Motorcycles can be used to commute to work, for recreational activities, or race at high speeds. Before taking on motorcycles as a hobby or mode of transportation, people must understand the laws surrounding them. Motorcycles are considered to be high-risk vehicles due to their size and relative lack of protection. As such, many countries require riders to abide by various motorcycle laws. These include:
Motorcyclists must wear helmets
The requirement is mandated by law, or riders risk facing penalties for not doing so.
Helmets can reduce head injuries and fatalities among motorcycle riders significantly. Helmets may also benefit passengers’ safety and comfort. Helmets can also positively affect driver attitudes and behavior. However, it would help if you considered several factors that need to be considered in helmet design to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Driving with a Valid Driving License
Riders must first pass a motorcycle driving test before being allowed on the road. Newly qualified riders often require additional training before gaining experience of riding with an experienced rider due to their lack of knowledge and the skill needed for safe riding.
As with car drivers, new motorcycle riders must first pass a driver’s test before gaining access to the road. While this is especially important in the case of motorcycles due to their inherent danger, many countries also require experienced riders to be trained further when they are learning new skills or improving upon existing ones. For example, advanced motorcycle riders will often require additional training when learning to ride different motorcycles.
Riders must adhere to Low Alcohol Limits.
Motorcycle riders are prohibited from using alcohol and other drugs while operating motor vehicles. While many countries’ laws for automobile drivers allow alcohol and drug use up to a specific limit, stricter laws apply to motorcycle riders due to the danger these substances impose upon them. Alcohol and other drugs significantly increase motorcyclists’ risk of accidents, particularly at high blood alcohol levels.
Engine Displacement
The lower a motorcycle’s performance, the more likely it is that inexperienced or careless riders will be unable to ride at high speeds. To decrease the risk of motorcycle riders, many countries regulate the size and speed of a motorcycle through its engine displacement. In some countries, this regulation applies only to new motorcycles – allowing seasoned riders to continue using their highly tuned motorcycles after the law comes into effect.
Use Headlights at All Times
Motorcycle riders are required to use headlights always, either on their own or through auxiliary lighting.
While car drivers only need to use their headlights when visibility is low or at night, motorcycle riders must abide by stricter rules due to their heightened vulnerability. In addition to having a headlight on, motorcycle riders must also use turn signal indicators whenever they are changing lanes or turning. This applies even in the absence of other road users.
Motorcycle riders must wear reflective clothing when riding
Drivers in cars already have several requirements to abide by when on the road, but motorcycles are even more susceptible to accidents due to their smaller size and limited protection. Motorcycle riders must also abide by specific rules in most countries – either through law or voluntarily. For example, some countries require riders to wear reflective clothing or vests, making them more visible to other road users. Other countries enforce the use of bright colors instead. Motorcycle riders must take extra precautions while riding because of their heightened risk.
In addition to the above requirements, motorcycle riders must abide by several other rules in most countries. These rules vary depending on the state, a rider’s experience, and the type of motorcycle ridden. To stay safe while riding a bike, riders need to understand their individual countries’ laws and etiquette to avoid inadvertently breaking any rules.
