Rockton Motorcycle Accident Attorney David Monteleone Explains Illinois Motorcycle License Requirements

In 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,612 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes. For the same time frame, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported that 145 motorcycle riders died in crashes in Illinois—3,020 more were injured. Clearly, riding a motorcycle comes with some risk. However, riding is also fun and can be an economical form of transportation. But, before you get a motorcycle, it makes sense to learn what you need to do to drive one legally in Illinois.

In Illinois, there are two motorcycle license classifications:

• Class L – allows you to drive a motor-driven cycle with a 149cc engine or less. The motor-driven cycle may have two, three, or four wheels. Typically, the top speed for these vehicles is less than 55 miles per hour.
• Class M – allows you to drive any motor-driven cycle or motorcycle with two, three, or four wheels.

In order to obtain a motorcycle license classification, drivers must take a motorcycle training course approved by IDOT or pass a written motorcycle test and a driving examination at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility.

Mopeds – low-speed vehicles that can be pedaled like a bike or ridden like a motorcycle, do not require a motorcycle license as long as the moped meets the following four conditions:

• Motor produces 2 brake horsepower or less
• Can attain speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour
• Has a 50cc engine or less (if an internal combustion engine is used)
• The rider is not required to shift gears

It is important to obtain the proper motorcycle license classification if you plan to ride a motorcycle in Illinois—after all, it is the law. If you have been seriously injured in a Rockton motorcycle accident, due to the careless behavior of another driver, an experienced Rockton motorcycle crash attorney at The Fisk & Monteleone Law Firm may be able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at 888-716-7336 to schedule a free case evaluation.