Laws All Motorcycle Riders Should Know About

There’s no avoiding it: as a motorcyclist, you’re bound by traffic regulations that apply to motorcyclists on the road. Ignorance of the law is never an valid excuse, so even if you’re not sure about something, it’s best to err on the side of caution and look it up. This post will cover some essential laws all riders should be aware of. Keep these in mind every time you hit the open road! Safety first!

Why is it Imperative to Follow Laws

Obeying the law is not only the right thing to do; it’s also the smart thing to do. Not following traffic laws can lead to fines, points on your license, and even jail time – which can ruin your day (or worse). As a motorcycle rider, you’re already at a disadvantage compared to cars and other larger vehicles; don’t make things harder on yourself by breaking the law.

Laws Prevent Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by various things, many of which could have been prevented if the rider had been following the law. Some common causes of accidents include speeding, driving while impaired, and not using turn signals. However, if you’re obeying all the rules and still find yourself in an accident, it’s probably not your fault!

However, it is wise to always have an accident law firm on your contacts list, just in case. After all, you never know when you might need them! So if you want to find one, all you have to do is Google ‘best motorcycle accident law firm‘, and it’ll take you to the right place.

Even if you’re an experienced rider, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the laws. Of course, there are always new updates and changes, so it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game!

Top Must-Know Laws

• Motorcycle riders are often seen as rebels and people who don’t follow the rules. But the truth is, motorcyclists have to abide by just as many laws as car drivers! Just because you’re on two wheels doesn’t mean you can disregard all traffic signals and regulations. There are quite a few laws that specifically apply to motorcycles. For example, it’s illegal to lane split – which means driving in between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars. It can be highly dangerous, so it’s best to avoid it.
• Another important law to remember is that motorcycles must follow the same rules as cars like stopping at red lights. Motorcyclists often try to slow down without coming to a complete stop to save time or because they’re anxious to get moving again. But this can result in getting pulled over – or worse, into an accident.

• It’s also illegal for motorcycle riders under 18 to ride without a helmet; it may seem like a no-brainer, but far too many individuals ride without helmets.

Lastly, one of the most important laws for all riders is to always drive sober! It is unsafe to ride your motorbike while being drunk. So make sure you’re in command before setting out on your hog.

The Most Basic Ones

You Need a License

It has to be the most obvious one! If you’re riding a motorcycle, you need to have a license. You can’t just hop on your ride and zoom off – there are specific rules and regulations that you need to follow for it to be considered legal.

Helmet Laws

This is one important law all riders should know about. In most states, individuals under 18 must wear a helmet when riding their motorcycle. However, in some states like Texas and Florida, even if someone is over 16 years old, they are required by law to wear a helmet.

Motorcycle Size

Just because you can ride a motorcycle doesn’t mean you can ride any bike. There are different classes of motorcycles, and each one has its unique requirements. So make sure you’re familiar with the type your bike falls into before taking that ride!

License Plates

In some states, license plates for motorcycles are the same size as those for cars. However, in other states, they are much smaller. So ensure you have the correct plate type so that you don’t get pulled over!

Passengers

Only passengers at least 16 years old are allowed to ride on a motorcycle in most states. And in some states, even if a passenger is 16 or older, they still need to wear a helmet.

Lights

Motorcycles must have a headlight and taillight on at all times; in some states, daytime running lights are also required.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, or riding between stopped or slow-moving traffic lanes, is legal in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of each state’s laws before attempting this maneuver.

Motorcycle Clubs

Joining a motorcycle club can be a great way to make friends who share your love of motorcycles and ride together often. Most clubs have their own rules and regulations, so be sure to read up on them before joining.

State Specific Laws

There are a few fundamental laws all motorcycle riders should know about, no matter what state they live in.

• For example, it’s illegal to pass cars on the right in most states. It can often lead to accidents when people aren’t aware of this law and try to change lanes quickly or cut off motorcycles.
• In Australia, it is illegal to lane filter. Lane filtering is when a motorcycle rider goes between two stopped or slow-moving traffic lanes to get ahead. It can be a tempting way to save time. Still, it’s important to remember that it’s illegal in Australia, so make sure you know your surroundings and other vehicles before attempting this maneuver.
• Ohio has specific rules for the handlebars of a motorcycle. The handlebars on a bike must be below the rider’s shoulders to ensure that the rider has better control of the bike.
• In California, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. This law was established to help protect young riders from injury or death in the event of an accident.

These are just some laws that all motorcycle riders should be aware of. Each state has its own set of rules. Hence, riders need to be familiar with the laws in their state.

Common Hazards

It’s also crucial for riders to be aware of common motorcycle hazards. Some of these include:

• Wet roads
• Gravel on the road
• Potholes
• Dooring – when a driver turns left in front of a bike

Motorcycles are smaller than cars, so they can be harder to see. It’s imperative for riders to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to use caution when riding in traffic.

Ride Away

It’s also vital to remember that just because you’re a law-abiding rider doesn’t mean everyone else on the road will be. So always remain vigilant about your surroundings and be ready to flee if necessary. Be careful out there!