Because motorcyclists face a high risk of serious injuries in an accident, they must exercise a great deal of care and skill to stay safe on the road. This includes having a thorough understanding of the safety requirements enforced in Florida. Florida has a number of laws and restrictions in place to help motorcycle operators and their passengers avoid accidents and injuries while riding. Before you get on a motorcycle in Florida, you should make sure you know and understand the state’s motorcycle laws.
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Florida Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Under Florida’s motorcycle helmet law, a rider age 21 or older may choose not to wear a helmet so long as the rider is covered by an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries sustained in a crash. Riders under the age of 21 must always wear a helmet.
Florida Motorcycle License Laws
A person who wishes to operate a motorcycle in Florida must obtain either a motorcycle license, which solely authorizes a person to operate a motorcycle, or a motorcycle endorsement on a regular driver’s license.
Florida Motorcycle Registration Laws
All motorcycles must be registered to the owner of the bike, with the registration plate attached to the rear of the motorcycle. The license tag must always remain visible and may not be obstructed or concealed by any object or equipment. A motorcycle must also have a tail lamp or separate light that illuminates the rear license tag.
Florida Motorcycle Insurance Laws
In Florida, drivers of four-wheeled vehicles are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of the state’s no-fault insurance system. However, motorcycle owners are not eligible to purchase PIP insurance in Florida. Instead, state law requires a motorcycle operator to carry certain minimum insurance coverage limits. This includes $10,000 per person/$20,000 per accident in bodily injury and death liability coverage, as well as $10,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage.
Florida Motorcycle Lane Splitting Law
Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. A motorcycle rider may not ride on a traffic line or in between two lanes of vehicles or traffic. Vehicles must move fully over to the adjacent lane when passing a motorcycle. However, two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane of travel.
Required Equipment for Motorcycles in Florida
Motorcycle riders are required by state law to wear a protective device for their eyes. Protective eyewear must meet the requirements set forth by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Florida law also has equipment requirements for motorcycles. Required equipment for motorcycles includes:
- Brakes on the front and back wheels
- A manufacturer-installed exhaust system
- Handlebars no higher than the operator’s shoulders
- A horn capable of being heard at least 200 feet away
- A mirror capable of reflecting a rear view of at least 200 feet of distance
- One or two headlights or headlamps, which must always be activated
- A red rear reflector, which can be separately installed or included as part of the tail lamp
- A taillight or tail lamp located at a height between 72 inches and 20 inches
- A rear brake light
- Turn signals
If a motorcycle is carrying a passenger, the motorcycle must be equipped with a permanent and regular seat and footrests for the passenger, or the passenger may be carried in a sidecar or enclosed cab.
Florida Motorcycle Law FAQs
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