While owning and riding a motorcycle has a lot of benefits, it also comes with all the same responsibilities as owning and operating a car. While there is a fair amount of overlap in those responsibilities, however, there are unique laws and expectations that come with a motorcycle that don’t apply to other vehicles. If you’re considering riding a motorcycle, make sure you know the applicable laws, regulations, and expectations, starting with these four.
Getting a Special Motorcycle License
You might have thought that having a license to drive a motorcycle was not required. To the contrary, every state requires that you have some kind of motorcycle permit or license. Typically, obtaining one of these permits or licenses involves taking a motorcycle safety course, a road exam and a written exam. Unfortunately, just having a normal driver’s license will typically not cut it. In fact, you may need to contact the department of motor vehicles (DMV) in your area to learn about all the hoops you have to jump through.
Obey the Rules of the Road
When you are out driving on a motorcycle, you are in a far more vulnerable situation than when you are driving in a car. Knowing the rules of the road and obeying them can mean the difference between staying safe and getting hurt unnecessarily. In addition, you will want to make certain that you do not violate laws that could get you pulled over or cause someone else to have an accident. If you find yourself in legal trouble when involved in some kind of accident or problem with your motorcycle, then Iron Horse Motorcycle Lawyers may be able to help your situation.
Adequate Protection for Passengers
When it comes to riding a motorcycle, you should always consider the advantages of wearing a helmet. This is also a reasonable priority for any passengers you are driving around as well. While you and a passenger could be run off the road by another vehicle, experience a crash or be struck in the head by a rock or piece of flying debris, wearing helmets can help to mitigate such dangers when you and other passengers are out on the road.
Unique Motorcycle Laws
While many motorcycle laws overlap with basic traffic laws, the fact of the matter is that motorcycles can often go where cars can’t. Bobbing and weaving through traffic is a common practice, regardless of if there is a car-sized space available. However, different states have different laws regarding where and when this is allowed. Passenger restrictions also are common in many states for teenagers, and Louisiana restricts anyone under the age of 5 from being a passenger, regardless of the age of the driver.
With a great vehicle comes great responsibility, and you don’t want to shirk yours on the road. Motorcycle safety laws are put in place for your protection, and it’s important that you understand them before you take to the road. Use these four areas as a starting point for your research in how to drive responsibly on a motorcycle.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
