Georgia Motorcycle Laws
If you have been charged with violating the Georgia motorcycle laws, the attorneys at The Orlando Firm in Atlanta will provide the answers you need and the representation you deserve.
The Orlando Firm are your personal injury attorneys with the experience to win.
Georgia Motorcycle Laws
When you take to the open road, you must familiarize yourself with Georgia Motorcycle Laws; otherwise, you may find yourself in quite a bit of trouble. Each year, an estimated 4,000 people die in motorcycle-related accidents, making motorcycles 26 times more deadly than automobiles. If you choose to own and operate a bike, all rights granted to drivers will be given, and all Georgia motorcycle laws must be followed.
Before taking that first trip, if you are a resident, you need a valid motorcycle license GA. This comes after taking and passing specific tests and then renewing it as needed. It also requires that you do not break the road rules, or you might be in danger of losing your motorcycle license Georgia.
The testing process as well as local motorcycle laws are all aimed at educating and protecting riders. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should seek the counsel of The Orlando Firm to discover your options.
Understanding Motorcycle Laws in Georgia
Anyone who chooses to operate a bike must understand and follow the motorcycle laws in Georgia. They include these seemingly common-sense rules:
- An operator should only ride on the permanent, regular attached seat.
- A person should only ride sitting astride, facing forward, and with one leg on either side of the bike.
- Do not operate the motorcycle while carrying anything that prevents keeping both hands on the handlebars.
- No one should operate or ride on a bike without appropriate footwear.
- Nothing and no one should obstruct the operator’s view or prevent them from having control of the bike.
- Passengers are only allowed on bikes designed to carry more than one rider, and they must ride upon that seat.
- Passengers can not ride in a position that will interfere with the operation of the motorcycle.
If you are in a collision with someone who ignores the Georgia motorcycle laws and is riding recklessly, you may need to retain the services of an Atlanta auto accident lawyer. An attorney can help you gain compensation for your injuries and possibly the damage to your bike or vehicle as well.
Georgia Motorcycle Helmet Law
The Georgia Motorcycle Helmet Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315) states that no person should ride a motorcycle unless they wear protective headgear that complies with the standards set by the commissioner of public safety. It also states no person should ride a bike that is not equipped with a windshield unless he or she is wearing protective eye gear approved by the commissioner of public safety.
This regulation regarding helmets was created because, unfortunately, many accidents involve the driver being forcibly ejected from the saddle. This can result in a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. If you or a loved one has experienced this traumatizing experience, you should hire a brain injury lawyer or file a herniated disc lawsuit, depending on the details of your case.
Does Georgia Have a Motorcycle Helmet Law?
If you are anticipating your first scenic ride in the southern states and want to do so legally, you may wonder, “Does Georgia have a motorcycle helmet law?”. Yes, those operating or riding a motorcycle are required to wear a helmet. This does not apply to those riding within an enclosed cab or motorized cart. Additionally, it does not apply to those operating a three-wheeled motorcycle used only for agricultural purposes.
The Georgia commissioner of public safety is authorized to approve or disapprove protective head and eye gear required by the Georgia motorcycle laws. They may also issue and enforce regulations. The commissioner may publish in print or electronically the list of all protective headgear and eye-protective devices approved by law.
GA Motorcycle Laws on the Road
According to GA motorcycle laws, all motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane just as any other vehicle is. So, no motor vehicle can be driven as to deprive a motorcycle of use of a lane. This does not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast (side by side) in one lane. Also, the bike operator can not overtake and pass in the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken.
No person should ride a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, adjacent lanes, or rows of vehicles. No more than two motorcycles should be abreast in a single lane, and the motorcycle’s headlights and taillights should always be used. Some of these Georgia motorcycle laws do not apply to police officers on duty. If you are in a collision or a single-vehicle crash, you will need an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney to provide legal help and improve your chance of retaining your Georgia motorcycle license.
Motorcycle Laws in GA Pertaining to Passengers
According to motorcycle laws in GA, if a motorbike carries a passenger, it should be equipped with passenger footrests unless it is a sidecar or enclosed cab. No person should operate a motorcycle with handlebars more than fifteen inches above the seat occupied by the operator.
What Are the Moped Laws in Georgia?
Moped laws in Georgia pertain to any other motor driven cycle. Georgia motorcycle laws define mopeds as having the following:
- A power source that is either electric or a combustion engine. The engine should be capable of producing a maximum of two horsepower.
- A maximum displacement of 50 cubic centimeters if powered by a combustion engine.
- It cannot exceed thirty miles per hour on a level surface.
- An automatic or direct power drive system. This means it cannot have a transmission that requires clutching or shifting.
To operate a moped in Georgia, you are required to be at least fifteen years of age and have a valid learner’s permit or motor vehicle driver’s license. While mopeds do not need to be registered with the state, they are restricted to single lane roads with a maximum speed limit of thirty-five miles per hour. Additionally, all riders must wear a helmet.
Electric Scooter Laws in Georgia
Electric scooter laws in Georgia dictate that scooters have engines that are over 50 cubic centimeters. These are subject to the same licensing, registration, and insurance regulations as motorcycles. Many scooters like those produced by Honda, Yamaha, and Vespa have 150 cubic centimeter engines and will be treated like motorcycles. To legally operate one, you will need a motorcycle license, current registration, and insurance coverage like:
- Bodily injury liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property damage liability insurance of $25,000 per accident.
To get a GA motorcycle license, you must be at least seventeen and pass a vision exam, road skills, and knowledge test. Those who take the state-endorsed motorcycle riding course will not be required to take the test.
Georgia Motorcycle Lighting Laws
As mentioned, with Georgia Motorcycle Lighting Laws, headlights and taillights must always remain on. However, you may opt for aftermarket vehicle lighting that includes neon under-glow. It is not illegal to have under-glow if you follow these restrictions:
- Red, blue, violet, and green coloring is forbidden.
- License plate illumination may be white only.
- Flashing lights are prohibited.
Red, blue, violet, and green are restricted by law because they are used on emergency vehicles. Avoid using an underbody glow that is oscillating, rotating, or flashing as that also mimics emergency vehicles. Mounting any light that can emit blue is illegal.
Follow these motorcycle safety guidelines to ride safely and legally. If you have had your Class M license suspended due to violating Georgia motorcycle laws, contact The Orlando Firm for additional information and consultation.
The Orlando Firm are your personal injury attorneys with the experience to win.