Whether you plan to get on the back of your bike for an adventure on the open road or you are sharing the road with them, it is critical to know that motorcycle laws are a bit different from those for other vehicles. Understanding Florida’s motorcycle laws empowers you to know what your rights are in situations where you may be hurt. Talk to a St. Petersburg motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Here are some of the most important motorcycle laws in Florida that could impact you.
Endorsements to Licenses
Under 322.03(4), those who are operating a motorcycle must have a motorcycle endorsement on their license. That means that you have proper training and education on Florida’s motorcycle laws and the ability to operate the bike safely.
Mandatory Gear for Motorcycle Riders
Another important law to keep in mind pertains to mandatory gear for riders. Riders can choose to wear a helmet when they are operating a motorcycle if they are 21 years of age or older, as long as they have an insurance policy that offers at least $10,000 worth of medical benefits for injuries sustained in such a crash.
However, all riders under the age of 21 are required by law to always wear a helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle. While helmets are required for those under the age of 21, all riders are forbidden from wearing a headset that is attached to their helmet. You cannot use a headphone or any other listening device outside of a hearing aid or something that improves defective human hearing.
Additionally, riders must wear eye protection when riding a motorcycle. You cannot operate a motorcycle legally without wearing eyewear that is approved by the department and specifically designed for motorcycle use and protection.
Required Equipment for Motorcycles
Another component of Florida’s motorcycle laws pertains to the equipment they must have. Here are a few specific requirements:
All vehicles must have brakes. This includes the vehicle and anything being trailed behind it, on a highway within the state.
Motorcycles cannot have exhaust systems that are modified to be louder than they were originally equipped to provide.
Motorcycles must also have handlebars. The handlebar’s height cannot be higher than the operator’s shoulders when the person is sitting properly in the seat.
Horns are required. Vehicles must have a horn that is in good working condition and capable of emitting an audible sound.
Mirrors are also critical. Mirrors must be in place to allow the driver to see a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet behind the bike.
Headlight laws are also applicable. Every motorcycle must have at least two headlamps that comply with the state’s laws. The vehicle must also have a tail lamp or a separately adhered red reflector that can be seen from behind.
Motorcycles must also have working turn signals.
Additional Laws You Should Know
Additional Florida motorcycle laws exist. For example, riders are prohibited from engaging in lane splitting and must not ride between lanes or rows of vehicles. Drivers cannot run red lights for any reason. If riders wish to do so, they can operate in tandem, meaning two people can operate abreast of each other in a single lane.
Understanding these laws can be a challenge. Yet, to operate safely, all drivers must do so.
