Maryland New Motorcycle Law Coming

Just like other states, Maryland regulates motorcycle activity to ensure the safety of riders and other motorists. Maryland’s state legislature regularly updates state laws. In fact, the 2025 legislative season will see the implementation of several laws that either directly affect or are relevant to motorcycle riders. It is in your best interest to stay up to date on Maryland’s new motorcycle laws so you can remain safe and in compliance.

House Bill 102 (HB 102)

HB 102 went into effect this past October 2024 and updates Section 21-1302 of the Maryland Transportation Code, which governs passengers on motorcycles. According to HB 102, all passengers on a motorcycle seat designed for two or more riders must ride with their feet on appropriate footrests. The only exception to this law is for passengers who have a permanent disability that keeps them from placing their feet on the footrests. The point of this legislation is to reduce the risk of passenger fatalities in motorcycle accidents by ensuring they have appropriate seating equipment.

House Bill 513 (HB 513)

HB 513 originally went into effect in June 2024, but additional changes became active on January 1st, 2025. The bill concerns road worker safety and lays down several new provisions governing speed limits and safety near road work zones. Specifically, the law:

• Allows for multiple speed cameras in road work zones
• Updates signage and lighting requirements
• Increase fines for speeding in work zones

In June 2024, fines for speeding in work zones increased from $40 to $80. In January 2025, the state introduced a new sliding scale for fines between $60 and $500, where the fine is based on the offender’s speed. The fine is doubled if a rider is speeding when workers are present. This new fee schedule applies to all motor vehicle operators, including motorcyclists.

House Bill 229 (HB 229)

HB 229 went into effect on January 1st, 2025, and made some minor changes to the automobile insurance industry. The law requires all motor vehicle insurance providers to participate in the state government’s online vehicle insurance policy verification program. It also requires insurance providers to regularly provide the administration with information about active insurance policies in an electronic format. This bill will likely have little effect on motorcycle riding in Maryland but could potentially cause changes in your motorcycle insurance policy.

Updates to Noah’s Law (HB 105)

In 2016, the state legislature passed Noah’s Law, which required the use of interlock ignition devices (IIDs) for DUI offenders. HB 105 updates the law by expanding the IID requirements and making IID installation mandatory for a larger subset of first-time DUI offenders. The bill also establishes that offenders can install IID early to reduce the total required installation period. The point of the updates is to further strengthen Maryland’s drunk driving laws and recognize that even first-time DUI offenders may need proactive management. Keep in mind that installing an IID on a motorcycle may require special modifications.

Do I Have to Wear a Helmet While on a Motorcycle in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland still has universal helmet laws requiring all riders to wear head protection, regardless of age or experience. In the 2024 season, the legislature introduced House Bill 639, which would have established a helmet law exception for riders who are 21, have at least two years of riding experience, and have completed an approved motorcycle safety course. However, the bill never made it out of committee, so Maryland’s universal helmet laws are still in effect. There may be further attempts to relax the state’s helmet laws in the future.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, our legal team here at Law Tigers is ready to help. For decades, we’ve helped defend the rights of wronged motorcycle riders by providing skilled representation and sound legal advice across the United States. To get a free case evaluation or to schedule your free consultation, call us at Law Tigers today at 1-800-529-8443.