Many people enjoy the fun and freedom of riding motorcycles. However, when parties do not have proper knowledge or take the needed precautions, motorcycle accidents can happen.
In such cases, riders’ first line of defense is making sure that they are driving lawfully. Therefore, it is important to understand Georgia’s motorcycle laws.
General traffic laws
All motorists must keep in mind that a motorcycle is a type of motor vehicle, therefore they are subject to the same laws and rights as other drivers. There are also a few traffic laws specifically for motorcycle drivers, such as:
- No driving between lanes of traffic
- No more than two motorcyclists in the same lane at one time
- Headlights and taillights must be on at all times
These are a few of the common motorcycle traffic laws that are upheld in every state. Certain states may have additional requirements and regulations.
Safety
For the safety of the rider, there are a few safety rules specifically for motorcycles. Georgia’s motorcycle codes contain the full list; however, there are a few essentials that cyclists must implement:
- Helmets and eyewear are mandatory
- Speakers are for communication only
- Motorcycles must have windshields unless riders have eyewear
Those who do not follow the safety requirements may face stiff penalties. Not having these safety measures in place can create a dangerous situation as well.
Equipment
There are certain pieces of equipment that all motorcycles must have, and some of those pieces must meet specific requirements. For example, motorcycles must have handlebars and they cannot extend more than 15 inches above the seat. Other pieces of equipment, such as footrests and turn signals, may have requirements depending upon certain criteria. It is important that riders understand the requirements for their particular model and use.
This is a brief overview of motorcycle laws in Georgia. Riders should take a more in-depth examination of the laws to ensure that they are in proper legal standing.
