Motorcycle Safety Inspections
To comply with state regulations, get a comprehensive overview of safety inspection requirements for motorcycles, by state.
Which States Require A Motorcycle Safety Inspection?
Complying with state regulations is crucial for legal and safe riding. In the United States, requirements for motorcycle registration and inspection stickers vary significantly by state. Below is a comprehensive overview of safety inspection requirements for motorcycles.
States Requiring Periodic Safety Inspections for Motorcycles
- Hawaii: Annual inspections are mandatory for motorcycles. Brand-new vehicles receive an inspection valid for two years.
- Louisiana: Motorcycles are subject to annual safety inspections. As of September 2012, residents in most jurisdictions have the option of obtaining a two-year inspection sticker by paying double the usual fee.
- Maine: Annual inspections are required for motorcycles. The color of the inspection sticker changes annually.
- Massachusetts: Motorcycles must undergo annual safety inspections. An inspection sticker must be displayed.
- New Hampshire: Annual inspections are mandatory for motorcycles. The first inspection of a new vehicle or upon an ownership transfer is adjusted to expire in the month of the registrant’s birthday and is therefore valid for 4 to 15 months. Inspection stickers must be displayed.
- New York: Motorcycles are required to have annual safety inspections.The color of the inspection sticker changes annually.
- North Carolina: Annual safety inspections are required for motorcycles until the vehicle is 30 years old.
- Pennsylvania: Motorcycles must undergo annual safety inspections. Inspection stickers must be displayed.
- Vermont: Annual inspections are required for motorcycles. Inspections are due at the end of even-numbered months only. Inspection stickers must be displayed.
- Virginia: Motorcycles must undergo annual safety inspections. Newly registered vehicles with a valid inspection from another state are not exempt from inspection. As soon as a vehicle is registered in Virginia, it must have a Virginia safety inspection. Inspection stickers must be displayed.
States Without Periodic Safety Inspection Requirements for Motorcycles
Several states do not mandate periodic safety inspections for motorcycles. These include Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. However, some of these states may require an inspection when registering an out-of-state vehicle for the first time.
Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin may require periodic emissions testing without safety checks.
Registration Requirements
Regardless of inspection requirements, all states mandate that motorcycles be registered with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. This process typically involves providing proof of ownership, paying registration fees, and presenting proof of insurance. Some states may also require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection during the registration process.
Read more about registering a motorcycle here: https://www.boundlessrider.com/motorcycle-registration/
Self-Inspection
You can also inspect a motorcycle for safety concerns yourself as part of your safety checklist before taking a ride. A pre-ride inspection checklist, and other safety tips, can be found here: https://www.boundlessrider.com/resources/tips/motorcycle-safety-tips/