What Are the Motorcycle Laws in Alabama

Due to Alabama’s warm climate, you can find motorcycles on our roads throughout the year. To keep riders and passengers safe and reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents, our state has enacted several motorcycle laws. These laws address all aspects of motorcycle riding, including gear, equipment and the rules of the road.

If you ride regularly in Alabama, you should know the basic laws and regulations that apply to you. While you can’t do anything about other people and how they drive, you can take measures to protect yourself and those you love by complying with these laws. Ultimately, if you have suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence, you should contact Gartlan Injury Law as soon as possible for a free consultation about your case.

What Motorcycle Gear Does Alabama Require?

Since there is very little protection for motorcycle riders and passengers, their gear becomes their primary means for protecting themselves in a crash. Along those lines, many safety experts believe that a helmet is the most important piece of gear that a motorcyclist can wear. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that helmets are actually 37 percent effective when it comes to saving lives.

Under Alabama law, all riders and passengers must wear a DOT-approved helmet. The helmet should have a hard, shatter-proof shell as well as thick, shock-absorbent foam padding in the interior. The helmet should also have a chin strap that can be secured. No visor is required. However, a rider will be safer with a visor, goggles or some other form of eye protection.

Otherwise, Alabama law has no specific requirements for what riders and passengers should wear on a motorcycle. Technically, you can ride a motorcycle in just about any attire. However, that would not be a wise choice. Responsible motorcycle riders and passengers should keep the following in mind when choosing what to wear:

• Gloves are a smart choice. They protect your hands from road rash and things like flying rocks, bugs and other objects that can injure your hands. You should pick gloves with tough, rigid knuckle protection.
• Full-length pants are best. Choose natural fibers, not synthetics, and avoid any polyester clothing that can melt if heated. If you ever lay down the motorcycle, you’ll be glad you are wearing pants rather than shorts that expose your skin.
• Wear a sturdy jacket. It should be made of natural material, or it should be an approved riding jacket that is made of non-flammable synthetic materials.
• Wear boots or shoes with ankle protection. Never wear flip flops or other open toe shoes.

What Motorcycle Equipment Does Alabama Require?

To be “street legal,” a motorcycle on the road in Alabama should have the following equipment:

• Working headlight
• Working taillight
• Working brake light
• Functioning front and rear brakes
• Functioning turn signals
• A working horn
• Two mirrors.

Alabama does not restrict the sound which motorcycles make. So, mufflers are not required. Additionally, under state law:

• You can carry a passenger only if foot pegs are available.
• No more than one passenger can ride at a time.
• A rider cannot carry bundles or other bulky items that could prevent the rider from keeping both hands securely on the handlebars
• All riders must wear shoes while on the motorcycle.
• Handlebars cannot be more than 15 inches above the rider’s seat.

What Type of License Do You Need to Ride a Motorcycle in Alabama?

For many years, Alabama was one of the few states in the country which did not require a person to have a special license to operate a motorcycle. That changed in 2015. Today, you must have a Class M driver’s license (or endorsement) in order to ride a motorcycle on Alabama roads. You can obtain the license by pass a knowledge test or by completing a motorcycle safety course.

All motorcycle riders – even those who have ridden for decades – should consider taking a safety course periodically. Research is always evolving, and new tricks, tips and information can be of great use. Likewise, a refresher course is always a good idea when you buy a new motorcycle, as it will give you time to familiarize yourself with the new ride in a safe and controlled environment.

Is There an Age Restriction for Obtaining an Alabama Motorcycle License?

Under Alabama motorcycle laws, a person 16 or older may apply for a Class M driver’s license, which authorizes them to operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Individuals 14 and older may apply for a restricted license that allows them to operate a motor-driven cycle, such as a moped. Once a restricted license holder turns 16, they can apply for an unrestricted Class M license to operate all types of motorcycles.

How Do You Get a Motorcycle License in Alabama?

To obtain a Class M license, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge test administered by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and an on-cycle skill test. The knowledge test will have questions from the ALEA Motorcycle Operator Manual about safe riding practices and road rules. The skills test will either be performed in an off-street area or an actual traffic scenario. You will be tested on your ability to control and operate your bike.

Is Lane Sharing Legal in Alabama?

Lane sharing occurs when a motorcycle is ridden alongside another vehicle. For a number of reasons, a rider may choose to ride in between other vehicles on the road. However, this practice is illegal in Alabama.

One exception to this rule is that two motorcycles can ride side-by-side in the same lane. One advantage to co-riding in a lane is that it creates a larger footprint, and it makes it less likely that a larger vehicle will attempt to pass too closely or force you off the road. Likewise, it is easier for a motor vehicle driver to see two tail lights from behind rather than just one.

