Colorado requires every motorcycle rider to carry a valid endorsement on their driver’s license before operating a bike on public roads. Regardless of whether you are a new rider looking to get licensed or someone who has been riding for years, learning about the state’s requirements is important for staying compliant with Colorado law.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kimball Injury Law, LLC can help. Our firm has over two decades of experience representing injured riders and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Contact our Colorado Springs motorcycle accident lawyers today at (719) 357-9444 for a free consultation to talk about your case.
How Kimball Injury Law Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Motorcycle crashes in Colorado Springs, CO, often lead to devastating injuries. Riders have far less protection than occupants of cars and trucks, which means the physical and financial toll of a collision can be severe. Insurance companies know this and frequently try to minimize what they owe as a result.
At Kimball Injury Law, our Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers will work hard on your behalf to make sure that does not happen. If you hire our legal team, we can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim
- Identify every party that may be liable for your injuries
- Handle all of the insurance communications on your behalf
- Work with medical professionals to document the full scope of your damages
- Negotiate for a fair settlement and take your case to trial if needed
Reach out today to schedule a free case review. Our Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
How to Get Your Motorcycle Endorsement in Colorado
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-2-103, you must hold a motorcycle endorsement to legally ride on any public road in the state. Colorado offers two types: an “M” endorsement, which covers both two-wheel and three-wheel motorcycles, and a “3” endorsement, which is limited to three-wheel bikes only.
There are two ways to earn your endorsement:
Option 1: Written Exam and Skills Test
Start by studying the Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook and passing a written knowledge exam at the DMV. After that, you will purchase a motorcycle instruction permit.
Once you feel ready, schedule an appointment to take the on-cycle skills test, which covers maneuvers like slow riding, slalom turns, braking, and obstacle avoidance. After passing, you can purchase a new driver’s license with the endorsement added.
Option 2: MOST Course
Complete a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course approved by the state. Once you finish, bring your original course completion card to a DMV office and purchase a new license with your endorsement. This route skips the written exam and skills test entirely.
Regardless of which path you choose, the endorsement cannot be added online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person.
One thing to keep in mind if you are moving to Colorado from another state: the DMV will accept a motorcycle endorsement from your previous state, but it will not accept a standard Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) card. The only exception is if you earned that card on a military base with a valid military ID.
Requirements for Riders Under 18
Younger riders face additional requirements. Anyone under 18 must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for a full 12 months before they can add the endorsement to their license. They also need to submit a signed Affidavit of Liability from a parent or legal guardian.
Riders under 16 must complete an approved safety course and can only operate a motorcycle under the direct supervision of a certified instructor.
Other Colorado Motorcycle Laws Riders Should Know About
In addition to licensing, there are a few other rules that every Colorado motorcyclist should be aware of:
- Helmets: Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet, though CDOT strongly recommends it. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times.
- Eye protection: All riders are legally required to wear goggles or safety glasses regardless of age. A windshield alone does not satisfy this requirement.
- Insurance: Colorado law requires motorcycle owners to carry liability coverage with minimums of $25,000 per person for bodily injury.
- Lane filtering: Colorado now permits lane filtering in limited situations. Lane splitting between moving vehicles is still illegal.
Keeping up to date on what’s required can protect both your legal rights and interests.
Contact Our Experienced Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Kimball Injury Law, LLC has over two decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of injured riders and has the results to prove it. Call us today for a free consultation with our Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorney to learn about your legal options.
