Because there are fewer rules than for traditional automobile drivers, motorcyclists are in substantially greater danger when involved in an accident than other drivers. Sometimes motorcycle laws feel like a chore to follow, but it’s important to remember that they are there for a reason. By becoming familiar with Arizona motorcycle laws, you can significantly lower your chances of being involved in an accident that will result in long-term or permanent injuries.
1.) Regulatory Compliance Requirements
All motorcycles in Arizona must be registered with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 15 days of purchase. Failure to meet the deadline will result in expensive fines. Luckily, if you purchased your motorcycle from a dealership, they will most likely file the registration paperwork with the MVD on your behalf. A temporary motorcycle registration may also be provided by the dealership.
In addition to registration requirements, motorcycle laws require a motorcycle license or M class endorsement to drive a motorcycle. To be eligible for a motorcycle license, you must meet the following conditions as an applicant:
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- If you are under the age of 18, you must have a learner’s permit for at least six months. You must also submit a certified form signed by a guardian showing that you have more than 30 hours of driving practice. Alternatively, you can enroll in a Motor Vehicle Division-approved motorcycle safety course.
- You must pass medical and eyesight screening as well as the written test. This requirement is only waived if you have a valid driver’s license from another state.
2.) You Must Have Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is required by law for all motorcyclists in Arizona. The following are the minimums:
- Bodily injury – $25,000 per injured person and $50,000 per accident
- $15,000 in property damage
It is strongly advised that all motorcycle riders obtain UM/UIM insurance to protect themselves in the case of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 20% of all Arizona drivers do not have insurance. This is bad news for a motorcycle accident victim who faces a lifetime of handicap, pain, and suffering.
Motorcycle accident victims require the assistance of an experienced and qualified motorcycle accident attorney from the moment they become injured. Even in low-speed incidents, motorcyclists can experience serious and life-threatening injuries. Because insurance companies recognize how complicated these injuries can be, they frequently offer motorcyclists a quick and modest payment in the hopes of reducing their own obligations. It’s in everybody’s best interest to have adequate insurance coverage in addition to following motorcycle laws.
3.) Your Motorcycle Must Have All Required Specifications
It’s important to keep in mind that Arizona law requires that all bikes have:
- When transporting passengers, the passenger seat and footrest.
- A rearview mirror
- Modulated headlights are permitted.
- Handlebars that can be held below your shoulders.
- Spark arrestors are required on all state and federal properties.
- Riders are required to carry their title.
- A Muffler
Although most motorcycles will have these features by default, keep in mind that any modifications to the motorcycle must not interfere with these required specifications so as to render them useless.
4.) Lane Filtering is Legal in Limited Conditions
In late 2022, Arizona became the fourth state to legalize lane filtering in limited circumstances. Mindful that rear-end collisions are far more dangerous for motorcyclists, lawmakers are hopeful that the new statute will help curb instances of rear-end collisions. It’s important to keep in mind that this law only allows lane filtering, which should be distinguished from lane splitting. Lane filtering occurs when motorcyclists ride between slow or stopped traffic, such as at a red light. On the other hand, lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two vehicles moving in the same direction.
Here are the conditions required for lawful lane filtering in Arizona: The speed limit must be 45 miles per hour or less; and the motorcyclist must be going less than 15 miles per hour; and the street must be divided into two or more lanes in the same direction of travel (the cars you are riding between must be going the same direction); and the motorcycle is passing on a legal road (not riding on the median or shoulder).
5.) Relaxed Helmet Laws
Motorcycle laws regarding helmets in Arizona aren’t as strict as you would imagine. According to A.R.S. 28-964, only those aged 18 and under are required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists must also wear glasses, goggles, or a clear face shield while riding. However, just because Arizona residents over the age of 18 are not required to wear a helmet does not imply they should not. According to studies of non-fatal motorcycle injuries conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists who did not wear a helmet had higher healthcare costs, lengthier hospitalization, longer recovery periods, and a greater loss of quality of life.
Arizona Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
We understand that even those who follow all motorcycle law in the book become victims of accidents. If this is you, you are probably dealing with several expenses that you would not have faced otherwise in the aftermath of an accident: hospital bills, surgeries, medical visits, and loss of work, not to mention the non-economic consequences of the accident. A motorcycle accident attorney will help you navigate the overwhelming task of demanding the compensation you deserve. We have a compassionate and understanding legal team that is skilled in aggressively and assertively safeguarding our clients and their interests. Contact us here by filling out a case review form. We look forward to speaking with you.