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Riding Without A Helmet In Michigan

  • On Thursday, April 19, 2012, Governor Rick Snyder signed the Michigan motorcycle helmet law repeal (Senate Bill 291.) The new bill allows motorcyclists to choose whether to wear a helmet if they are at least 21 years of age, carry additional insurance, and have passed a motorcycle safety course or have had their motorcycle endorsement for at least two years. Some of this may sound a little confusing so the lawyers of Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. would like to break it down to make it simpler for motorcyclists:

    As an operator of a motorcycle, the circumstances in which a Michigan motorcyclist may ride without a helmet include:

    (1) He/she is 21 years or older; AND
    (2a) Has had motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years OR
    (2b) Passes motorcycles safety course conducted section 811a or 811b; AND
    (3) has in effect on his/her motorcycle insurance policy for the motorcycle they are riding security for first party medical benefits payable in the event that he or she is involved in a motorcycle accident in the following amounts:
     

    • At least $20,000.00 if no passenger
    • At least $20,000 per person per accident if with a passenger

    Special note to the second bullet, as if a bike passenger has security on their own motorcycle insurance policy of at least $20,000.00 payable in the event he/she is involved in a Michigan motorcycle accident, then the motorcycle operator must only have at least $20,000.00 of coverage.

    In addition:

    A bike passenger may ride without a helmet if they are over 21 years of age and fall into one of the following scenarios:

    (1) If the bike passenger is insured by a motorcycle policy which provides at least $20,000.00 in medical coverage which is payable in the event he/she is involved in an accident; OR
    (2) If the operator on his/her motorcycle policy BOTH $20,000.00 in medical coverage for himself/herself AND an additional $20,000.00 in medical coverage to cover the passenger.

    At Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. we believe all riders should always wear a helmet when riding no matter what.

    Do you think this new law is fair to bikers?

Comments

2 comments
  • blurplebuzz Interesting to see that the limits required for rider & pass are set at 20 g's. I would be curious to see how much this will affect the rates for medical insurance coverage on a riders insurance policy.Typically the max limit offered under a standard...  more
  • Jimmyacorn The insurance requirement will be changed as it has in other states to accomodate out of state riders. I'm not sure but I think it has something to do with "tarrifs between states" which is not particularly legal in the U.S.

    Peace