If you ride a motorcycle in Arizona, it is essential that you know and understand the laws regarding the operation of these vehicles. Motorcycle laws vary from state to state. It is essential to be familiar with the motorcycle laws in Arizona you must obey, both for your own safety and to avoid any trouble with law enforcement.
Motorcycle riders are at high risk for serious injury due to the limited protection that a motorcycle provides and the small size of these vehicles, which can make them difficult for other drivers to see. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Arizona, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Zanes Law can help you recover fair compensation from the liable party.
Arizona Laws Regarding Motorcycle Licenses
To legally ride a motorcycle in Arizona, you must first obtain a standard driver’s license. After that, you will need to get a Class M endorsement on your license. To receive the Class M endorsement, a rider must complete a general knowledge written test, an on-bike driving test, and a vision test.
At age 15 and a half, you will be eligible to receive a permit for riding a motorcycle which will be valid for seven months. Once you have turned 16, you will be eligible to obtain a Class M endorsement. This endorsement will remain valid until you turn 65. However, you will need to retake the vision test every 12 years.
Insurance Motorcyclists Must Carry in Arizona
Motorcycle riders operating their bikes in Arizona must carry minimum liability insurance. Failure to have the required insurance could result in the loss of your license as well as receiving a fine. The minimum coverage you must carry in Arizona is:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
While this is the required level of coverage, you might also want to consider purchasing additional insurance coverage. Additional insurance coverage can provide you with extra protection in the event of an accident.
Helmet Regulations for Motorcycle Riders in Arizona
Helmet laws vary significantly from state to state. In Arizona, all riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet at all times while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
For motorcyclists and their passengers aged 18 and over, there are no laws requiring the wearing of a helmet. Despite this lack of regulations for older riders, wearing a helmet while on a motorcycle is always recommended. Fatalities and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) significantly increase in motorcycle accidents when riders fail to take this precaution.
Arizona Motorcycle Regulations Regarding Other Protective Gear
All motorcycle riders are required to have some form of face protection. However, the type of protection you use can vary significantly. If your motorcycle is equipped with a protective windshield, that will be enough to meet the requirements.
However, if you don’t have a windshield, you will have to wear another form of protective equipment, including goggles, glasses, or face shields.
Arizona Laws Regarding Required Motorcycle Safety Equipment
Arizona motorcycle laws require that your bike be equipped with a variety of safety equipment. Features your motorcycle must have include:
- Front and rear brakes
- Taillights
- A seat for the driver and any passengers
- A minimum of one rearview mirror
- Footrests
- A horn
- Two mirrors
- Turn signals (although these are not strictly required as long as the driver uses hand signals)
According to Arizona motorcycle laws, you must also have the original mufflers from the manufacturer or other noise-reduction parts that keep the vehicle at its original noise level.
Arizona Laws Regarding Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering
Lane splitting is the act of riding between lanes of moving traffic and is strictly prohibited under Arizona motorcycle laws. Lane filtering, on the other hand, regards the movement of a motorcycle between lanes of stopped traffic and is allowed in Arizona under certain circumstances.
An Arizona law passed in 2022 permits lane filtering if traveling between two lanes of stopped traffic facing the same direction as long as the posted speed limit for that section of road is 45 miles per hour or less and the biker is traveling at a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour.
The Standard Rules of the Road
Aside from these specific regulations for motorcycles, all riders must also comply with the standard traffic laws that apply to all vehicles using the roads in Arizona. Motorcyclists should use extra caution when operating their vehicles because of the high risk of serious injury or death that comes with riding a motorcycle.
Following traffic safety laws can protect you both physically and financially. Getting into a motorcycle accident where you are at fault can leave you with serious injuries and open you up to legal action from any other parties involved in the crash.
Get a Free Consultation if You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Arizona
Unfortunately, even if you follow all the traffic laws, you may still be involved in a motorcycle accident. If you suffered damages due to negligence or the willful act of another, you could be entitled to pursue compensation from the liable party. The experienced Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys at Zanes Law Injury Lawyers can help.
Our team of experienced lawyers has helped countless motorcycle accident victims recover the compensation they need and deserve after a crash. Learn more about your options for recovering compensation by contacting us today.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations, so don’t hesitate to give us a call or complete the contact form on this website. We will review your case, advise you of your legal options, and answer any questions you may have about your case.
