Bikers are very vulnerable to accidents, primarily because many drivers don’t do a good job of checking for motorcycles while on the road. This failure to drive cautiously can result in serious injuries for bikers. In an effort to protect bikers, Florida has enacted a number of motorcycle laws. If you are a biker, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with these laws in order to remain safe on Florida’s roadways.
Licensing requirements
In Florida, anyone over the age of 16 who meets certain statutory requirements may drive a motorcycle. These requirements include:
- A driver license motorcycle endorsement, or
- A motorcycle-only designated license for bikes with engines over 50 ccs.
In order to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement, a rider must first complete a training course. In addition, operators must have at least a Class E valid driver’s license.
Registration requirements
After obtaining the proper endorsement for a motorcycle operator’s license, each operator must register his or her motorcycle before it can be operated on Florida’s roadways. With the purchase of a new motorcycle, registration is usually completed by the dealer. For private transactions, however, operators must obtain the paperwork from the DMV and provide a bill of sale demonstrating ownership. Finally, all motorcycles in Florida must have a license plate and a registration sticker.
Insurance requirements
Florida does not require that motorcycle owners carry insurance coverage. However, all bikers should seriously consider obtaining insurance anyway, as there are serious possible ramifications of not having coverage following an accident.
Equipment requirements
Florida requires that all bikers wear approved helmets and protective eye gear. However, there are exceptions to the helmet rule for riders over the age of 21 who carry a certain amount of insurance coverage.
Motorcycle passenger laws
In order to carry a passenger on a motorcycle in Florida, the motorcycle must be properly equipped for passenger safety. This may include an affixed seat designed to hold more than one person or a secondary seat that is attached to the motorcycle at the rear or the side.
Lane-sharing laws
In Florida, two motorcycles may travel in the same lane. However, bikers may not drive on any dividing lines and may not attempt to share the lane with another motor vehicle.
Hire a Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney
If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Pensacola, Florida, you need an experienced Florida personal injury attorney on your side. Located in Pensacola, Florida, Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A., has over seventy years of combined experience representing motorcycle accident victims in Northwest Florida. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Northwest Florida, Staples Ellis is here to help. So, if you’ve been harmed in a motorcycle accident, please contact our office as soon as possible to set up a consultation with one of our talented attorneys.
Posted in: Personal Injury