Florida Motorcycle Laws Every Rider Should Know
Each state has their own laws regarding the use and operation of a motorcycle. These laws are meant to help all motorists stay safe and get to their intended destination without incident or injury. Whether you have been riding a motorcycle in Florida for several years or are new to the state, it is always a good idea to brush up on the local regulations.
Here, motorcycle accident lawyers from Chanfrau & Chanfrau, serving individuals in Daytona Beach, FL, Palm Coast,FL, and surrounding areas, present Florida motorcycle laws that every rider should know before they get on the road.
You Need a Motorcycle Endorsement
Most riders already know this, but motorcyclists who are new to the state must understand that a standard driver’s license is not enough to legally ride a motorcycle in the state of Florida. Individuals must have a motorcycle endorsement. The endorsement can be obtained by completing a specialized training course.
Helmets Aren’t Legally Required for All Riders
Florida is one of the few states that does not legally require the use of a helmet for all motorcycle riders. Riders who are over the age of 21 can legally refrain from wearing a helmet, provided they meet certain insurance requirements. If riders choose not to wear a helmet, they must carry a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance benefits.
Riders who opt not to wear a helmet should be aware that it could have an impact on their ability to collect damages in the event that an accident occurs. Florida has a comparative negligence law which allows parties involved in an accident to be held partially liable if their own actions contribute to accident damages. It is possible for the court to hold a motorcycle rider negligent if they do not wear a helmet, which would limit the amount of damages they could collect following an accident, even if the crash was caused by another driver.
You Must Use Daytime Headlights
To improve visibility, the state of Florida requires motorcycle riders to have their headlights on at all times. This includes while riding during daytime hours.
Lane Splitting Is Not Legal
Motorcyclists in the state of Florida have the same right as other drivers to have full use of their lane of traffic. Motorcyclists may choose to ride side-by-side with another motorcyclist, but they cannot share the lane with another vehicle or drive between lanes of traffic. This practice, which is commonly known as lane splitting, is illegal in Florida.
You Cannot Wear Earphones
Florida motorcycle laws prohibit riders from wearing any type of headset or listening device, including headphones, while riding. The exception to this law is headsets that are installed in or on a helmet. If a motorcycle helmet has bluetooth capabilities, or if a bluetooth headset is installed on the helmet, it can be legally used.
Your Motorcycle Must Meet Certain Regulations
Motorcycle laws do not just apply to the person riding the motorcycle. Motorcycles themselves must meet certain regulations to be legal. All motorcycles in the state of Florida must have footrests, handlebars, brake lights, and signal lights. Modifications like ape hangers (handlebars that extend higher than shoulder height) and exhaust pipe modifications are illegal in Florida.
Learn More
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and have questions regarding liability and comparative negligence, or are simply interested in learning more about Florida’s motorcycle laws, the lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau are here to help. To get in touch with our legal team, send us a message online, or call our Daytona Beach law firm at (386) 258-7313.