Colorado is one of the best states to see mountain, meadows, and desert on a motorcycle. Importantly, however, riders must obtain a motorcycle endorsement to legally navigate Colorado’s roads. A motorcycle endorsement ensures riders can show proficiency in essential motorcycle-specific skills. These skills include balance, coordination, and defensive driving techniques. Riders must also demonstrate an understanding of traffic laws in Colorado. Motorcycle endorsements help reduce motorcycle accidents. It also promotes awareness of motorcycle-specific traffic laws and safety practices among all road users.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, motorcycle endorsements keep motorcyclists in compliance with state law. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Bowman Law promote endorsements to ensure riders have the training to handle the road with adequate knowledge. This article delves into the importance of a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado.
In Colorado, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver license to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. The endorsement serves as a proof that you have the basic and necessary skills and knowledge to safely ride and operate a motorcycle.
The state requires motorcyclists to obtain motorcycle endorsements, marked by either the letter “M” or a “3”. The “M” endorsement allows you to drive either a two‑wheeled or three‑wheeled vehicle. Meanwhile, the “3” endorsement authorizes you to drive only three‑wheeled vehicles.
There are two approaches to securing an endorsement. The first method needs an operator to pass a written exam, purchase a motorcycle instruction permit, and pass a driving test.
This process mandates the operator to complete a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course or pass the written and skills tests. After completing the course, the rider receives a waiver for the written and skills tests. This makes the endorsement process easier. Alternatively, riders can skip the course and take the written and skills tests at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office.
The next step is to get a motorcycle instruction permit for riders who are under 18 years old. They must hold a motorcycle instruction permit for at least 12 months before obtaining an endorsement. Permit holders can ride a motorcycle. However, motorcyclists can be subjected to certain restrictions, such as riding only during daylight hours and being supervised by an adult with a motorcycle endorsement.
In addition, the operator must pass a motorcycle driving skills test. All applicants must pass the driving test at the DMV to ensure safe riding ability. After passing the skills test, they must acquire a new driver license to add the motorcycle endorsement at a driver license office.
Meanwhile, the second method requires a rider to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. After completing the course, they must present their original Motorcycle Safety Foundation Card in a driver license office and purchase a new driver license to include the endorsement.
No, you cannot get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado without a valid driver’s license. If you do not have a standard license, you must apply for one first. After obtaining a standard driver’s license, you can proceed with the application process for acquiring a motorcycle endorsement.
A motorcycle safety course teaches valuable skills, including defensive riding techniques, handling emergencies such as sudden stops or skids, and maneuvering in tight spaces or on uneven surfaces. In Colorado, taking a motorcycle class is not obligatory to add a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. However, it is strongly recommended. If you complete an approved training course, the skills test requirement will be waived.
According to the Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook, the motorcycle skills test consists of six exercises that assess the ability to control a motorcycle, evaluate judgment, and measure response skills. The score of the operator will be based on time and distance standards as well as path and foot-down violations. The test may be ended for point accumulation, executing an unsafe act, stalling the motorcycle four times, or failing to follow instructions. The operator may stop the test at any time but must complete the entire test to pass it.
For the 2-wheel motorcycle skills test, the operator will be tested on the following exercises: cone weave, normal stop, turn from a stop, left U-turn, quick stop, and obstacle swerve.
Meanwhile, for the 3-wheel motorcycle skills test, the operator will be tested on the following exercises: left turn, normal stop, cone weave, turn from a stop, quick stop, and obstacle swerve.
It is important to get a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado because operating a motorcycle without the proper endorsement is illegal. Operating a motorcycle without a license can result in fines, community service, points, and possible insurance issues.
We at Bowman Law understand that navigating the motorcycle laws and endorsement requirements can be overwhelming and challenging. Our dedicated legal team has efficiently handled motorcycle accident cases and successfully guided motorcyclists on obtaining endorsements for their legal compliance. We are dedicated to promoting safe riding practices and providing immense support to riders in the event of an accident.
If you need help understanding endorsement requirements or require immediate legal assistance following a traffic collision, do not hesitate to call our experienced Colorado motorcycle accident lawyers. We will provide all the information and support you need to stay compliant and protected. With our extensive knowledge on motorcycle law and accident litigation, we will assist you throughout the process and protect your rights and interests. Contact our office at 720-863-6904 for a free case evaluation and let us help you.
Our law firm is situated in Denver and serves the Front Range, including Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora.
Owner and Managing Attorney
Jerry Bowman, J.D., M.A., Owner and managing attorney of Bowman Law LLC, takes his responsibility to the legal profession seriously and dedicates his time and effort to providing quality and competent legal representation to clients in Denver and throughout all of Colorado. He holds an MA in Political Science from Wayne State University and earned his law degree in two and a half years from Michigan State University College of Law.
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