There is a sense of freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle across the Midwest. Whether you are going to work in downtown Kansas City or cruising around Shawnee Mission Parkway, the open road offers an experience unlike any other.
However, for riders in the Kansas City metro area, that sense of freedom often can lead to confusing legal questions. Because our city sits right on the border, crossing State Line Road means you are instantly subject to a different set of rules and regulations.
We understand that for many riders, keeping track of the statutes on both sides of the state line can be confusing. It becomes even more overwhelming if you find yourself in the unfortunate aftermath of an accident. You might be dealing with injuries, insurance adjusters, and a mountain of paperwork, all while trying to figure out which state’s laws apply to your situation.
We want to help you understand your rights, ensuring that you can focus on what matters most: your recovery and your passion for riding. Below, we break down the specific motorcycle laws in Kansas and Missouri, explain the critical differences, and outline what steps you should take if the unexpected occurs.
Key Differences & Takeaways of Kansas and Missouri Laws
For the KC rider, the differences between these two states can catch you off guard. Here is a quick comparison to help you stay legal on both sides of the border:
- Helmet Laws: Kansas requires helmets only for those under 18. Missouri requires helmets for those under 26, and those over 26 must have specific health insurance coverage to ride without one.
- Reporting Thresholds: In Kansas, you must report an accident if the damages appear to be $1,000 or more. In Missouri cities, that threshold drops to $500.
- Lane Splitting: While prohibited in Kansas, Missouri law does not have a specific provision explicitly forbidding or allowing lane splitting. However, it is generally discouraged and can be cited under careless driving statutes depending on the officer’s interpretation. It is safest to assume that strict lane adherence is the best policy in both states.
- License Requirements: Kansas and Missouri both require a Class M motorcycle license or endorsement, which typically involves passing a written, vision, and on-cycle skills test. Missouri prohibits motorcycle licenses for riders under 16 and requires those ages 16–18 to complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
Kansas Motorcycle Laws
Riding on the Kansas side of the metro requires adherence to specific state statutes designed to keep everyone safe. If you live in Overland Park, Olathe, or KCK, or if you simply cross over to visit, here are the Kansas motorcycle laws you need to know.
Licensing Requirements
Before you even hit the road, you must have the right type of license. In Kansas, a standard driver’s license is not enough. You are required to have a Class M motorcycle endorsement on your license. To earn this, you typically must pass both a written knowledge test and an on-cycle skill test.
It is worth noting that if you take your driving examination on a three-wheeled motorcycle, the state will place a restriction on your license. This limits you to operating only three-wheeled motorcycles, prohibiting you from legally operating a standard two-wheeled bike.
Helmet and Eye Protection
One of the most common questions riders ask is about safety gear, specifically whether they must wear helmets. Kansas motorcycle helmet laws are specific to age:
- Under 18: No person under the age of 18 is permitted to operate or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle unless they are wearing a helmet. This helmet must comply with minimum safety guidelines, usually indicated by a DOT sticker.
- Eye Protection: Regardless of age, Kansas law takes vision safety seriously. You cannot operate a motorcycle unless you are wearing an eye-protective device (like goggles or a face shield). There is one exception: if your motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen that is at least 10 inches high when measured from the center of the handlebars, separate eye protection is not legally required, though it is still highly recommended for safety.
Equipment Standards
To ensure your bike is street-legal in Kansas, it must meet specific equipment standards. At a minimum, your motorcycle needs to be equipped with:
- A headlight, taillight, and brake light
- Front and rear brakes
- Turn signals
- A horn
- Two mirrors
Maintaining these components isn’t just about avoiding a ticket; it is about ensuring you are visible to other drivers, which is the best defense against accidents.
Insurance Requirements
In Kansas, you must carry evidence of motorcycle liability insurance. If you are stopped by law enforcement or involved in an accident, you must be able to provide the name of your insurance company and your policy number.
The minimum coverage includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, as well as $25,000 for property damage. Additionally, Kansas mandates personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect riders in varied situations.
While the law allows you to produce this evidence in court within 10 days to avoid a conviction, the stress of a citation is something best avoided by keeping your proof of insurance with you at all times.
Duties After an Accident
If the unthinkable happens and you are involved in a crash, Kansas Statute 8-1604 outlines your immediate responsibilities. Staying calm and following these steps is crucial:
- Stop and Exchange Information: You are legally obligated to stop and give your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other party. Upon request, you must also show your driver’s license and insurance information.
- Render Aid: This is a vital part of the law. You must make an effort to determine if anyone is injured. If they are, you must render “reasonable assistance,” which includes carrying them, or making arrangements to carry them, to a physician or hospital if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if the injured person requests it.
