Motorcycles Registering and insuring your motorcycle Rules for operating your motorcycle Motorcycle safety
Introduction Table of Contents Introduction 1 Registering your motorcycle 2 Insurance protection 3 Rules for operating your motorcycle 6 Motorcycle safety 7 This brochure answers key questions about registering, insuring and safely operating a motorcycle. A motorcycle is defined as a vehicle designed to travel on no more than three wheels, that has a seat or saddle for the rider sitting astride and that can reach a speed of 50 kilometres/hour or more. For insurance purposes, motorcycles are divided into five categories: motorscooter sport sport touring touring other The rules for registering and operating your motorcycle are governed by The Drivers and Vehicles Act and are meant to help lower your risk of a collision. However, if you are in a collision, you need to have enough insurance to minimize the financial risks you and your family may face. 1
Registering your motorcycle Q: How is registering a motorcycle different than a vehicle? Motorcycle premiums for compulsory coverage are based on body style, engine size and the owner s self-assessed value. It s important to make sure you accurately assess your motorcycle s value, because in the event of total loss, we pay the actual cash value or the self-assessed value whichever is lower. Motorcycle coverage is year-round, but motorcycle premiums are charged during the typical riding season. This means you don t need to pay your premiums until you start riding and you only pay during your riding season, even though your coverage stays active all year unless it expires. The typical riding season is May 1 to Sept. 30, but you may start riding when weather permits. There is no all-perils coverage on motorcycles. Basic Autopac coverage is limited to collision and upset up to the self-assessed value, to a maximum of $50,000 including taxes. Coverage for perils like fire, theft and windstorm can be purchased separately. Q: How is registering a motorcycle similar to a vehicle? You register your motorcycle at any Autopac agent or Manitoba Public Insurance Service Centre. You automatically get $200,000 third party liability (TPL) coverage, just as you do when you register an automobile. In a collision, this covers you against other people s claims for property damage, injury or death. You can buy more TPL coverage separately. The deductible on Basic Autopac is $500, but you can buy a lower deductible if you want to. You renew your motorcycle registration and insurance at the same time as any other vehicle(s) you own. Anyone operating your motorcycle must carry your motorcycle s registration/insurance certificate. Insurance protection Protection for you As a motorcycle rider, your risk of bodily injury is increased, as you only have clothing to protect you in a collision. The premiums you pay provide you with coverage through the Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP), which is based on four principles: Coverage extends to all Manitoba residents injured in automobile collisions anywhere in Canada or the U.S. Compensation focuses on specific economic losses from an auto injury or death. Compensation is guaranteed for all injured Manitobans regardless of who was at fault. Most benefits are indexed to the Consumer Price Index to reflect changing economic conditions. 2 3
Motorcycle extension products Optional third party liability coverage If you damage other people s property while driving in Manitoba,you can be held responsible for the cost of the damages. When driving elsewhere in Canada or the U.S., you can also be sued if you injure others, including your passenger. To protect yourself, you have the option of purchasing additional coverage to increase your amount of third party liability to $1 million, $2 million or $5 million. Collision protection You can keep the basic $500 deductible or choose an optional $300, $200 or $100 deductible. The optional amounts offer benefits such as not having to pay the deductible if you are in a collision with an animal and having your protective clothing covered against loss or damage due to a direct or indirect collision or accidental upset. Coverage for protective clothing is provided to a maximum of $1,500 per occupant of the insured motorcycle and is defined as leather, Kevlar or other safety material for jackets, chaps, boots or gloves worn while riding. Motorcycle helmets are covered under Basic Autopac. Comprehensive protection This extension product protects you from accidental losses including fire, theft or windstorm and you can choose a $200 or $500 deductible. Comprehensive coverage automatically transfers to a temporary substitute motorcycle if the policyholder s original motorcycle is unusable (certain restrictions apply). The substitute motorcycle cannot belong to the policyholder or anyone living in the same home. Harley Davidson motorcycles must be inspected by a Manitoba Public Insurance employee prior to comprehensive insurance being purchased for the first time or after a break in coverage. Most customers can purchase comprehensive insurance without requiring a separate policy. Special situations may require application through our Special Risk Extension (SRE) department. Ask your Autopac agent for more information on these extension products. The difference between pleasure and all purpose Pleasure Registering your motorcycle for pleasure means it can only be driven to or from or part way to or from work or school up to four days a month and not more than 1,609 km (1,000 mi.) each year. All purpose Registering your motorcycle as all purpose means you don t have restrictions on its use. When and how to report a collision A collision should be reported to Manitoba Public Insurance the same way it would be if it involved your vehicle. For more information, check the When you have a claim section in your Guide to Autopac or call us at 204-985-7000 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-665-2410 (toll-free outside Winnipeg). We can assist you in determining if you need to make a police report when you call to make a claim. You can buy comprehensive and collision protection together or separately. 4 5
