A Guide to Alabama Motorcycle Laws

For the most part, Alabama law treats motorcycles the same as other vehicles, meaning that riders must follow all the rules that car and truck drivers must obey. However, given their unique character, Alabama has some laws that apply specifically to motorcycles. Below are some of the most important Alabama motorcycle laws you should know before heading out on the road.

Read ahead to learn what to know about Alabama motorcycle laws. 

Class M Endorsement Law

To operate a motorcycle in Alabama, you must have a Class M endorsement on your driver’s license. You can receive this endorsement by passing a motorcycle knowledge exam from the Department of Public Safety and participating in a safety class. 

Any Alabama resident who is at least 16 can receive this endorsement. Residents who are 14 and 15 can instead obtain a B-restricted motorbike driving license, which allows them to ride lower-speed bikes weighing less than 200 pounds. These bikes are typically not suitable for highway riding.  

Alabama Motorcycle Helmet Law

Alabama has a universal helmet law, which requires anyone operating or riding a motorcycle to wear a compliant helmet. Your helmet must have a chinstrap and solid exterior layer to comply with Alabama law. 

This law is not in place to restrict you. Instead, extensive research has shown that wearing a helmet while riding your motorcycle can prevent serious brain injuries and head traumas from motorcycle accidents. 

Failing to comply with this universal helmet law can leave you with a misdemeanor charge, a $100 fine, and even a jail sentence of up to 180 days. 

Is Lane Filtering Legal in Alabama?

Both lane filtering and lane splitting are illegal under Alabama law. Up to two bikes can share the same lane side-by-side, but motorcycles cannot ride between moving or stopped traffic in the middle of the lanes. Lane splitting is a moving violation that can affect your license. 

Motorcycle Permit Laws

Like most other states, you need a special Class M endorsement on your license to operate a motorcycle legally in Alabama. The endorsement signifies that you have passed a knowledge exam and taken the required motorcycle safety course. You must be at least 16 to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. 

Riders aged 14 or 15 can receive a Class B restricted endorsement allowing them to operate low-speed bikes weighing less than 200 pounds. Riding a bike without your Class M endorsement is a misdemeanor which can carry up to a $100 fine. 

Footwear Law

Alabama law also requires all individuals riding and operating motorcycles to wear shoes. 

While the law does not specify the type of shoes you must wear, we recommend wearing closed-toed shoes or boots with excellent traction. Wearing sturdy shoes can provide better control when riding in rainy conditions and protect your feet from burns if you accidentally touch them to the muffler or pipes. 

Alabama Motorcycle Passenger Laws

Alabama also has laws in place for motorcycle passengers. For example, if you’d like to ride with a passenger, both riders must have separate seats and footrests. The passenger must also have handholds or straps to hold on to while riding. 

Riding Specifications

Alabama law requires you to use the following accessories while riding your motorcycle:

• Side mirrors
• Daytime headlights
• Handlebars no more than 15 inches about the seat

Alabama Auto Insurance Laws

You must also carry the minimum auto insurance to operate a motorcycle in Alabama. State law requires all motorcyclists to carry the following liability insurance: 

• $25,000 property liability
• $25,000 bodily injury liability for one person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability for two or more people

While these figures represent the minimum legal coverage, we recommend adding additional coverage to your insurance policy. For example, comprehensive coverage can provide funds if your motorcycle becomes damaged in an event other than a crash. 

Motorcycle Lane Sharing Laws

Alabama law allows for two motorcycles to ride in the same lane side-by-side. However, attempting to fit more than two motorcycles in the same lane could become dangerous. 

Additionally, lane splitting is illegal in Alabama. While this practice of riding between stopped traffic is common in many states, including Alabama, participating in lane splitting could leave you with a ticket. 

Motorcycle Insurance Laws

All motorcycle riders in Alabama must carry at least $25,000 in property liability insurance, $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, and $50,000 in bodily liability insurance per accident. The minimum requirements are often insufficient to pay for injuries fully after a crash, so the attorneys at Law Tigers typically recommend that riders carry more than the minimum coverage. 

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Following the above Alabama motorcycle laws can promote your safety on the road and prevent you from getting a ticket, fine, or worse. However, if you have experienced a motorcycle accident, we can help. Contact Law Tigers today at 1-800-LAWTIGERS to request your free case evaluation.