Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle involvement in crashes is a national priority. Motorcycle traffic crashes are increasing and affecting older riders more than any other group. In the past, riders between the ages of 18 to 34 had the most fatalities. However, recently most motorcycle related fatalities are occurring among the 35 to 64 year old group.

MDT supports the Montana Motorcycle Riders Safety (MMRS) Training program. This support comes in the form of educational campaigns to promote public awareness through public service announcements, billboards and other outreach programs. In addition, replacement training motorcycles are provided in support of this program.

The Law

61.9.417. Motorcycle Headgear Requirements
61.8.359. Riding on Motorcycles
61.8.312. Special speed limits on...motor-driven cycles
61.8.392. Lane Filtering For Motorcycles
61-5-102. Drivers to be licensed -- penalties

Helmets Help.

In a crash, an unhelmeted motorcyclist is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and 15 percent more likely to suffer a nonfatal injury than a helmeted motorcyclist.

Learn More at NHTSA.GOV

Lane Filtering

The Montana Legislature legalized lane filtering in 2021. Lane filtering is when a motorcyclist rides between two stopped or slow-moving cars. Know the law - read it here.