Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between motorcycle licensing and operation regulations and motorcycle mortality rates in the United States during 1997 through 1999. Methods: A population-based ecologic study was used. Results: Lower mortality rates were observed in states with the following motorcycling requirements: skill test for a motorcycle permit (rate ratio [RR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.84), driver training (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.74-0.86), longer duration of learner's permits (95-190 days [RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.95] and > 190 days [RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.93], three or more learner's permit restrictions (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.73-0.84), and a full helmet law (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.71-0.81). Conclusion: Specific motorcycle licensure policies appear to be associated with lower mortality rates.
