HOW ARE MOTORCYCLE LAWS DIFFERENT BY STATE

Almost all states have helmet laws, but they may all be very different.

If you live in or travel to Iowa, Illinois, or New Hampshire, you can choose to wear a motorcycle helmet (or not).

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the following states all have a helmet law:

• Alabama

• California

• Washington D.C.

• Georgia

• Louisiana

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Mississippi

• Nebraska

• Nevada

• New Jersey

• New York

• North Carolina

• Oregon

• Tennessee

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

• West Virginia

The rest of the states have half-measures that are dependent on age.

Some states say that everyone 17 and under needs a motorcycle helmet.

Some say 18, and up to 25 in Missouri (which is the only state to hold this high of an age requirement, in those dependent on age).

A few states have caveats depending on the type of motorcycle you are riding.

In New York, for example, you don't need a motor scooter license or helmet if the scooter is below 50cc's, but a motorcycle helmet is required if the engine displacement is any bigger.

In many states where riding without a helmet is legal, eye protection or safety glass is still mandatory.

While all motorcycle riders can decide for themselves, wearing a motorcycle helmet can save your life (or your wallet once the medical bills start rolling in) in the case of an unplanned incident.

Lane splitting is a contentious topic in many states, and the only place where it is 100% legal is in the state of California.

For those who don't know what it is, lane splitting is when a motorcycle rider moves between two cars moving in the same direction on multi-lane roads at speed.
Lane filtering is where a motorcyclist can ride between slow-moving (under 20 miles per hour) or stopped traffic.

Filtering is only legal in five states*:

1. Arizona

2. California

3. Hawaii

4. Montana

5. Utah

There is open legislation or proposals in a few states, but most motorcyclists will need to be careful when considering lane splitting or filtering as it is illegal.

For most riders around the world, motorcycle liability insurance, at the very least, is a necessity.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets it like they are supposed to (which is why we have uninsured motorist coverage).

Florida is the only state where a motorcycle operator is not required to have insurance!

In the Sunshine state, if an uninsured motorcyclist is involved in an accident, they may be on the hook for any personal injury, property damage, bodily damage, and other types of damage, depending on which driver is at-fault.

Florida motorcycle operators riding out of state can be fined or jailed for riding without motorcycle insurance.

Outside of Florida, you may need to show your insurance card or provide another proof of insurance to register your motorcycle.

But every state has its own minimum coverage requirements. Those looking for cheap motorcycle insurance will be required by law to hit these coverage limit minimums.
There are a few states on the high end and a few on the low end.

The states with the lowest minimums are^**:

• Pennsylvania ($15,000/$30,000/$5,000)

• California ($15,000/$30,000/$5,000)

• New Jersey ($25,000/$50,000/$5,000).

On the high-end is^**:

• Alaska ($50,000/$100,000/$25,000)

• Maine ($50,000/$100,000/$25,000).

There are several ways motorcyclists can conduct research before visiting a new state, including:

• Inquire when you seek your motorcycle permit, licensing, or registration

• Reach out to the local department of transportation or DMV

• Discuss when you purchase your vehicle or rent a motorcycle

• Talk to other riders

• Check out motorcycle association websites

• Even join a local motorcycling club

In fact, if you're looking to ride on back roads, it might be worth your time to join a local motorcycling club anyway, just for the extra benefits (like insurance discounts).

Whatever you do, though, make sure you do your homework and confirm that you have all of the applicable documents, like registration and insurance, before hitting the road so that you don't get pulled over and fined by a police officer.

Ultimately, knowing your state's motorcycle laws are the best way to stay safe on the road.

• How to get cheaper motorcycle insurance

• Get motorcycle roadside assistance

• What to wear when riding a motorcycle in summer

• Long distance motorcycle riding tips