Requirements for Motorcycle Insurance in New Hampshire

Riding in the Green Mountains for pleasure or riding a motorcycle to work every day requires that the owner/operator follow certain rules that do not apply to driving a car or truck. Carrying insurance is one of the differences — you do not need to carry motorcycle insurance as long as you have not been in an accident with your motorcycle.

Insurance Requirements

If you have been involved in an accident or you have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the Division of Motor Vehicles may require you to carry an SR-22 liability policy. Also, if you have multiple counts of reckless driving on your record and/or you get a traffic violation that triggers a review of your record, you may be required to carry an SR-22 liability policy to show financial responsibility.

If the Division of Motor Vehicles requires you to carry an SR-22 policy to show financial responsibility, you generally have to carry it for three years. Your insurance minimums are as follows:

• $25,000 for the injury or death of one person an any one accident;
• $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more people in any one accident; and
• $25,000 for property damage.

If the Division of Motor Vehicles requires you to take out an insurance policy, you may want to consider buying a policy with higher limits, depending on your financial situation and the type of bike you ride.

Always make sure you have proof of insurance with you when riding if you are required to carry an SR-22 policy. Penalties can be high if you do not carry insurance when required or if you cannot show proof of insurance when required.

Even though owner/operators are not required to have motorcycle insurance, it is a good idea to have it in the event an accident does happen. While you may think you are a great driver, you can’t forget about those around you who may not see you or who may be driving under the influence.

Penalties for Not Maintaining Financial Responsibility

If you do not maintain financial responsibility by carrying insurance when required, you may face revocation of your license and/or registration. The only way to get it reinstated is to show proof of insurance plus pay any fines or fees associated with reinstating your license and/or registration.

Registration of Your Motorcycle

To register your motorcycle, which is required by New Hampshire law, you must bring the title application (blue town clerk copy), the bill of sale and the title with you. Be prepared to pay the state and town fees. If the town clerk doesn’t have any motorcycle plates, you’ll have to register your motorcycle at the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Inspection

New Hampshire requires that motorcycles get inspected before July 1 of each year. If you get a new registration at any other time, you must get the bike inspected within 10 days of registering it.

Safety Requirements

If you are under the age of 18, you must wear a helmet. There are no restrictions on helmet speakers. Eye protection is required if you don’t have a windscreen. Even with a windscreen, you should wear eye protection, as something as small as a piece of dust could get into your eyes and cause you to lose control of the bike.

If you want to carry a passenger, you must have a passenger seat and foot pegs for the passenger. There is no age restriction for passengers. You must also have at least one mirror on your motorcycle. Handlebars must be lower than the shoulder level of the driver while the driver is sitting in the seat.

Off Road Restrictions and Requirements

For off road riding, you do not need a helmet or eye protection as long as you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 14, you must have a licensed adult with you. If you are 12 years of age, but not licensed, you must have a rider education certification. If you are over 12 years of age, you must have the safety certificate or a driver’s license.