Oklahoma City Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
Understanding Oklahoma City motorcycle licensing requirements is key to avoiding legal trouble. If you’re ever involved in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma City, being familiar with these requirements may also play a critical role in the outcome of your case should you decide to seek compensation.
Here’s everything you need to know about motorcycle licensing requirements in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Oklahoma City
In Oklahoma, drivers must add “M” endorsements to their licenses to be permitted to ride motorcycles or similar motor-driven vehicles. This involves appearing before a Driver’s License Examiner. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety maintains a list of sites where you can make an appointment.
You’ll need to bring the following documentation and items to your appointment:
- Primary ID, which is typically your state-certified birth certificate
- Social Security Number
- Any documents showing legal name change, such as marriage or divorce documents
- If applicable, a completion card indicating you’ve completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course
- Proof of motorcycle liability insurance if you’re taking the driving test
- Goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards if you’re taking the driving test and your motorcycle’s windshield isn’t sufficient.
During your appointment with the Driver License Examiner, you’ll need to take three different tests:
- Written test
- Vision exam, and
- Road test.
The written and drive test exams may be waived if you bring in documentation showing you’ve successfully completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
You can request your Motorcycle Learner Permit after passing the written exam if you’re between the ages of 14 and 16. Once you have your permit you can operate a motorcycle in Oklahoma if you’re accompanied by and receiving instruction from a legally licensed motorcycle rider over the age of 21. You must have the permit for at least 30 days.
Additional Oklahoma City Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
Along with completing the process described above, to legally operate a motorcycle in Oklahoma City, you must:
Not Lane Split
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist “pass[es] other vehicles between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.” This is illegal in Oklahoma. You might not be able to recover compensation if you were involved in an accident while lane splitting.
Carry Insurance
Motorcyclists in Oklahoma must carry insurance meeting the following minimum coverage requirements:
- $25,000 for death or injury to a single person
- $50,000 for death or injury to multiple people
- $25,000 to cover property damage
Having insurance actually protects you financially. If you were to cause an accident, instead of paying claimants directly yourself, your insurer would pay.
Keep Your Headlights On
Oklahoma’s driving laws require you to keep your headlights on. This law applies even when you’re riding your motorcycle during the day. The law exists to improve visibility and thus reduce the risk of accidents occurring.
How McGuire Law Firm Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma is an at-fault state. That means if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident resulting from someone else’s negligence in Oklahoma, you can seek compensation for your medical bills and related losses by filing a claim to collect from the negligent party’s insurance.
However, it’s important to understand that Oklahoma has modified contributory fault rules with a 51% bar to recovery. Your ability to recover compensation will be affected if you contributed to your accident and injury. Sharing more than half the blame will bar a financial recovery. Sharing less than 51% of the blame will mean that your financial award is reduced.
An insurance company might try to avoid fully compensating you by claiming you were violating Oklahoma City motorcycle licensing requirements when your accident occurred.
On the other hand, maybe you were involved in an accident with another motorcyclist who was in violation of the licensing requirements. Proving that could be key to proving they were negligent.
In either case, our motorcycle accident lawyers at McGuire Law Firm can help you collect what you may be owed by:
- Investigating your accident and gathering evidence
- Determining how much compensation you may deserve based on your losses
- Negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf
- Defending you against any false claims regarding licensing law violations
We have experience recovering millions of dollars for our clients over the years. To learn more about what we can do for you, schedule a free consultation today.
Schedule a Free Consultation with A Motorcycle Crash Lawyer in Oklahoma City Today
Remember, whether you or another driver were violating Oklahoma City motorcycle licensing requirements when an accident happened can significantly influence whether you recover compensation.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma City, OK, it’s important to seek legal assistance. Let the Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers at McGuire Law Firm fight to protect you and secure the compensation you deserve. Call our law firm today at (405) 513-5658 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
