Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx & Queens, New York

Rules of the Road for Motorcycles

Motorcycles are gaining in popularity across the nation, in large part due to fuel efficiency in the face of gasoline prices. In addition, New Yorkers in particular find motorcycles to be a great alternative to the limited and costly city parking needs of automobiles.

Of course, motorcycles can also be far more dangerous to drive than a car. (If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, experienced motorcycle accident attorneys like those at Manhattan, New York's Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., can give you important information about compensation.)

The potential for severe injury and death is certainly higher for drivers of motorcycles in the event of a motorcycle accident. That is why knowing and abiding by the motorcycle safety rules in your state is essential.

New York Motorcycle Laws

Following are just a few of the motorcycles rules in place for New York State:

Helmets - Motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets that are U.S. Department of Transportation-certified. In addition, New York law states that the helmet must have a 4-inch square reflector on it. (Helmets can go a long way toward preventing traumatic brain injury in the event of an accident.)

Eyewear - Motorcyclists must wear some sort of eye protection, preferable goggles or face shields. Prescription glasses are allowed if they meet certain standards.

Carrying a Passenger - A permanent passenger seat and footrests are necessary if a motorcyclist is carrying a passenger. There is no age requirement for passengers in New York State.

Annual inspections - Inspections of the motorcycle must be completed at least once every 12 months at a Department of Motor Vehicles-licensed business.

Equipment requirements - All motorcycles driven in the state of New York must have these essential pieces of equipment:

• Horn
• Muffler
• Headlights and taillights
• License plate light
• Stop lamp
• One red rear reflector
• Blinkers (some exceptions do exist, check with the Department of Motor Vehicles)
• Brakes on both wheels (on models later than 1971)
• One rearview mirror mounted to a handlebar
• Handlebars no higher than 15 inches from the seat

Lane Specifications - Motorcyclists can have full use of an entire lane at all times. However, motorcycles may not ride more than two side-by-side in any lane. Driving between cars and passing in the same lane occupied by another vehicle (lane splitting) are not allowed.

Would you like to learn more about motorcycle accidents relating to a personal injury lawsuit? Please contact the knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorneys for Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Newy York City, Long Island, and all of New York at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C.

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