What are the Alabama Motorcycle Helmet Laws?

If you ride a motorcycle in Alabama, it is vital to know and understand our state’s helmet and safety laws. Wearing an appropriate helmet and obeying the law can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening crash injuries.

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Gartlan Injury Law offer the following information on the helmet requirements and other safety laws that motorcyclists in Alabama must follow. We also know that accidents happen to even the safest riders. If you’ve been injured in a collision, contact us right away and let us fight for you.

Does Alabama Have a Motorcycle Helmet Law?

Yes, Alabama has a motorcycle helmet law. In fact, Alabama is one of the relatively few states with a “universal” helmet law for all riders.

In some states, motorcycle helmets are optional or required only for motorcyclists under 21. In states like Alabama with universal helmet laws, however, all motorcyclists must wear protective helmets, regardless of age or experience level.

What are the Alabama Motorcycle Helmet Laws?

Not only does Alabama law require helmets for all riders, but wearing one can also save your life. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), roughly 20 percent of all motorcycle accidents leave motorcyclists with head or neck injuries.

These injuries represent a large percentage of severe and fatal injuries in motorcycle wrecks. When you wear a reliable, well-fitting helmet, you can substantially reduce your risk of sustaining a head or neck injury in a motorcycle crash.

Does a Passenger on a Motorcycle Have to Wear a Helmet?

Yes, Alabama’s universal helmet law applies to everyone who operates or rides a motorcycle, including passengers. Motorcycle passengers are just as prone to crash-related head and neck injuries as riders.

When a motorcyclist transports a passenger, they must adjust their technique to accommodate the passenger’s extra weight, as well as changes in the bike’s center of gravity. Because the presence of a passenger can directly affect the way a motorcycle handles, ALEA prohibits motorcyclists from carrying passengers unless their motorcycles:

• Have dedicated footrests and handholds for passengers
• Are designed and able to carry more than one person
• Have enough seating space to hold both an operator and a passenger without the need for crowding or hunching forward

Is It Illegal to Ride Without a Helmet in Alabama?

Yes, it is illegal to operate or ride a motorcycle without a helmet in Alabama. The state’s universal helmet law applies to riders of all ages who drive or ride on any motorcycle or similar-type vehicle, including mopeds and motorized bicycles.

Some riders prefer to ride without helmets because they believe the bulk of a helmet can block their peripheral vision and increase the risk of an accident. However, research suggests that helmet use has little to no impact on a rider’s ability to recognize hazards. Furthermore, riders who wear motorcycle helmets are three times more likely to survive crash-related head injuries than riders without helmets.

To maximize the effectiveness of your motorcycle helmet, you should make sure:

• The helmet meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards.
• The helmet is comfortable yet snug on all sides of your head.
• The helmet has no apparent defects, such as frayed straps or a cracked shell.

What Other Safety Laws Apply to Motorcyclists in Alabama?

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other road user in Alabama. But since motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable, they are also subject to several unique safety laws, which state:

• All motorcyclists must wear protective headgear at all times while riding.
• Motorcyclists are prohibited from carrying passengers unless their bikes are designed and equipped to hold more than one person.
• Motorcyclists are prohibited from riding while carrying any item which prevents them from keeping their hands on the handlebars.
• Motorcyclists are prohibited from operating motorcycles with handlebars more than 15 inches above seat level.
• Motorcyclists are prohibited from attaching themselves or their bikes to other vehicles while traveling on roadways.
• Motorcyclists are prohibited from riding in between rows or lanes of traffic (lane-splitting), overtaking and passing other vehicles within the same lane, or riding more than two abreast within a single lane.

Additionally, Alabama encourages but does not require motorcyclists to:

• Wear plastic face shields or other eye protection along with approved helmets.
• Wear protective clothing, such as sturdy riding jackets, pants, gloves, and shoes.

What Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alabama?

Many Alabama motorcycle accidents occur because car and truck drivers have difficulty spotting and reacting to motorcyclists in traffic. Motorcycles are several times smaller than the average car. Even when drivers recognize motorcyclists, they tend to have trouble gauging the relative speed and distance of the motorcycle.

Several common factors exacerbate these existing risks and contribute to devastating motorcycle accidents, including:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Driver fatigue
• Reckless driving
• Aggressive driving
• Driver error
• Vehicle defects
• Poor road conditions

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Motorcycle Crash?

Demanding the compensation you deserve after an Alabama motorcycle accident is often easier said than done. Many people, including some insurance adjusters and legal professionals, allow unfair anti-motorcycle bias to color their opinions and don’t understand how motorcycles operate. As a result, motorcycle crash victims can face uphill battles when proving fault and claiming fair compensation.

A seasoned personal injury lawyer with specific experience handling motorcycle accident cases can help you even the playing field by:

• Outlining your legal rights and available options
• Conducting an independent investigation into the accident
• Identifying valuable evidence and determining who is liable
• Interviewing eyewitnesses and experts for compelling testimony
• Handling essential documents and deadlines on your behalf
• Communicating with insurers and other third parties on your behalf
• Negotiating aggressively to maximize your compensation

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Alabama Today

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? The Alabama motorcycle accident attorneys of Gartlan Injury Law stand ready to fight for your best interests. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial case review.

Visit Our Alabama Motorcycle Accident Injury Law Offices