If you ride a motorcycle, you must obey all the traffic laws. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. If you violate the law, you could get a ticket and your insurance rates will likely rise.
When you are even one percent at fault in an accident, you cannot collect damages. Therefore, obeying all laws governing motorcycles and their operators is essential. Do not take the risk of inadvertently doing something illegal while riding. Make sure you understand Prince George’s County motorcycle traffic laws before hitting the road. Reach out to a knowledgeable attorney to learn more about these regulations.
Riders Must Have a Motorcycle License
Anyone at least 15 years and nine months old can apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit. A person under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course before applying for a motorcycle license.
An applicant over 18 does not have to take the motorcycle safety course, but doing so eliminates some of the administrative requirements in getting a motorcycle license. An applicant who does not take the course must obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit, take a written test, and pass a skills test before receiving a Class M license.
A person with valid motorcycle licenses in other jurisdictions can transfer the license in some cases. An official at a Prince George’s County Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office can explain the motorcycle requirements in a specific situation.
Motorcycle Equipment Laws
All motorcycle riders must wear an approved helmet with the chin strap fastened while the bike is in motion. They also must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windscreen.
The motorcycle must have an affixed seat, and the operator must sit astride with one leg on each side. The biker cannot carry a passenger unless the seat is designed for two or there is a separate passenger seat. A passenger must have their own footrest.
All motorcycles must have a muffler. A motorcycle’s handlebars cannot extend over 20 inches above the operator’s seat. Operators in Prince George’s County may drive their motorcycles with helmet speakers in one ear but not both.
Laws Regarding Motorcycle Operation
According to Maryland Transportation Code § 21-1303, a motorcycle has the right to occupy an entire lane of traffic. The law prohibits a driver from impeding a motorcycle’s use of a full lane. Motorcycles can travel two abreast in the same lane.
The same law establishes that lane splitting is illegal in Prince George’s County and the rest of the state. A motorcycle operator may not pass a vehicle in the same lane or drive between two lanes of traffic or two lines of cars.
Any violation of these laws could establish a motorcycle operator was negligent and prevent them from collecting damages. There is one exception to that rule. If the motorcycle operator’s only fault was failing to wear a helmet, a defendant can not use that fact in a civil lawsuit to prevent the operator from collecting damages.
Contact an Attorney About an Accident Involving Prince George’s County Motorcycle Traffic Laws
When you obeyed all the rules, but another driver’s negligence caused you to suffer injuries in a motorcycle crash, you could have a claim for damages. An accident attorney can explain Prince George’s County motorcycle traffic laws and your legal options. Exercise your right to pursue damages. Contact a seasoned attorney today.
