York:

You can begin applying for a New York Class MJ license if you are at least 16 years old or above.

Depending on your age and county, the fee you will have to pay to be issued a New York motorcycle learner’s permit will differ. However, all New York motorcycle learner’s permit regardless of county are only valid for one year:

*If you live in one of the following counties, you must pay an additional Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District fee:

• Bronx

• Kings (Brooklyn)

• New York (Manhattan)

• Queens

• Richmond (Staten Island)

• Dutchess

• Nassau

• Orange

• Putnam

• Rockland

• Suffolk

• Westchester

To be given the MJ License, you first have to gather all of the necessary credentials and complete a few tasks:

• If you are under the age of 18:

  • Have signature and consent from parent or legal guardian

• Present identification documents

• Provide proof of New York residency

• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship

• Provide your Social Security Number

• Take a photo

• Pass the knowledge exam

• Pass the vision exam

• Pay the required fees

Because New York has streets choked with traffic whether in the cities, bridges, or highways, beginners still learning the ropes of working a motorcycle have to ride with certain restraints:

• You must be supervised by at least a 21-year-old with a valid motorcycle license

• Your supervisor must be within ¼ miles of you at all times

• You cannot operate at the following locations:

  • On any street within a park in New York City

  • On any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Tri-borough Bridge and Tunnel Authority

  • On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or State parkways in Westchester County

  • In a DMV road test area

• Your driving privileges will vary depending on which region in New York you reside in:

  • Upstate New York

  • New York City

  • Long Island 

You are eligible to receive a New York Class M license if you are at least 17 years old or above.

Depending on your age and county, the fee you will have to pay to be issued a New York Class M license will differ:

*If you live in one of the following counties, you must pay an additional Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District fee:

• Bronx

• Kings (Brooklyn)

• New York (Manhattan)

• Queens

• Richmond (Staten Island)

• Dutchess

• Nassau

• Orange

• Putnam

• Rockland

• Suffolk

• Westchester

Listed below are the requirements you will need to fulfill to obtain a New York Class M license.

*If you are already in possession of a valid driver’s license and a motorcycle learner’s permit, you will have the option of waiving the road skills test after successful completion of a New York State Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course. 

• Complete 20 multiple-choice questions

• Questions will be based on content from the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program Manual

• Will be tested on an understanding of road rules, road signs, and safe riding practices

• Requires a passing grade of 70% or higher

• Will be conducted in a controlled, off-street area or an actual traffic environment

• 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, adjusting speed and position, maintaining visibility, operating under stress, accelerating, 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

In New York, passengers can belong to any age group as no laws dictate individuals under a specific age cannot ride.

Most factory-made motorcycles are produced with only a single seat intended for the operator. Except for custom models, you will have to put up a passenger pillion by your own efforts. Because there has to be enough room left to put up footpegs and handholds, the passenger seat usually is set up at:

• At the back of a large driver’s seat

• Towards the rear as a separate saddle

• Fixed to the side as a sidecar

Though the passenger seat is able to accommodate a general range of heights and weights, it cannot support those with short stature. Since you do not want your passenger to be precariously positioned, look over this checklist if you are unsure whether an individual is fit to be on your motorcycle:

• Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests

• Your passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet

• Your passenger cannot be carrying any packages

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

Lane splitting is not allowed when traveling around New York. Motorcyclists cannot move on top or in and out of the boundaries of the lanes. If you want specific examples, here are actions that are considered lane splitting:

• Riding on top of the dividing lines between lanes

• Riding in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles 

• Overtaking a larger vehicle ahead in the same lane 

Lane sharing is allowed when making your way through New York. Motorcycles can ride close to each other if they are within a reasonable distance of each other in the same lane. Listed below are maneuvers that can be considered a form of lane sharing:

• You are allowed to make full use of the space within a single lane 

• You can only share a lane with another motorcycle if:

  • Both parties stay apart at least two abreast

  • Both parties consent beforehand

You must drop off your motorcycle for an inspection at least once per year at a station recognized by the DMV. This will help determine whether your motorcycle is still in working condition or if there are primary components that need replacing before final approval. It is best to apply repairs or acquire replacement parts as soon as possible if any problems are found with the motorcycle.

• Horn

• Wheels

• Tires

• Handlebars 

•  Front & Rear Brakes 

• Controls

• Headlight 

•  Taillight 

•  Brake Light 

• Turn Signals

• Exhaust System

•  Muffler 

• Rearview Mirror

• New York State Motorcycle Safety Program Manual
• New York State Insurance Requirements
• New York State Department of Health - Motorcycle Helmets
• New York Department of Motor Vehicles - Get a motorcycle learner permit and license
• New York State Department of Health - Motorcycle Las & Licensing
• New York Department of Motor Vehicles - Motorcycle Manual: Motorcycle Licenses, Ownership, Special Rules
• New York Department of Motor Vehicles - Chapter 11: Sharing the Road
• New York Department of Motor Vehicles - Driver license and learner permit fees and refunds