Motorcycle riding is a thrilling hobby, but it can also be dangerous. In a motorcycle accident, bikers lack the protections a vehicle provides, such as seatbelts and airbags.
Understanding Georgia motorcycle laws is important to keeping yourself and others safe while riding and avoiding traffic violations. If you or a loved one has been in an accident, contact the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., to learn more about your rights.
Georgia Motorcycle Helmet Law
Georgia has a mandatory motorcycle helmet law. All motorcycle riders, regardless of age or experience, must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) certified helmet at all times.
Motorcyclists who do not follow motorcycle helmet laws in Georgia risk punishment via fines, community service, or, in rare cases, jail time. In addition, riding without a helmet increases the likelihood of a head or brain injury during a collision.
Not wearing a helmet could also affect your personal injury claim if you are in an accident caused by a negligent driver. Insurance companies or opposing attorneys may argue you are partially to blame for the severity of your injuries because you did not protect yourself. This could reduce the amount of compensation you can recover.
Licensing Requirements for Motorcycle Riders in Georgia
Riders must have a valid motorcycle license in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), there are two ways to earn a Class M license:
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Program Course – These safety courses provide riders with professional instruction in motorcycle handling. Upon successful completion, participants earn a 90-day Motorcycle License Test Waiver. The waiver allows you to skip the written and riding tests if you apply for your license within 90 days of completing the class.
- Visit a DDS Customer Service Center – You must apply for a license at the DDS and pass a written, riding, and vision test.
Riding a motorcycle without a license is negligent and a serious traffic violation. If you are in an accident and not properly licensed, it could negatively impact your pursuit of compensation.
Equipment and Safety Regulations
In addition to helmets, legal requirements for motorcycles in Georgia mandate that bikes must have the following equipment:
- Proper seats/saddles
- Footrests
- Handlebars (no more than 25 inches in height above the operator’s seat)
- Windshields (or the rider must wear protective eyewear)
- Proper footwear
- Headlights, taillights, and a brake light
- Turn signals
- Side mirrors
- Mufflers
Safety regulations also state that Motorcyclists:
- Must ride astride, not sidesaddle
- Must not carry packages or bundles that prevent them from keeping both hands on the handlebars
- Must not ride barefoot
- Only carry the number of passengers the bike is designed to hold
Ensuring you and your bike have the proper equipment and safety gear can protect your health. It can also protect your rights if you are in a motorcycle wreck.
Lane Splitting and Sharing Laws
In Georgia, lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal. Riders may ride two abreast. Also, like other motorists, motorcyclists must obey Georgia’s traffic laws. Riders must not:
- Speed
- Run red lights or stop signs
- Pass illegally
- Make illegal turns
- Tailgate
- Drive aggressively or recklessly
Drivers or riders who do not obey traffic laws can be held financially liable if their actions cause an accident.
Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists in Georgia
Georgia motorcycle operators must carry liability insurance to pay for an accident if they are legally responsible. According to the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, the required minimums for motorcyclists are:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person/$50,000 per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability
Registered automobiles are required to be covered by:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person/$50,000 per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability
If the driver who is at fault for your crash does not carry more than the minimum insurance amounts, your losses may exceed their policy limit if you have catastrophic injuries and significant property damage.
Because motorcycle accidents can be severe, carrying additional coverage — such as comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorists protection, and medical pay coverage — may be a good idea.
Alcohol and Drug Policies for Riders
No one should ever operate a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so puts you and others at risk. If you cause an accident while drinking and driving or driving on drugs, you can face severe criminal and civil penalties.
Likewise, if a DUI driver hurts you, their intoxication is solid proof of negligence for your motorcycle accident claims in Georgia.
Drivers are legally intoxicated in Georgia if they are over 21 and have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. The legal limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02.
The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a collision that someone else caused, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Georgia can help you explore your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
However, building a robust personal injury case can be challenging, and your focus should be on healing. While you turn your attention to getting back on your feet, the legal team at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., can:
- Investigate your motorcycle accident and collect evidence
- Identify liable parties
- Identify and calculate your losses
- Handle case-related paperwork, deadlines, and communications
- Aggressively negotiate for the maximum compensation possible
- Fight for your best interests, defend you from insurance tactics, and reject lowball settlement offers
- Prepare your case for a civil trial if necessary
Contact the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., for Motorcycle Accident Help
Following Georgia’s motorcycle laws is essential for your safety and the safety of others. In addition, upholding your legal responsibilities as a rider can protect your rights if you are in an accident.
A Georgia motorcycle injury attorney with the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., can also protect you and your financial future by demanding full and fair compensation if you suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence. Call now or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
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