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Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Rhode Island

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) insists that all motorcycle operators have a current vehicle liability insurance policy before they operate their cycles. Motorcycle riding can lead to costly accidents, and the DMV must have some level of assurance that you're up to handling the financially responsibility.
Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility
You can only comply with the state's mandate with a policy that includes bodily insurance and property damage coverage that meets the state's minimum requirements.
Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined
Confused whether your cycle qualifies as a motorcycle under state law? Call the DMV at (401) 462-4368 for more information.
Or, read how the state defines the following vehicles:
- Moped―A two-wheeled vehicle with a cylinder capacity of less than 50 cc that can't reach speeds of over 30 mph on a flat surface; it can be propelled by human power, motor power, or both. The vehicle's motor must be less than five horsepower.
- Motor Scooter―A two-wheeled vehicle with a cylinder capacity of less than 50 cc that can't reach speeds of over 30 miph on a flat surface; it can only be propelled by motor power. The vehicle's motor must be less than five horsepower.
If your two-wheeled vehicle exceeds these limits, the DMV will likely consider it to be a motorcycle.
Rhode Island Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles
You'll need to carry at least the following levels and types of protection to be in accord with state law:
- $25,000 of bodily injury coverage for injuries or death occurring to one person in an accident
- $50,000 of bodily injury coverage for injuries or deaths occurring to more than one person in an accident
- $25,000 of property damage coverage per accident
These are just the minimum requirements; consider higher levels of protection to help safeguard your assets and protect your financial health. Consult our Types of Coverage section to learn more about this, and develop a deeper understanding of the kinds of vehicle liability insurance available to you.
Of course, this added protection means higher premiums. But, you can contain your expenses when you comparison shopp online (or use the toll-free numbers set up by insurance companies) to find the best rates.
How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements
Your insurance coverage won't affect helmet requirements.
Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility
Your insurer will notify the DMV if your policy has lapsed or been canceled.
But, it's up to you to maintain proof of insurance, and show it whenever necessary. You can do this by keeping your insurance card in your vehicle at all times.
Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility
What if you have no proof of insurance when law enforcement asks to see it?
If it happens after being pulled over for a possible traffic violation, you could be cited, have to pay a $500 fine, and face a three-month license suspension. But, if you can show within 10 days that you had the proper insurance at the time of the traffic violation, your penalties may be waived.
For more information about the penalties and how to take care of them, contact the DMV at (401) 462-4368.
In This Section
Other Topics in This Section
- Auto Insurance Requirements
Rhode Island car insurance information center. What insurance to buy in Rhode Island, how to decide, compare policies, purchase RI car insurance.
- Commercial Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements
Commercial vehicle insurance requirements in RI. Protect your rig or your fleet by maintaining proper financial responsibility on your commercial vehicles in Rhode Island.
- Penalties For Driving Without Insurance
Learn More On Penalties For Driving Without Insurance In Your State. No Insurance Violations Vary By State. Avoid Allowing You Car Insurance Policy To Lapse.
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