Motorcycling is extremely popular across the country. Whether it's because of the high price of gas or the aura and mystique of riding free on the open road, there are millions (PDF) of them on our streets and highways. Unfortunately, there are thousands of motorcycle accidents each year, too.
Many accidents involve collisions between motorcycles and cars or other vehicles, but single-bike accidents happen, too. To avoid serious injury or even death, every motorcyclist should know the motorcycle safety and traffic laws before taking to the road.
Education and Training Programs
Knowing how to handle a motorcycle in any weather or traffic condition can save your life. In fact, whether you're given a license to operate a motorcycle may depend on getting trained. The laws on mandatory rider training vary from state to state (PDF):
- In a few states, such as Florida and Texas, all riders must take a training course in order to get a license
- Many states, like California and Ohio, require training for riders under a certain age (18 or 21, usually)
- Colorado, Indiana and others don't require any training
Most states use a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which works closely with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote safety on the roads.
Even if a course isn't required by law in your state, think about taking one. Any rider can benefit from it, whether you're just beginning or have been riding for years.
License Requirements: Ride Legally
Motorcyclists in all 50 states and the District of Columbia must have a valid license. It may be an endorsement on your regular driver's license, or you may get a special "motorcycle only" license.
Licensing laws vary by state, but usually you have to pass a written test and driving skills test.
Check the laws in your state before riding your motorcycle. License testing is designed to make sure you have the skills needed to keep yourself and others safe while on the road. You also risk getting an expensive traffic ticket by riding without a valid license.