Bikers in Florida are extremely vulnerable to accidents. This is primarily due to the fact that drivers generally do a poor job of checking for motorcycles while changing lanes. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries. In order to provide protection to bikers, the state of Florida has enacted a number of motorcycle laws. If you’re a Florida biker, you should familiarize yourself with these laws in order to remain safe while on the road.
Florida Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
Anyone over the age of 16 who meets certain requirements may operate a motorcycle on Florida’s roadways. In order to legally operate a motorcycle in Florida, a person must obtain:
- A motorcycle-only license for motorcycles with engines over 50 cc, or
- A driver license motorcycle endorsement.
The completion of a training course is required to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement. In addition, all motorcycle drivers must possess at least a valid Class E driver’s license.
Florida Motorcycle Registration Requirements
After a biker completes Florida’s motorcycle licensing requirements, he or she must register the motorcycle. When a biker purchases a new motorcycle, this is usually done by the dealer. However, for private transactions, bikers must obtain registration paperwork from the DMV and submit a bill of sale that demonstrates ownership. Finally, motorcycles in Florida are required to have a registration sticker and license plate.
Florida Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Florida doesn’t require bikers to carry insurance coverage. However, it’s a good idea to do so. If you are involved in an accident and don’t have insurance, you could face serious legal ramifications. Insurance is always a good idea.
Florida Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Bikers in Florida are legally required to wear helmets and protective eye gear. However, there is an exception to the helmet rule for motorcycle operators over the age of 21 who carry a certain amount of insurance coverage.
Florida Motorcycle Lane-Sharing Laws
In Florida, two motorcycles may ride side by side in the same lane. However, bikers aren’t allowed to drive on the dividing lines and can’t share the lane with cars or trucks.
Florida Motorcycle Passenger Laws
In order to transport a passenger on a motorcycle, the bike must either have an affixed seat designed to hold more than one person or a secondary seat that is attached to the motorcycle at the side or the rear.
Contact a Pensacola Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Pensacola, Florida, you need an experienced Florida personal injury attorney in your corner. Located in Pensacola, Florida, Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A., has over seventy years of combined experience representing the victims of motorcycle accidents throughout Florida. If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Florida, we are here to help. Please contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our talented attorneys.
Posted in: Motorcycle Accidents