Like motor vehicle drivers, motorcyclists in Illinois must comply with multiple laws, regulations, and requirements. One of the most important is to obtain a Class M or Class L motorcycle license through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Obtaining a motorcycle license in Illinois is simple and very similar to the driver’s license process.
There are two types of motorcycle licenses in Illinois: Class M and Class L. A Class L license allows you to operate any motorcycle with a displacement under 150cc. A Class M license allows you to operate any motorcycle on Illinois roads. Most Illinois motorcyclists obtain the Class M license, as it does not restrict the type of vehicle you can ride. The process for obtaining the two types of licenses is essentially the same.
To obtain a motorcycle license in Illinois, you will first need to obtain a Class L or Class M motorcycle permit. To qualify for a permit, you must meet one of the following groups of criteria.
After you obtain your Class L or Class M permit, it is valid for 12 months if you are 18 or older. The permit is valid for 24 months if you are under the age of 18. You can use this permit to operate a motorcycle during the day and under the supervision of another motorcyclist who holds a valid Class M license, has at least one year of experience, and is over the age of 21.
Before your permit expires, you will need to take a few more steps to get your motorcycle license.
After obtaining your motorcycle license, it is important to be aware of the other laws that motorcyclists need to follow. In particular, you must carry insurance to protect your interests in the event of an accident. Illinois is a fault accident state, meaning that at-fault drivers are financially responsible for paying for the losses of their victims after a collision.
Illinois law requires all motorcyclists to hold the following minimum amounts of liability insurance. You can choose to purchase higher amounts of insurance coverage if you choose.
If you are injured by another driver while operating your motorcycle, you can file a claim against his or her insurance to recover compensation for your losses. However, motorcyclists are often subject to unfair scrutiny during the insurance process. To protect your interests during the claims process, contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible following your accident to represent your case.