Missouri Motorcycle And Moped Laws (2025)

Motorcycle Licensing Requirements in Missouri

Motorcyclists must have either a Class M motorcycle license or an M endorsement on an existing driver’s license. To earn this license or endorsement, they must pass both a written knowledge test and a road skills test.

Missouri Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists

Missouri motorcycle laws regarding helmets depend on age and insurance status. All passengers and all operators under 26 must wear helmets. A motorcycle operator may ride without a helmet if they are at least 26 and have insurance that provides medical benefits if they are hurt in a crash.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating injuries, and those injuries are often worse if a rider doesn’t have a helmet. This law helps ensure that if a rider takes this additional risk, they’ll have additional insurance.

Safety Equipment and Compliance Standards

All motorcycle helmets must be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Motorcyclists are required to wear eye protection. The law doesn't explicitly require riding gear, but it’s recommended.

Motorcycle Insurance Rules and Penalties

Like drivers, motorcyclists must carry liability insurance. These are the state minimums:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 property damage

Penalties for riding without insurance increase with the number of violations:

• First: $20 reinstatement fee
• Second: 90-day suspension and $200 reinstatement fee
• Third or More: One-year suspension and $400 reinstatement fee

Motorcyclists also must obtain insurance and submit proof of it.

Missouri Laws on Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of fast-moving traffic. Lane filtering involves riding between lanes of stopped traffic.

Neither practice is explicitly legal or illegal in Missouri. A lane-splitting or lane-filtering motorcyclist could be cited if an officer believes they are creating a hazard.

Traffic Laws Unique to Motorcyclists

Because motorcycles have unique risks, riders must follow laws requiring helmets. They also have unique licensing requirements to prove that they know how to ride.

How Missouri Moped Laws Differ From Motorcycle Laws

Because they generally can’t exceed 30 mph, mopeds aren’t as tightly regulated as motorcycles. Drivers don’t need a special license endorsement to operate a moped like they do to operate a motorcycle.

Legal Support After a Motorcycle Accident

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident you didn’t cause, a Missouri motorcycle accident lawyer might be able to help you recover compensation. Fill out our free case review form to start getting matched with attorneys today!