Despite only making up 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, motorcycles are involved in approximately 14% of traffic-related fatalities. Motorcyclists have a significantly higher chance of being in a fatal or severe accident than drivers of cars.
Whether you’re just passing through or live in the Pelican State, sticking to the various Louisiana motorcycle laws will keep you and others on the open road safer.
Licensing and Inspection
If you’re a Louisiana resident, you’ll need to have the relevant motorcycle endorsement from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle before you can get on your bike. This endorsement requires you to pass a motorcycle knowledge exam and on-site skills test, and if you succeed, it will become a part of your primary driver’s license.
All recently purchased motorbikes need to undergo an inspection within 40 days of purchase. Once you get an inspection sticker, you must register your bike and pay the applicable taxes before hitting the road.
Louisiana’s Motorcycle Helmet Law
Both riders and their passengers must wear approved protective gear while riding a bike.
According to Louisiana regulations, approved headgear contains:
- Adequate padding for weakening the force of head collisions
- A protective visor
- A chin strap that firmly attaches the helmet to the head
- Lining to ensure the rider’s comfort while wearing the helmet
While wearing a complete set of protective gear is the best option, simply wearing a helmet can save lives. Research consistently shows that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of severe head injuries by 69% and reduce the risk of fatalities by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers.
Eye Protection Laws
In Louisiana, motorcyclists must wear eye protection unless their motorcycle has a windshield that provides sufficient protection. The eye protection must be designed specifically for motorcycling, such as goggles or a helmet visor. If your motorcycle has a windshield, it must be high enough to deflect these hazards away from your eyes.
Traffic Lane Laws
According to Louisiana laws, motorcycle riders have the right to fully use all traffic lanes.
However, certain restrictions apply, and you’re not allowed to:
- Overtake a vehicle by passing in the same lane, unless you’re a police officer performing official duties
- Operate a bike between traffic lanes or by moving through queues of vehicles down the center line
- Ride your motorcycle alongside two other motorcycles in one lane
Footrest and Handlebar Laws
State law also requires motorcycles to have footrests for both the rider and any passengers. Passengers must use these footrests while the motorcycle is in motion to ensure stability and safety. Additionally, the law regulates the height of handlebars on motorcycles. The handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulder height when seated on the motorcycle. This regulation exists to help ensure that the rider maintains proper control of the motorcycle and to prevent unsafe riding positions that could lead to accidents.
Riding with Children
Young children who require a child safety seat cannot ride on a motorcycle, according to the law. Children must be at least five years old, fit properly in the passenger seat, and wear a protective helmet at all times.
Seating and Required Safety Equipment
Louisiana law stipulates that both the rider and any passengers must sit on a “permanent and regular seat” designed for one person or a seat specifically designed for two. This means the motorcycle must have a proper seat for the operator and, if carrying a passenger, a separate seat or a seat big enough to accommodate both. Passengers must ride on a seat behind the operator or, if the motorcycle is equipped for it, in a sidecar. All riders and passengers must also wear a helmet that meets the safety standards set by the state.
Louisiana’s Distracted Driving Law
In Louisiana, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read text-based communications or to access, read, or post on social networking sites. This law applies to all public roads and highways in the state. Exceptions include emergency personnel performing official duties and drivers using a device for navigation or to report emergencies.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident
While complying with Louisiana motorcycle laws can keep you safe, they can’t completely protect you from accidents. If you’ve suffered from injuries after a biking accident, call Law Tigers at 1-888-863-7216 to find a motorcycle lawyer near you.
