Motorcycle law is the term used to encompass several rules, restrictions, and penalties that must be followed by those who choose to ride motorcycles. In many places, motorcycle law includes different laws from those governing automobiles and additional requirements for drivers and passengers alike.
Motorcycles offer advantages to those who wish to travel around cities or otherwise navigate through congested areas. Still, they also come with a much higher rate of injury and death per mile driven than other vehicles, including cars or trucks. This means that following motorcycle laws in Massachusetts are extremely important both for the safety of the riders themselves and those sharing the road with them. Here are some key benefits that can be seen across almost all jurisdictions that have implemented motorcycle laws:
Mandatory Motorcycle Training and Licensing
To ride a motorcycle, you must be certified and licensed to do so. This training is designed to familiarize riders with the particular operational characteristics of motorcycles and ensure they have the knowledge and experience necessary to operate them safely. It can also include information on knowing your responsibilities as a motorcycle rider, such as obeying all traffic laws, including speed limits, and how best to share the road with other motorists.
Helmet Requirements
If you wish to ride a motorcycle, you will need either a helmet or some form of eye protection no matter where you are in; this means not just on highways but on city streets and rural roads alike. Motorcycle helmets offer an additional layer of safety for riders who may otherwise suffer severe injuries during an accident.
Motorcycle-Only Roadways
In some areas, motorcyclists can use only certain highways or roads as part of motorcycle law. These routes may be marked as such and can also be found in large cities where they help reduce congestion and offer a way for riders to avoid heavy traffic and its related problems.
Motorcycle Parking
Localities that enforce motorcycle laws may provide specific locations where motorcycles can be parked legally at restaurants, stores, and other locations open to the public. These specially designated spaces are reserved for those using motorcycles or scooters. Finding parking places can be difficult; this is especially true if you live in an apartment building that does not allow them inside their garages.
Insurance Requirements
Some jurisdictions require additional insurance for motorcycle riders to ensure they are covered in case of an accident, even if existing automobile insurance policies might otherwise cover them. This is particularly true when riding between states or on certain roadways that offer different levels of coverage based on the jurisdiction you are in at any given time.
These laws can vary from place to place, but they exist for a singular purpose: to help ensure the safety of motorcycle drivers and their passengers, as well as those sharing the roadway with them. If you ride a motorcycle, it is important to know what your local laws say so you can follow all necessary precautions and remain safe while enjoying this exhilarating form of transportation.
Motorcycles are a great mode of transportation, but they are also extremely dangerous. Motorcycle laws in various states and provinces worldwide affect everyday motorcycle riders. However, it should be noted that, almost without exception, these laws were created for road safety to ensure motorcycles are driven or ridden safely.
Recent changes in technology mean that not only is there more than one type of motorcycle on the roads, but also improvements in engine and transmission performance mean motorcycles can reach speeds never experienced before by motorcyclists.