Rules for operating a motorcycle Requirements To drive a motorcycle you must: hold a valid licence of any class and stage pass a written or oral knowledge test obtain a Class 6M (Motorcycle Training Course Stage) licence in order to complete the Motorcycle Safety Course offered through Safety Services Manitoba [completion of this course is required before a 6L (Learner Stage) licence is issued] hold a 6L (Learner Stage) licence for a minimum of nine months pass a road test to advance to the 6I (Intermediate Stage) licence, which you must hold for a minimum of 15 months Carrying passengers Only the holder of a Class 6I (Intermediate Stage) or 6F (Full Stage) licence may carry a passenger. Night driving No nighttime driving is allowed with a Class 6L (Learner Stage) licence driving is only permitted during daylight hours, a half-hour after sunrise to a half-hour before sunset. Motorcycle safety Unless exempted under legislation, it s mandatory to wear an approved helmet such as CSA, Snell, DOT, BSI or ANSS when riding or when a passenger on a motorcycle. Wearing the following additional safety gear can reduce injuries if you are involved in a collision: goggles or clear face shields designed for your helmet leather clothing with denim or heavy (ballistic) nylon leather boots that cover your ankle for protection and have low heels to prevent slippage from the footpegs 6 7
Before you ride Follow this four-point safety procedure: Conduct a motorcycle safety check. Put on all your safety equipment. Mount the motorcycle from the left side holding both handle grips firmly, and keep the motorcycle upright with both feet on the ground for support. Move the motorcycle off its stand, and be sure that the stand is secure and in an upright position. Riding position Sit in a position that allows your elbows to be slightly bent when your hands are on the handle bars. Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward to reduce wind resistance. How to choose the right motorcycle for you Selecting a motorcycle that is the right size and weight for you helps you to operate it safely. There are a few factors to consider when purchasing a motorcycle: Size: Both of your feet should reach the ground when you stand straddling the saddle and you should be comfortable with the position of the footpegs and handlebars. Weight: You should be able to push the motorcycle through a figure-eight and place it on both the side and main stand without straining. You should also be able to lift your motorcycle upright if it falls over. Riding ability: Make sure the motorcycle is appropriate for your riding abilities. 8 9
Starting You must be able to start, upshift and downshift without jerking the motorcycle or lugging the engine. A controlled start requires smooth coordination of the clutch and throttle. Starting on hills Use the front brake to hold the motorcycle from rolling back, start the engine and shift into first gear. Stopping A controlled stop requires that both front and rear brakes be applied at the same time without locking them. Lane position Ride in a position where you can see other traffic and where they can see you. Stay near the centre of your lane without riding on the centre strip between the tire tracks, as it may be slippery from oil leaked from vehicles. Following Ride where the motorist ahead can see you in their rearview mirror and, in ideal driving conditions, use a four-second following distance when riding behind another vehicle. Passing Always signal well in advance. Lane changing Signal and shoulder check before changing from one traffic lane to another. When changing from one tire track to the next within the same lane, you must shoulder check prior to moving. In traffic Never pass vehicles by cutting between lanes of traffic. There is no room to manoeuvre if a door opens in front of you or if a vehicle changes positions within the lane. Group riding If there are more than four riders on the road together, it s best to split into groups and ride in a staggered formation, not beside each other. Parking When parking near a curb, position your motorcycle at a 45-degree angle. It will be more visible to motorists looking for a place to park. Alcohol and drugs It is illegal to be impaired and drive. Manitoba s impaired driving laws apply to the operation of all motorized vehicles, including motorcycles. Alcohol can slow down your reaction time and make you less alert on the road. Prescription or over-the-counter drugs can also have an adverse effect on your driving skills. Read all warning labels and understand the effects these drugs have on your ability to operate your motorcycle safely. 10 11
Drivers operating a motorcycle with a blood alcohol concentration between.05 and.08 or who fail a physical coordination test are subject to an immediate Tiered Administrative License Suspension. If your blood alcohol concentration is over.08 or you refuse to provide a breath or blood sample to police or refuse to perform a physical coordination test or to follow a police officer s instructions regarding the test, you will receive an immediate three-month Administrative License Suspension and can be charged with an alcohol-related offence under the Criminal Code. If you are convicted of an alcohol-related Criminal Code offence, you will face sanctions such as: a minimum fine of $1,000 possible imprisonment a minimum one year court imposed driving prohibition mandatory driver s licence suspension under The Highway Traffic Act from one year to life mandatory participation in Manitoba s Ignition Interlock Program possible vehicle forfeiture Additional information Riders are encouraged to take lessons to stay safe on the road. Training is available for both novice and experienced riders. Contact Safety Services Manitoba at 204-949-1085 or visit safetyservicesmanitoba.ca for more information about classes offered. Review the Motorcycle Handbook for more detailed information on the topics covered in this brochure. Pre ride inspection Controls Make sure they are within easy reach of your hands and feet. Lights Check that there is one red running lamp, one red stop lamp at the rear and one white light that illuminates the rear licence plate. Brakes Test the brakes on the front and rear wheels. Mirrors There must be one rearview mirror on the left side. Two mirrors are recommended. Tires Check that the tires have at least.8 mm of tread. Horn Make sure the horn is audible, under normal conditions, from a distance of 60 metres. 12 13
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