- Reporting: If no police officer is at the scene, you must report the accident to the nearest police authority immediately if there is injury, death, or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Kansas?
The answer is no. Kansas Statute 8-1595 explicitly states that motorcycle drivers may not drive between lanes of traffic or split lanes. You are, however, entitled to a full lane of traffic, and two motorcycles are permitted to ride abreast (side-by-side) in a single lane.
Wrongful Death Laws in Kansas
If you lost a family member in a motorcycle crash, you have rights. Under Kansas Statute 60-1901, the deceased’s heirs or representatives may seek compensation for losses such as funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Kansas?
Kansas Statute 60-513 says you have two years to file a motorcycle injury claim or a wrongful death claim in Kansas. Failure to file within this time frame may result in losing the right to pursue compensation. It is important to speak to an attorney promptly to ensure compliance with these strict legal deadlines.
Missouri Motorcycle Laws
If you ever cross over to Missouri, it’s important to know how the laws differ. Some laws are similar to Kansas’s, but some are vastly different. Here is a breakdown of Missouri motorcycle laws:
Licensing Requirements
Similar to Kansas, Missouri requires you to have a valid Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. Obtaining this involves passing a vision screening, a written test, and a road skills test.
Missouri is strict regarding age. People under 16 are prohibited from obtaining a motorcycle license. If you’re between 16 and 18, you’ll need to show proof that you’ve completed an approved motorcycle training program to get your license. Riding without the right license can lead to serious consequences, including fines and jail time.
Helmet and Safety Gear
The motorcycle helmet laws in Missouri have evolved in recent years and differ significantly from those in Kansas:
- Under 26: Any rider under the age of 26 must wear a protective helmet. This also applies to anyone operating a motorcycle with an instruction permit, regardless of their age.
- Age 26 and Older: If you are 26 or older, you may legally ride without a helmet, but only if you meet specific criteria. You must maintain proof of financial responsibility and be covered by a health insurance policy that provides at least $50,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident.
- Equipment: Helmets that are used must meet DOT standards.
Insurance Obligations
Missouri law mandates that all motorcyclists carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage limits are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $10,000 per accident for property damage
Failure to maintain this insurance can lead to license suspension and reinstatement fees. Given the high costs associated with motorcycle accidents, carrying adequate insurance is one of the most important things you can do to protect your financial future.
Missouri Lane Splitting Laws
Lane splitting is not explicitly addressed as legal or illegal under Missouri law. However, Missouri Statute 304.015 requires vehicles to remain within a single lane and prohibits unsafe or imprudent operation that could endanger others. This creates ambiguity around the legality of lane splitting, but engaging in this practice could result in penalties under broader traffic safety violations. Motorcyclists should exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic laws to ensure safety on the road.
Accident Reporting
Motorcycle laws in Missouri also dictate what you must do following a crash. Under Missouri Statute 300.110, if an accident occurs within a city resulting in injury, death, or total property damage to an apparent extent of $500 or more, the driver must give notice to the police department “as soon as reasonably possible.” Note that the property damage threshold ($500) is lower than in Kansas ($1,000).
Wrongful Death Laws in Missouri
Missouri Statute 537.080 determines who is legally permitted to bring a wrongful death claim against a negligent party. The law prioritizes family members in a specific order:
- Class 1: The spouse, children, or surviving lineal descendants of deceased children, or the parents of the deceased.
- Class 2: If no one from Class 1 exists, the brother or sister of the deceased, or their descendants, may bring the claim.
- Class 3: If no one from the first two classes is eligible, the court may appoint a “plaintiff ad litem” to pursue the claim.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Missouri?
Under Missouri Statute 516.120, you have five years to file a motorcycle accident claim in Missouri. Missouri Statute 537.080 says you only have three years to file a wrongful death claim.
Hire an Attorney if You’re Hurt in a Motorcycle Crash
Riding a motorcycle is more than a mode of transportation; for many, it is a way of life. But when you’re hurt in an accident, the physical pain and emotional stress can be isolating. You might be worried about medical bills, repairing your bike, or simply getting your life back to normal.
At The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we believe you shouldn’t have to face this difficult time alone. We are a small, dedicated law firm, which means you aren’t just a case number to us. When you work with us, you get one-on-one contact with your attorney, ensuring you feel heard and understood every step of the way.
With over 25 years of experience as a motorcycle accident attorney serving both Kansas and Missouri, Peter A. Jouras, Jr. has the knowledge to navigate the complex web of local laws we’ve discussed. We handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
We offer free consultations to help you understand your options without any financial pressure. Furthermore, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, just north of I-435 and east of Metcalf Ave. We serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
