Staying safe whenever you ride your motorcycle is a multistep process that begins with knowing all the local laws about motorcycle safety. Each state has its own specific set of rules, which can change the way you ride depending on what they require.
In this blog post from Rafi Law Group in Phoenix, we are going to take a look at Arizona’s basic motorcycle safety laws that every rider should know. As a team of trusted motorcycle accident attorneys, we know just how much harm can be caused in a single crash, so we hope this bit of shared information helps keep at least one more rider safe on the road.
Arizona-specific motorcycle safety laws include:
- ARS 28-903: This law requires motorists in other vehicles like cars and trucks to share the road with motorcyclists as they would any other motor vehicle. It also prohibits motorcyclists from lane splitting – California is currently the only state that permits lane splitting or riding in between lanes occupied by vehicles – and from attempting to pass a vehicle without leaving that vehicle’s lane. Lastly, ARS 28-903 makes it illegal for three or more motorcyclists to ride side-by-side in a single lane.
- ARS 28-964: This law establishes mandatory safety equipment and gear for motorcyclists in the state. Goggles, glasses, or a face shield of some sort must be worn while riding to prevent temporary blindness from loose debris, insects, dust, and so forth. Rearview mirrors must be installed on capable motorcycles, as well as footrests and seat securements for any riders. Lastly, helmet use is required for riders under the age of 18.
- ARS 28-955: This law limits how loud a motorcycle’s engine and exhaust system may be, either through modification or maintenance. Essentially, you cannot modify your motorcycle’s muffler with the express purpose of making it excessively loud. The definition of “loud” in this law is open to interpretation, but it is meant to be determined as “too loud by a reasonable person.”
- ARS 28-892: This law requires that all motorcycles to always have at least a seat for the rider. If anyone else rides on a motorcycle as a passenger, then the cycle must have a dedicated seat for that person as well.
- ARS 28-924.B: This law requires that all motorcycles that are driven on public roads to be equipped with a headlight that provides adequate and safe illumination.
- ARS 28-3101: Last but not least, this law requires anyone who is operating a motorcycle in Arizona to get a Class M license from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Services.
Good Ideas When Riding a Motorcycle
Beyond following the law, you can help reduce the chances of a motorcycle accident just by practicing good road safety whenever you ride.
Remember these quick tips to stay safe:
- Even though adults are not legally required to wear a helmet in Arizona, you always should.
- You should also expand your protective gear beyond just goggles. Gloves, boots, jeans, and thick jackets can prevent serious road rash in a collision.
- Turn on your headlight whenever you ride, including during the day. The extra light will make you that much more visible to other motorists who might otherwise overlook your smaller vehicle.
- Maintain your motorcycle often to keep the brakes and engine running well.
- Check key components of your motorcycle like the tires, brakes, and handlebars each time before you ride, even for short trips.
- If you have not done so already, sign up for a motorcycle safety course. You can learn even more tips about riding safely from certified safety experts. Most courses only take a few hours, so see if you can make time to sign up for one in your area.
In case you ever get into a motorcycle accident, it also helps to know ahead of time who you can lean on for legal support. Rafi Law Group offers our legal representation to motorcyclists throughout the entire state of Arizona, and our law firm is headquartered in Phoenix. Give us a call at (623) 207-1555 if you need some assistance after a crash. We take calls 24/7 for client emergencies.