Attorney Michael L. SailePeople choose to ride motorcycles for various reasons: transportation, for recreation, and for several other reasons. Like all motor vehicles, there are multiple laws regarding the use and operation of a motorcycle that bikers should know. Familiarizing oneself with Pennsylvania motorcycle laws is important to protecting one’s safety and ensuring you’re operating your motorcycle within the bounds of the law.
Motorcycle Helmet Law
One of the most important things that you should know is the motorcycle helmet law. Pennsylvania motorcycle helmet laws require anyone under the age of 21 wear protective headgear while riding on a motorcycle. Additionally, those over the age of 21 must also wear a helmet if they do not have more than two years of riding experience or if they have not completed a state-approved motorcycle safety course.
When choosing a motorcycle helmet, make sure it meets standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). To know whether or not a helmet meets this standard, look for the DOT sticker, which indicates that it’s been approved.
While those over the age of 21 may be exempt from the helmet law, wearing a helmet can save your life. If you’re on a motorcycle, you should always wear a DOT-approved helmet, regardless of regulations.
Eye Protection Requirements
In addition to a motorcycle helmet law, eye protection while riding is also required by law for all riders. Any type of eye protection is acceptable in Pennsylvania, although shatterproof eye protection is highly recommended.
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Headlights, Mirrors, and Mufflers
According to Pennsylvania Code Section 3526, any motorcycle manufactured during or after 1986 is required to have lighted headlamps at all times, even during daylight hours.
Pennsylvania motorcycle laws also require motorcycles contain at least one mirror which provides an unobstructed view of the roadway directly behind the motorcycle.
In regards to a motorcycle’s muffler, it is illegal to make any changes to the muffler system of your motorcycle that are intended to increase the amount of noise emitted. Furthermore, all mufflers must operate in compliance with established sound levels and exhaust requirements.
Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles
Like cars, all motorcycles in Pennsylvania are required to carry insurance coverage. To fail to do so is against the law.
Per Pennsylvania motorcycle laws, the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage required for any motor vehicle is as follows.
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person.
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident.
- $5,000 property damage liability.
However, these are only the minimum requirements, and a motorcyclist may consider purchasing larger coverage options. There are other motorcycle insurance rules in Pennsylvania of which you should be aware.
All Other Traffic Rules Apply
Motorcyclists are required to follow all of the laws applicable to other motorists.
- Obey speed limit signs.
- Adhere to any posted laws.
- Stop at traffic lights.
- Yield when appropriate.
- Give pedestrians the right of way.
Motorcyclists may not split lanes. Splitting lanes refers to riding between two cars in different lanes. However, two motorcyclists may ride next to each other in a single lane.
You Have the Right to Recover Damages after a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania or other counties throughout Pennsylvania and sustained injuries, speak with your Bucks County personal injury attorneys about your rights to recover damages. An attorney can help you collect evidence of accident fault and damages. Your lawyer may also help you field any allegations that you broke Pennsylvania motorcycle laws and hold full or partial liability for the accident.
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, our attorneys know that a lawsuit takes a lot of hard work and legal know-how. As such, we help our clients pursue the compensation to which they are entitled. To set up a free consultation about your case, call us now at 215-642-2335 or get in touch via our contact page.
Serving as a personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania, Michael Saile has been honored as both a Brain Injury Top 25 Lawyer by National Trial Lawyers and a 2024 Super Lawyer. He earned his J. D. at Widener University School of Law where he was a member of the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society. Saile is also the author of two publications titled “Not Another Bad Lawyer” and “Don’t Crash Again”.
