What Riders Need to Know About Ohio’s Motorcycle Laws

Motorcycle safety is extremely important. We want bikers to enjoy their time on our highways, not end up injured, in a serious accident. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents still occur far too frequently in Northwest Ohio. Indeed, according to a report from the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), nearly 3,200 motorcyclists were injured in state in the year 2015 alone.

As riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risk, bikers need to know how to protect their safety. One of the best ways to do this is to follow all of Ohio’s highway safety regulations. To help promote increased safety, our experienced Toledo motorcycle accident lawyers highlight some of the most important things that bikers should know about Ohio’s motorcycle laws.

Motorcycle Lane Sharing is Legal

Under Section 4511.55 of the state’s legal code, Ohio has expressly made lane sharing legal. Under the law, up to two motorcycles are permitted to ride next to each other in the same lane, at the same time. Though, motorcycle lane sharing is not required under any circumstances; indeed, motorcyclists always have a legal right to occupy an entire lane by themselves.

Motorcycle Lane Splitting is Illegal

As it is in most other states, motorcycle lane splitting is banned in Ohio. There are no circumstances in which motorcyclists are legally allowed to ride between slow moving traffic. In fact, even if traffic is jammed, a motorcyclist may not legally ride between stopped vehicles.

Six Ohio Motorcycle Safety Regulations You Need to Know

1. All motorcycle seats, including passenger seats, are required to meet Ohio’s minimum safety standards. Bikers should always ensure that their seat is safe.
2. While motorcycle helmets are not always required in Ohio, riders must wear them if they are in their first year of being licensed to operate a bike or if they are under the age of eighteen. Though, even if not required, wearing a helmet is always in a biker’s best interests.
3. Proper eye protection is always required. If a motorcyclist lacks a helmet with eye protection, then they must have a windscreen installed.
4. Motorcyclists may not use headphones at any time while operating their bike.
5. To be allowed on the road, motorcycles must have mirrors, headlights and brake lights that are working, fully functional and that meet the minimum state standards.
6. Motorcycle handlebars must meet state regulations. This means that handlebars may not reach any higher than the shoulder of the biker, while he or she is in the sitting position.

Request Your Free Case Evaluation Today

At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, we have helped many injured motorcycle accident victims recover full and fair compensation for their damages. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, our team is standing by, ready to assist you. Please call us today at (419) 241-5500 to set up your free legal consultation. We serve injured motorcycle accident victims in Toledo and throughout Northwestern Ohio, including in Bowling Green, Fremont and Ottawa.