As an Arizona motorcyclist, you have a responsibility to know and understand the state’s unique motorcycle laws. Every state has slightly different laws surrounding motorcycle licensing, equipment, insurance, and traffic navigation. Knowing these laws for Arizona can help you stay safe on the road and avoid a ticket.
Arizona Helmet Laws
Helmet laws are some of the most important laws you need to know when riding your motorcycle in any state. Some states require helmets at all times, others require certain riders to wear them, and some have no laws surrounding helmets.
In Arizona, all riders under 18 must wear a helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle. The motorcycle must be DOT-approved.
Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet in Arizona. However, we highly recommend wearing one anyway. Fatalities are much more common in accidents where riders do not wear helmets.
Laws About Protective Gear
You must have some sort of face protection while riding your motorcycle. If your bike has a protective windshield, this shield can suffice instead of wearable protection. However, if your bike does not have a windshield, all riders must wear protective goggles, glasses, or face shields while riding.
Motorcycle Equipment Laws
According to Arizona motorcycle laws, your bike must include basic safety equipment to be street legal. This equipment includes the following:
- A seat for the driver and any passengers
- Footrests
- At least one rearview mirror
- Turn signals (or, if absent, the use of hand signaling)
- Taillights
- Front and rear brakes
- A horn
- Two mirrors
Motorcycles must also contain the original mufflers from the manufacturer or noise reduction parts to maintain the original noise level.
Minimum Liability Insurance Laws
You must have minimum liability insurance to operate your motorcycle in Arizona. If an officer finds that you do not carry this insurance, you risk having your license revoked and paying fines.
The minimum liability insurance coverages are as follows:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
We recommend talking to your insurance agent about other coverages that can protect you as a motorcyclist. Getting into an accident without the proper insurance coverage can leave you without the necessary funds to cover medical bills and property damage.
Arizona Licensing Laws
If you want to obtain a motorcycle license in Arizona, you must follow the state’s specific process. You can ride your motorcycle on the road once you receive a Class M endorsement on a regular driver’s license. You must be 16 or older to obtain a full motorcycle license, while those 15.5 years old can receive a permit valid for seven months.
To receive a Class M endorsement, you must pass a general knowledge and on-bike skills test. You must also pass a vision test.
Once you receive a Class M endorsement, it will be valid until you turn 65. You will also need to retake the vision test every 12 years.
Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting Laws
Lane splitting, or the practice of riding your bike between lanes of moving traffic, is prohibited in Arizona. However, the state passed a law in 2022 to allow lane filtering under specific
circumstances. Bikers can filter between two lanes of stopped traffic facing the same direction if the posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour or less and the biker travels at 15 miles per hour or less.
Knowing these Arizona motorcycle laws can keep you safer on the road. If you ever become an accident victim, contact our Law Tigers team at 1-888-863-7216 for a no cost consultation. And here’s another important tip. Get your FREE Law Tigers Rider Benefit Kit.
