This post is part 3 in a series presented by Sevenish Law Firm, exploring safety issues related to motorcycle use in Indiana and other states.
Indiana motorcyclists must pass both a written test and a skills test to receive a motorcycle endorsement, so most motorcyclists are up to speed on Indiana’s motorcycle safety requirements. However, most motorcycle-related laws are set up on a state-by-state basis, so the rules inside the Indiana state lines don’t always match the rules in other states. Here are a few examples of how motorcycle safety laws change in various states.
Helmet Laws: Indiana requires motorcycle drivers and riders under age 18 to wear motorcycle helmets. Bikers on a learner’s permit must also wear helmets. 23 states have universal helmet laws, while 24 have laws that cover only certain riders based on age, experience, and/or insurance carried. Three states – Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire – have no helmet requirements at all.
Eyewear Laws: Indiana requires riders to wear eye protection while on their bikes. Thirty-five states share this requirement, although some make an exception for riders who have face shields on their helmets and/or windscreens on their bikes.
Passenger Restrictions: Indiana does not specify a minimum age or other requirement for passengers, except that they must meet the helmet requirements. However, five U.S. states – Hawaii, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington – ban young children from riding on motorcycles; the minimum age is seven years in Hawaii, eight years in Arkansas (unless the motorcycle is participating in a parade), and five years in Louisiana, Texas, and Washington. Minnesota has no age requirement, but the state does require the passenger to be tall enough that his or her feet reach the footrests.
These laws are merely a sample of the requirements motorcyclists should be aware of when they cross state lines. If you’re planning an interstate bike trip, research the rules in each state you’re planning to travel in to ensure that you’re meeting all the necessary safety requirements.