In busy traffic, riders often realize that a simple bump from a distracted driver could result in being trapped between cars. So, these experienced riders may try to ride between cars when they are stopped or slowed down in traffic. While this practice may seem to be safer, it still remains illegal.

What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements for a Motorcycle in Alabama?

In Alabama, a motorcycle operator must have a valid liability insurance policy with minimum coverage limits of:

• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury and death liability coverage
• $25,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage

Riders have the option to purchase higher limits of liability insurance coverage. Most policies should include uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage unless you reject the coverage in writing. You may also choose to include other optional coverages, such as collision and comprehensive, motorcycle accessory, and medical payments (MedPay) coverage.

In most cases, a motorcycle operator must obtain a separate motorcycle insurance policy from their insurer. Car insurance policies typically do not provide liability coverage for someone who causes an accident while riding a motorcycle. Riders who operate motorcycles without a dedicated motorcycle insurance policy may violate the law by riding without insurance.

What Are the Penalties for Violating Alabama’s Motorcycle Laws?

Alabama law requires motorcycle operators to follow the same basic rules of the road as other motorists. These include following the speed limit, obeying traffic signs and signals, refraining from operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and yielding the right of way when required. Other laws apply specifically to motorcycles, such as requiring riders to wear helmets, refrain from lane splitting, and ride no more than two abreast in a single traffic lane.

Violating Alabama’s motorcycle laws may expose operators to various penalties, depending on the nature of the offense. Citations for traffic violations may impose fines and points on the operator’s license. Accumulating 12 or more points will result in a driver’s license suspension. Certain offenses, like operating under the influence (OUI), may also result in automatic license suspensions. More serious violations, such as OUI or reckless operation, may result in an operator facing criminal charges and the potential for a sentence that includes prison time and fines.

What Is Required to Register a Motorcycle in Alabama?

To register a motorcycle in Alabama with the Department of Revenue, an owner must have specific documents:

• Title – Unless they’re leasing or financing the motorcycle, the owner must present the motorcycle’s title, which they can obtain by applying for a certificate of title through the Alabama Department of Revenue.
• Insurance – The owner must present proof of a valid liability insurance policy covering the motorcycle and the operator.
• VIN Inspection – An owner must present a completed Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection form in certain circumstances.

Alabama charges a $15 registration fee for motorcycles. Owners must register their motorcycles within 20 days of acquiring the bike to avoid penalties and interest.

Are You Required to Report a Motorcycle Accident in Alabama?

Alabama law requires an operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injuries or death to immediately report it to local law enforcement, a county sheriff, or the state highway patrol. Motorists must also file a Form SR-13 with the Department of Public Safety within 30 days of a crash that results in death, injury, or property damage with an apparent value of $250 or more. Failing to report an accident by filing a crash report or contacting law enforcement may expose a motorcycle operator to fines or other penalties.

It’s essential to report any motorcycle accident, as it can be valuable evidence in a personal injury claim. It establishes the circumstances of the collision and may even include the responding officer’s opinion on who was at fault.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing an Alabama Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Under Alabama law, a motorcycle accident victim typically has two years after a crash to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover compensation for any resulting losses. However, some exceptions apply in certain cases.

Because the law imposes these deadlines on filing personal injury claims, the best way to protect your rights and options is by speaking with an Alabama motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash. Your lawyer will ensure you file your motorcycle accident claims before the deadline. If you fail to file on time, you may lose the opportunity to seek financial recovery for your injuries and losses.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

Even if you obey all motorcycle laws and operate your bike safely, accidents still happen. If you find yourself in a motorcycle collision, follow these steps:

• Move to a safe place and wait to remove your gear, especially your helmet.
• Call the police to report the accident and request emergency services if necessary.
• Document the scene by taking pictures and videos.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with anyone else involved.
• Get medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you’re hurt.
• Contact an Alabama motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.

Get Help from an Experienced Alabama Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

You can control only your own actions when you are on the road on your motorcycle. So, it is important to remain vigilant and educated about riding safety.

If someone violates your rights on the road and causes you to suffer serious injuries in a motorcycle crash, you will need aggressive legal representation in order to protect your rights afterward. Contact Gartlan Injury Law today and schedule a free initial consultation through our conveniently located office in Dothan. Our experienced legal team is driven by our genuine passion for helping people through tough situations, including injured motorcyclists and their families. We will never collect a fee unless we secure a financial recovery for you.

Visit Our Alabama Motorcycle Accident Law Offices