Georgia Motorcycle Laws – What Every Rider Should Know

Part of staying safe while riding a motorcycle in Georgia is following the state’s motorcycle laws. Not only does following the law help you stay safe and avoid traffic tickets, but doing so also helps you make a stronger case for compensation should a crash occur. Here are the key motorcycle laws every Georgia rider should know.

Georgia’s Motorcycle Helmet Law

Georgia’s motorcycle helmet law (Section 40-6-315 of the Code of Georgia) is easy to remember: all riders and passengers must wear a helmet at all times. The law applies regardless of a rider’s age or experience. Furthermore, the helmet must meet federal safety standards. Look for a DOT sticker on the exterior of the back of a helmet to make sure it meets federal guidelines.

Required Safety Equipment for Motorcycles

All Georgia motorcycles must have specific safety features. Riders and passengers must also wear specific safety gear when riding. The required equipment includes:

• Helmets and Eye Protection – As previously noted, all riders and passengers must wear helmets when riding in Georgia. However, riders and passengers must also wear goggles if their helmets don’t include face shields.
• Passenger Seats – Riders can only carry passengers if their motorcycle has a built-in passenger seat. The motorcycle must also have footrests for the passenger.
• Footwear – Riders and passengers must wear proper footwear to keep their feet from slipping off the motorcycle’s footpegs.
• Motorcycle Handlebar Heights – A motorcycle’s handlebars cannot rise more than 15 inches above its seat.
• Mirrors and Lights – All motorcycles must have at least one side-view mirror. They must also have headlights and taillights, and riders should turn their headlights and taillights whenever they ride (even during the day).

Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Just like drivers, Georgia motorcycle riders must have liability insurance to cover injuries or property damage they cause. The minimum liability insurance requirements in Georgia are:

• $25,000 for injuries to a single person in an accident.
• $50,000 for injuries to multiple people in a single accident
• $25,000 in property damage coverage

Motorcycle Traffic Laws

Motorcycles must follow the same laws as anyone else on Georgia roads. This also means motorcycle riders have the same rights as anyone in a car or truck. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to motorcycles in the same scenarios in which they would have to yield to a car, and vice versa. However, drivers don’t always look for motorcycles, so riders should be extra cautious in heavy traffic.

Lane Splitting in Georgia

Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of slow or stopped traffic. While many motorcycle safety advocates argue lane splitting helps prevent accidents, the practice is illegal under Section 40-6-312 of the Georgia Code. However, two riders can ride side-by-side in the same traffic lane, which helps make them more visible and helps prevent collisions.

What to Do After a Georgia Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents happen even to riders who follow the law. Follow these steps if a crash occurs to protect your health and legal rights:

• Call 911 to alert the police and summon emergency medical help
• If possible, ask the driver who hit you for their name, contact information, vehicle registration number, driver’s license number, and insurance information
• See a doctor immediately and tell them about all your symptoms
• Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments
• Do not discuss your case publicly, particularly on social media
• Make and save copies of your medical records and any accident-related expenses
• Talk to a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer about your case

An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and work with you to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Georgia Motorcycle Lawyer Today

Knowing and abiding by Georgia motorcycle laws can go a long way toward helping you avoid motorcycle accidents. Still, no matter how careful and skilled you are, you can be hit by a negligent, careless, or inexperienced driver, causing catastrophic injuries and property damage.

Law Tigers is here to help. We are a national association of independent motorcycle accident lawyers representing riders across the United State. Our consultations are always free, and we work on a contingency basis to help riders receive fair compensation and protect their rights in the aftermath of an accident. Contact us at 1-888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation.