Florida Motorcycle Laws

Florida's motorcycle laws were enacted to promote the safety of all motorists on the road. Therefore, adhering to the rules of the road is a key factor in preventing motorcycle accidents. In Florida, the laws for motorcyclists are different from the laws for other motor vehicle operators. The following is a brief discussion of some of the state's most important motorcycle laws.

Helmet Use

In Florida, motorcycle riders over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet, provided that they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for injuries sustained in Florida motorcycle crashes. However, the use of a federally-approved helmet is required for all motorcycle riders who are under 21 years of age. Many motorcycle injuries and deaths could be prevented if motorcyclists and their passengers would wear helmets. Wearing a helmet lowers a motorcycle rider’s risk of fatal injury by 29% and reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury by 67%. Despite the documented effectiveness of helmets, however, many motorcyclists still choose not to wear them, especially when state law doesn’t require helmet use, as is the case in Florida. Since Florida repealed its helmet law in 2000, the state has experienced an 81% increase in motorcycle crash fatalities.

Eye Protection

Florida law requires that some form of eye protection must be worn while operating a motorcycle. Proper eyewear protects the eyes from the sun, wind, rain, insects, and road debris. Typically, motorcyclists use a visor, sunglasses, goggles, or other eyewear while operating their bikes.

Lane Splitting

When a motorcycle shares a lane with a car or other motor vehicle or rides between two lanes of traffic, it is called lane splitting. Lane splitting is considered dangerous because of the increased proximity to other vehicles on the road, the limited space for maneuvering in a shared lane, and the risk of other drivers failing to anticipate the motorcyclist's presence in the lane. The practice of lane splitting is not allowed in Florida. However, two motorcycles may legally ride side-by-side in one lane.

Insurance Coverage

Florida has enacted a financial responsibility law, which encourages motorcycle riders to have $10,000 in liability insurance coverage for property damage and medical expenses in the event of a crash. Uninsured motorcyclists who are involved in crashes are at risk of having their operator's license suspended and their motorcycle tags and registration revoked. In addition, they may be required to purchase expensive, high-risk liability insurance for a period of three years after the accident. Therefore, although insurance coverage is not explicitly required, motorcyclists face severe penalties if they are involved in an accident without insurance. Note that Florida’s PIP coverage does not apply to motorcycles. For more information on Florida's motorcycle insurance laws, click here.

Motorcycle Specifications

Under Florida law, motorcycles must meet certain specifications to be "street legal." The following is a list of bike specifications that must be followed by motorcyclists in Florida:

It is illegal to modify a motorcycle to make it louder than it was when manufactured.
Motorcyclists are not required to use turn signals, but must use hand signals if the bike is not equipped with turn signals.
The motorcycle must be equipped with at least one mirror and one headlight.
The handlebars of a motorcycle must not be higher than the rider's shoulders while the rider is in the seated position on the motorcycle.

For more information on Florida's motorcycle laws, consult an experienced Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Flagler, Lake Mary, Orlando, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Port Orange motorcycle accident attorney.

Automobile insurance companies will often attempt to settle out of court quickly while victims are still suffering from the trauma of a Florida motorcycle accident. Vasilaros & Politis, P.A., is experienced with the complex issues involved in Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Flagler, Lake Mary, Orlando, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Port Orange motorcycle accident cases and can assist you in receiving full compensation for your injuries. Call the Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Flagler, Lake Mary, Orlando, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Port Orange motorcycle accident lawyers at Vasilaros & Politis, P.A. now at 1-800-351-0911 or fill out our FREE CASE REVIEW FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if our Daytona Beach motorcycle accident attorneys agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a Daytona Beach, Deland, Deltona, Flagler, Lake Mary, Orlando, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast or Port Orange motorcycle accident lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.