Motorcycles are a convenient form of transportation that allow riders to enjoy the open air. Unfortunately, this also means that riders are left unprotected in the event of an accident. Motorcycles are also less visible than other vehicles on the road due to their low profile.
If you were injured in a biking wreck, the well-informed attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter could help you understand Elyria motorcycle laws and how they may apply to your potential civil case.
Motorcycle Insurance and License Laws
All motorcyclist must adhere to Ohio’s safety regulations and requirements. Motorcyclist must have liability insurance. The minimum coverage is $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. However, Ohio Revised Code §4507.212 allows riders to present a statement of financial responsibility in lieu of insurance.
Like any other driver, a motorcyclist must register their bike and obtain a license before getting on the road. In Ohio, getting a motorcycle license is a multi-step process.
Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)
Ohio Revised Code §4507.05 allows anyone at least 15 years and six months old to apply for a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). Applicants must pass a written knowledge exam and a vision test.
There are several important limitations on a TIPIC holder. Riders with a TIPIC may not:
- Ride without a helmet
- Transport passengers
- Drive at night
- Drive on an interstate highway or congested road at any time
Licenses for Minors
Before they can get a motorcycle license, a TIPIC holder under the legal driving age must complete the probational automobile driving license requirements. They must also:
- Hold their TIPIC for at least six months
- Take a motorcycle safety course
- Pass a motorcycle skills test
After completing these requirements, the applicant can receive a motorcycle license as long as a parent or legal guardian cosigns it.
Licenses for Adults
A TIPIC holder over age 18 must take and pass a skills test to get their motorcycle license. However, Ohio waives the skills test requirement for any adult who applies for their motorcycle license within 60 days of taking the official motorcycle safety course.
Novice Designation
All new motorcycle licenses come with a novice designation. This designation remains in effect for the first year that the motorcyclist holds their license.
Bike Equipment Requirements in Elyria
To legally operate a motorcycle on public roads, it must have headlights, taillights, and brake lights. Ohio law also mandates that every bike have a permanently attached seat or saddle. Motorcycles with handlebars that reach above the driver’s shoulders are banned from Ohio highways.
Regarding safety gear, Ohio law requires minors and novice licensees to wear a helmet while riding. However, it is recommended that all motorcyclists wear helmets to reduce the chance of injury in a biking crash. Additionally, the law mandates that all bikers wear protective eyewear, such as a helmet with a visor, motorcycle goggles, safety glasses, or a windscreen.
Motorcycle Operation Laws
Under Ohio law, two motorcycles are allowed to ride abreast in a single lane of traffic. The law does not explicitly ban lane splitting or riding between two vehicles driving in the same direction. However, if another driver causes an accident, a motorcyclist who was splitting lanes may be considered negligent and partly responsible for their injuries. A well-informed attorney can advise motorcyclists about these laws’ potential impact on their case.
Discuss Elyria Motorcycle Laws with a Knowledgeable Attorney
If you were injured in a biking crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be eligible to pursue damages from the at-fault parties. An attorney who understands Elyria motorcycle laws can help you to navigate the legal system successfully. Call a skilled lawyer at Tittle & Perlmuter today to seek the compensation you deserve.