Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Absent a permanent disability, a motorcycle passenger must be able to do what to ride legally?

   Correct answer: Rest their feet on securely attached footrests or pegs

   Each seating position needs footrests, and a passenger must be able to reach them unless a permanent physical disability prevents it.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Seats and footrests (MCL 257.658a(1))

2. 2. Where must a motorcycle's registration plate be mounted?

   Correct answer: On the rear, at least 12 inches above the ground and clearly visible

   The plate is attached to the rear, kept legible, and mounted no lower than 12 inches above the ground.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Registration plate (MCL 257.225)

3. 3. A motorcycle horn must be audible under normal conditions from at least how far away?

   Correct answer: 200 feet

   The horn must produce sound audible from a distance of at least 200 feet, without being unreasonably loud or harsh.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Horn (MCL 257.706)

4. 4. In Michigan, who is legally required to wear a helmet?

   Correct answer: Any rider under 21, plus anyone taking the state course or skills test

   A helmet is mandatory for any rider under 21, and for anyone taking a state-approved rider education course or skills test.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Helmet use (MCL 257.658(5))

5. 5. A moped operator below what age must wear a crash helmet?

   Correct answer: 19

   Moped operators younger than 19 are required to wear a crash helmet.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Helmet use; moped (MCL 257.658(4))

6. 6. How many headlamps may a Michigan motorcycle have?

   Correct answer: At least one but no more than two

   A motorcycle must be equipped with at least one and no more than two headlamps.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Head lamps (MCL 257.685)

7. 7. Michigan caps motorcycle handlebar height at how high, measured from the lowest point of the undepressed saddle to the top of the handgrip?

   Correct answer: 30 inches

   Handlebars may not rise more than 30 inches above the lowest point of the seat.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Handlebars (MCL 257.661a)

8. 8. What is the minimum legal tire tread for a Michigan motorcycle?

   Correct answer: 1/32-inch on both the front and rear

   A motorcycle tire is considered unsafe once it wears to or below 1/32-inch tread on the front and rear.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Tires (MCL 257.710)

9. 9. A rider traveling faster than 35 mph without a windshield must wear what?

   Correct answer: Goggles, eyeglasses, or a shatter-resistant transparent face shield

   Above 35 mph with no windshield, the law requires shatter-resistant eye protection such as goggles, eyeglasses, or a clear face shield.

   Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Windshields, goggles, eyeglasses, or face shields (MCL 257.708a)

10. 10. On a motorcycle, a lamp or reflector visible from the rear must show what color?

    Correct answer: Red

    Rear-facing lamps and reflectors must display or reflect red, except the plate light, which must be white.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Clearance/marker lamps (MCL 257.689)

11. 11. How many rear stop lamps is a motorcycle required to have?

    Correct answer: One

    A motorcycle or moped is required to have one rear stop lamp.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Rear stop lamps (MCL 257.697b)

12. 12. Under Michigan law, blocking or impeding the normal flow of traffic on a public street is what?

    Correct answer: Prohibited — a person may not, without authority, interfere with the normal flow of traffic

    It is unlawful, without authority, to block, obstruct, impede, or otherwise interfere with the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

    Source: Michigan Motorcycle Operator Manual, Section Two — Interference with traffic (MCL 257.676b)