When you ride a motorcycle in Wisconsin, you need to know the rules that govern your right to operate. Wisconsin’s motorcycle laws affect everything from the license in your wallet to the insurance coverage you carry and the compensation you can pursue if someone else’s mistake puts you in the hospital. This guide breaks down what Wisconsin law requires of motorcyclists and how those regulations can impact your ability to recover damages after an accident. If you have been injured in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin motorcycle accident contact Cannon & Dunphry S.C. for a free consultation.
Motorcycle License Requirements in Wisconsin
Before you can legally ride on Wisconsin roads, you need the proper credentials. Wisconsin requires motorcyclists to hold either a Class M license or a Class M Instruction Permit. The state defines a motorcycle as any vehicle capable of exceeding 30 miles per hour that features an engine or battery, a saddle-style seat, no more than three wheels, and handlebar-controlled steering with foot and hand controls for acceleration and braking.
To obtain your Class M license, you have three options:
- Complete an approved Basic Rider Course
- Hold a Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit and pass a road test
- Surrender a valid motorcycle license from another state
Lane-Splitting Regulations
In Wisconsin, motorcyclists cannot ride between clearly marked lanes traveling in the same direction. This practice, known as lane splitting, is punishable by fines ranging from $20 to $40 for a first offense and $50 to $100 for subsequent violations within a year. While you might see lane splitting as a way to navigate through congested traffic more efficiently, doing so in Wisconsin puts you at risk for both citations and serious accidents.
Insurance Requirements for Motorcycle Riders in Wisconsin
Just like other motorists, Wisconsin motorcyclists must carry liability insurance. The state’s minimum requirements include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
While these limits satisfy the minimum legal requirements, they may not fully protect your financial interests after a serious crash. Many riders choose to purchase additional coverage to ensure they are adequately protected.
Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Laws Every Rider Should Know
Wisconsin operates under a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents. This means the party responsible for causing the crash must pay damages to injured victims. If you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident, you can pursue compensation from anyone who caused your injuries through their negligence.
Wisconsin also follows a comparative negligence rule with an important threshold: you can recover damages even if you share some fault for the accident, as long as your percentage of fault remains below 51%. Your compensation will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you’ll recover 80% of your total damages.
Time also matters in motorcycle accident cases. Wisconsin’s statute of limitations typically gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting until the deadline approaches can seriously compromise your case. If the statute of limitations expires, your case will likely be dismissed.
Get Help from a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When another driver’s carelessness leaves you injured, the last thing you need is someone questioning whether you followed the law instead of focusing on who caused the collision. Cannon & Dunphy S.C. has built a strong record defending riders against unfair liability arguments and securing compensation for those harmed by negligent drivers. We handle every detail of your claim from investigating how traffic laws apply to your case to challenging attempts to shift blame onto you simply because you were on two wheels. Contact us at (262) 400-3573 to schedule your free consultation.