Summer and early fall are some of the best times to ride your motorcycle in Illinois. While most riders already know the basics of safe riding, many traffic stops happen because of paperwork mistakes or lesser-known motorcycle laws. The good news is that most of these violations are easy to avoid. Here are a few things to double-check before your next ride.
Make Sure Your Paperwork Is Current
Before you can legally ride on Illinois roads, you’ll need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. This requires you to pass a written and driving exam, and once you pass, you’ll get a Class M endorsement in your license.
Once you’re licensed and your motorcycle is registered, remember to renew your registration each year before it expires. Riding with an expired registration can mean getting pulled over and fined. It’s an easy detail to forget, especially if your motorcycle isn’t your everyday vehicle. If it’s been expired for an extended period of time, your motorcycle may even be impounded.
Always keep your proof of insurance and motorcycle registration card somewhere you can easily reach if you’re pulled over. Having both documents ready can help the traffic stop go more smoothly.
Fortunately, renewing your paperwork doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the DMV. If your registration or license plate sticker is due for renewal, many Secretary of State services can also be completed at CFSC Auto locations.
Motorcycle Laws Riders Sometimes Forget
Beyond paperwork mistakes, there are a few Illinois motorcycle laws that riders sometimes overlook. Illinois has laws limiting excessive motorcycle exhaust noise. Modifying your exhaust to make it louder than allowed can lead to citations, especially in cities where noise complaints are more common like Chicago.
It’s also important to remember that Illinois doesn’t allow lane splitting and lane filtering. Riding between lanes of stopped or moving traffic can result in a traffic citation. It can also make determining fault more complicated if a crash occurs.
It’s also worth checking that your motorcycle’s required equipment is working properly before every ride. Functioning headlights, brake lights, mirrors and turn signals all help keep you visible and can help you avoid preventable violations.
A Quick Pre-Ride Checklist
Before you head out on your next ride, take a minute to run through this quick checklist.
- Are your license plate sticker and registration current?
- Is your insurance card readily accessible?
- Do your headlights and brake lights work properly?
- Are your tires properly inflated?
- Are your mirrors adjusted?
If your renewal date is coming up, make a note in your calendar to renew before the expiration date comes. Go to your nearest CFSC Auto location. You can complete many Secretary of State services without an appointment, making it easier to get back on the road. If you aren’t sure what paperwork you need, the team at CFSC Auto can answer your questions before you start the process.
Take Care of Your Paperwork Before Your Next Ride
Spending a few minutes checking your paperwork before riding can help you avoid unnecessary tickets and keep your focus on the road. If you need to renew your license plate sticker or take care of other vehicle paperwork, visit your local CFSC Auto location. Stop by your local CFSC Auto location to take care of your vehicle paperwork and get back to enjoying the ride.