The State of Florida has some very stringent laws governing the use of motorcycles, for Florida registered cyclists or regarding motorcyclists traveling in and around the state. Cyclists are required to obey these laws enacted in accordance with Florida Statutes.
Requirements that government motorcycles themselves as described but Florida Statutes are as follows:
Motorcycle are defined under 322.01(26) has more than 50cc displacement, seat or saddle, not more than 3 wheels on the ground, excludes moped or tractor:
License to operate a motorcycle require either a Motorcycle Only License, or Motorcycle Endorsement added to an existing driver’s license. Operators under 16 cannot operate a motorcycle over 150cc. Fla 316.2085(6)(a) or ‐rent a motorcycle 316.2085(6)(b)
Helmet requirements under Chapter 316: Persons under 21 years of age riding or operating a motorcycle must wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet fastened to head 316.211(1)
No helmet requirement for person(s) riding within an enclosed cab or any person 16 years of age or older who is operating or riding upon a moped or motorcycle with 50cc or less displacement or is rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and which is not capable of propelling such moped or motorcycle at a speed greater than 30 mph on level ground. 316.211(3)(a)
All persons over the age of 21 with medical insurance of a minimum of $10,000 may ride or operate a motorcycle without a helmet; proof of medical insurance is required……316.211(3)(b)
Eye protection requirements: Whether a helmet is worn or not worn, eye protect-ion is required by Florida law 316.211(2)
License plate: A motorcyclist may not conceal or obscure their license plate. The requirement that a motorcycle license plate be affixed horizontally is deleted. 316.2085 (3)*
Packages: No packages or bundles maybe carried which prevent both hands on the handle-bars 316.2085(4)
Maximum Handlebar height: Handlebars can be no higher than the top of the cyclist’s shoulders 316.2095(2)
Wheelies and/or Stunting: Wheelies or stunt driving on public roads is prohibited. Motorcycles must have both wheels in contact with the ground, facing forward, while cyclist is sitting with one leg on each side of the motorcycle 316.2085 (2)*
Lane Splitting/Lane Sharing: ‐No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic 316.209(3) No more than two may ride abreast in any lane 316.209 (4)
Standard Vehicle Equipment: Florida statutes govern all vehicles, motorcycles, cars and trucks to the same standard of being equipped with horns, turn signals, brakes, tires etc. in good condition.
Motorcycle License Endorsement: No driver license endorsement for motorcycle 322.03(4) *For a violation of 316.2085(2) or (3) above, reference statute 316.1926in comments to ensue enhanced penalties: 1st offense ‐ $1,000 fine 2nd offense ‐ $2,500 fine, 3rd offense – 3rd degree felony
Insurance required for motorcycles in Florida.
Under certain circumstances, insurance is required by law. Insurance is not required to register a motorcycle as with four wheel motor vehicles. However, if a motorcycle operator is charged in a crash with injuries, or has had certain violations in the operation of a motor vehicle, then the motorcycle owner or owner/operator can be held financially responsible for bodily injuries to others and property damage to the vehicles of others. If no liability coverage was in effect, then bodily injury/property damage liability insurance must be purchased and kept for three years under an S.R.22 filing to avoid license and tag/registration suspension or to reinstate license and tag/registration after suspension. (Section 324 F.S)
Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The laws governing motorcycles and their drivers have been set forth above as prescribed by Florida law. Failure to adhere to these important rules would not only constitute a violation of the Florida law but also can endanger motorcyclists and their passengers. Wood, Atter and Wolf is an aggressive and experienced Jacksonville motorcycle accident and injury law firm who have been representing cyclists and their passengers for over 50 years. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault you need to speak to one of our lawyers. We handle all types of accident with injury cases involving motorcycles, cars, trucks and semi-trucks. If you have been injured, you need the advice of a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims. Give Michael Atter or David Wolf a call at 904-355-8888. Our consultations are always free and there are no fees or costs unless we win money for you. Or visit our website at woodatter.com for more information.