Virginia Motorcycle Laws You Should Know

No matter where you’re riding, it’s a good idea to brush up on the state’s motorcycle laws. Most states have laws specific to motorcycles that you need to follow to remain legally compliant and avoid liability in an accident. Below are some important Virginia motorcycle laws that you should understand before riding. 

1. License Requirements

In Virginia, you must have either an M, M2, or M3 designation on your license to legally operate a motorcycle on the road. M2 is for traditional two-wheel bikes, M3 is the designation for three-wheel bikes, and M is the designation for both two-wheel and three-wheel bikes. You do not have to previously have a driver’s license to get a motorcycle license. 

To get a license, riders must be over 18 years old and hold their learner’s permit for at least 30 days. They must also pass a ridden skills test, a vision exam, and a written knowledge exam. If you are under 18 and want your license, you have to hold your learner’s permit for nine months first. Riding without your motorcycle license is a Class 2 Misdemeanor, which can carry fines and a prison sentence. 

2. Virginia Helmet Law

Virginia has universal motorcycle helmet laws, meaning that all riders, regardless of age or experience, must wear an approved helmet. Any helmet that meets the specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards, or the Department of Transportation is sufficient. You do not have to wear a helmet if you are riding a bike with wheels less than eight inches in diameter or that has an enclosed cab. 

Failing to wear a helmet is a Class 4 misdemeanor, the lowest type of offense in Virginia law. It can result in a fine of up to $250 but no jail time. 

3. Motorcycle Red Light Laws

Virginia commonly uses sensors to detect when cars are at intersections and change traffic lights. However, motorcycles are often too small to trip the sensors and make the light change. In these cases, Virginia allows motorcycles to ride through a red light as long as they first come to a full stop and wait at least two cycles or two minutes, whichever comes first. The rider must always yield right-of-way to other drivers. Generally, this law is for riding in rural areas where cars may not be as present. 

4. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Virginia?

Lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal in Virginia, so riders cannot ride between moving or stationary traffic in between lanes. Not only is lane splitting illegal, but Virginia considers it reckless driving, and it could land you a hefty fine and even jail time. Conversely, up to two bikes can share the same lane side-by-side without breaking the law. 

Contact Us at Law Tigers for Help with a Motorcycle Accident in Virginia

Be sure to review these Virginia motorcycle laws before your next trip, and we hope you’ll call us at Law Tigers for help with any legal motorcycle issues you face, anywhere in the U.S. At Law Tigers, we’re lawyers who ride and practice motorcycle law. Call us for a free case evaluation at 1-800-LAW-TIGERS, and don’t forget to sign up for your free rider benefit kit.