Motorcycle Laws

Riding to and from Milwaukee

Stay safe on your ride to Milwaukee, or wherever the open road takes you after your visit. Keep these motorcycle laws in Wisconsin and the surrounding states in mind.

Road Laws

WISCONSIN

Headlight requirements	Daytime use of headlight required per state law; Wisconsin Statutes, 346.595 (5)
Modulating headlight	Permitted per Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, 571.108
Eye protection	Required unless motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen that extends to at least 15" above the handlebars; Wis. 347.485 (2)
Handlebar height	Maximum of 30" above seat
Helmet protection	Required by law under age 18
Passenger Age Restriction	None

ILLINOIS

Headlight requirements	Daytime use of headlight required by state law; Illinois Vehicle Code, Sec. 12-1201(a)
Modulating headlight	Permitted per Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, 571.108
Eye protection	Required by law unless equipped with windscreen
Handlebar height	Handgrips below head height; Illinois Vehicle Code, Sec. 11-1403(c)
Helmet protection	Not required
Passenger Age Restriction	None

MINNESOTA

Headlight requirements	Daytime Use of Headlight required by state law; 169.974, 5
Modulating headlight	Permitted per Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, 571.108
Eye protection	Required by law
Handlebar height	No Restrictions
Helmet protection	Required by law under age 18
Passenger Age Restriction	None

MICHIGAN

Headlight requirements	Modulating headlight permitted
Eye protection	Required by law unless equipped with windscreen. Required at speeds over 35 mph
Handlebar height	Maximum of 15" above seat
Helmet protection	Required for all motorcycle riders under 21. Helmets optional for riders over 21, with 2 years experience, or successful completion of a motorcycle safety course, and $20,000 in first party payable medical benefits
Passenger Age Restriction	None

Motorcycle City Guides

Go hog wild

Don’t miss the city’s best attractions for bikers! The birthplace of Harley-Davidson still has a thriving motorcycle culture, with tons of places to ride and explore. Learn some Harley-Davidson history, take a scenic ride along the lakefront and prove your mettle aboard a mechanical bull: it’s all waiting for you here.