Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other drivers, but state law also imposes several rules specific to motorcycles. Understanding Birmingham motorcycle traffic laws is important to helping you both avoid a ticket and reduce the risk of an accident.
If you have been hurt in a crash despite following these rules, you should explore your legal options right away. Our dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you pursue the damages you deserve.
Helmet Requirements
Alabama has some of the strictest motorcycle helmet laws in the country. Every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear an approved helmet while riding on public roads. The law applies regardless of a rider's age or experience.
The helmet must also meet specific safety standards to qualify. Approved helmets generally include hard exterior shells and secure chin straps designed to keep them in place during a collision.
Violating this aspect of motorcycle traffic rules while riding in Birmingham comes with steep penalties.
Passenger Rules
There are also Birmingham motorcycle traffic regulations related to having passengers on your bike. A motorcycle must be designed to transport two people before a passenger can ride on it. In practical terms, this means the bike must have a designated passenger seat and passenger footrests. A passenger cannot legally ride on a motorcycle designed for only one occupant, particularly on the handlebars.
When riding as a passenger, the individual must remain seated in the designated passenger position behind the operator. Passengers should keep their feet on the provided footrests while the motorcycle is moving and should avoid any actions that interfere with the operator's ability to control the motorcycle safely.
Is Lane Splitting Allowed?
Lane splitting is illegal due to concerns about its safety. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle travels between lanes of traffic instead of remaining within a single lane. Riders commonly attempt this maneuver when traffic is moving slowly or stopped.
However, traffic laws permit lane sharing, which means two motorcycles may ride side by side within the same lane on Birmingham roadways if it is safe to do so. This differs from lane splitting because both motorcycles remain inside a single traffic lane rather than traveling between separate lanes of traffic. However, no more than two riders can travel in the same lane side by side at the same time.
Eye Protection Requirements
Motorcycle riders in Birmingham must also pay attention to safety requirements pertaining to eye protection. If a motorcycle does not have a windshield or windscreen, the rider should wear protective eyewear such as goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield. Eye protection is important as it prevents dust or debris from getting into a motorcyclist's eyes and causing an accident.
Many riders choose helmets equipped with integrated face shields because they provide both head protection and eye protection in a single piece of equipment. Even when eye protection is not strictly required because a motorcycle has a windshield, it remains an important safety measure. Road debris can appear without warning, and maintaining clear vision is essential to avoiding accidents.
Contact a Birmingham Attorney About Motorcycle Traffic Rules
If you have been in an accident despite following Birmingham motorcycle safety laws, you could be entitled to damages. If you can show someone else was to blame for the crash, our team is ready to hold them accountable in court. Call today to get started.
