Following traffic laws is essential for the safety of everybody on the road. It is even more critical for bikers because motorcycles lack many safety features that protect other motorists on the road. Any crash can lead to severe injuries for motorcycle riders. Reducing the likelihood of a wreck means reducing the likelihood of injuries or even fatalities.
Remembering that you do not have to be a perfect victim is equally important. In a pure comparative negligence state, you can recover financially for an injury even if you broke the law. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand more about Metairie motorcycle traffic laws and the role they play in determining fault.
Bikers Need a Motorcycle Endorsement
Bikers do not need a special motorcycle license, but they do need a motorcycle endorsement on their state driver’s license. The motorcycle endorsement appears as an M on the license. To get the motorcycle endorsement, a rider must pass a motorcycle knowledge and skills test after having either a regular driver’s license or a learner’s permit. A biker can get a waiver to avoid taking the knowledge and skills test if they complete a Department of Public Safety, Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operators Training Program. Out-of-state bikers must follow motorcycle licensing laws from their home state.
Metairie Motorcyclists Must Get Their Bikes Inspected
Motorcycles must pass inspection to be street legal. When a person buys a motorcycle, they have 40 days from the date of purchase to get an initial inspection. After that, the motorcycles must be inspected yearly.
Bikers Must Carry Minimum Insurance
The state has minimum insurance requirements. In addition to $25,000 in property damage liability insurance per accident, the policy should include $15,000 for bodily injury liability for an accident injuring one person and $30,000 for bodily injury liability for an accident that injures two or more people.
Bikers are not required to carry collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or special equipment coverage. However, these available extra types of insurance can help protect riders financially in the event of an accident.
Metairie Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Helmets are mandatory throughout the state with a few exceptions, such as municipalities waiving the requirement for parades or other public exhibitions. The general rule is that all riders, regardless of age or experience level, must wear helmets.
The state also governs helmet design and features. It must be a specific motorcycle helmet with four components: lining, padding, a visor, and a chin strap. It does not have to be certified by any safety organization, but manufacturers must carry insurance for manufacturing, materials, or design defects.
Eye Protection
Bikers need to wear eye protection approved for use on a motorcycle. The time of day also matters. Bikers can wear tinted goggles during the day but not at night.
The law allows bikers to skip their goggles if their bike has a high enough windscreen. However, even with a windscreen, wearing protective eyewear can be a good idea.
Passengers
Bikers can carry passengers on their motorcycles. However, to do so, the motorcycle seat must be designed to fit two people, or the bike must have an additional seat and footrest for the passengers. While a biker can carry a child on their bike, the child must not be young enough to require a child safety seat while in a car.
Bikers have to be seated with one leg on each side of the bike and both hands on the handlebars. Motorcycle traffic laws in Metairie also regulate the bike’s handlebars, which cannot be above shoulder height when the driver is seated.
Lane Use
The law states Metairie motorcycle riders can use the entire traffic lane to ride or can choose to ride up to two abreast. They cannot drive between traffic lanes or rows of passenger vehicles, a practice known as lane splitting. Police officers get an exception to this law, but only when performing their official duties.
Learn More About Metairie Motorcycle Traffic Laws
Because of the state’s pure comparative negligence laws, determining fault in a motorcycle wreck is critical. While it may not impair your ability to recover compensation, it can impact your recovery amount. Schedule a consultation with an attorney to learn more about the relationship between Metairie motorcycle traffic laws and recovery in a motorcycle crash personal injury lawsuit.
