Florida Motorcycle Laws You Must Know

Motorcycle Laws in Florida That You Need To Know

Florida law grants motorcyclists the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. Violating traffic laws by speeding, zipping between lanes, or riding while intoxicated puts everyone at risk. However, some Florida motorcycle laws apply specifically to riders and their passengers. You can do your part to prevent crashes by learning and obeying the rules. Unfortunately, you can’t count on other motorists to do the same. 

If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Zimmet & Zimmet is a Central Florida personal injury law firm with a 50-year history of bringing justice to accident victims when they need it most. Come tell us your story and learn whether you have a valid case. 

When you work with us, you get a Florida motorcycle accident attorney who sees you as a human being, not just a potential profit. Call us today for a free consultation. 

Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident someone else caused, Florida law allows you to seek compensation from whoever caused the crash. Most motorcycle accident claims are based on negligence, which means someone — usually another motorist— failed to act with reasonable care. While most motorcycle collisions involve other drivers, other parties, such as the makers of a defective motorcycle part or a government entity, could potentially be responsible. It all depends on the facts of the case.

To recover compensation in a motorcycle accident claim, you must prove the other party was at fault.  A successful claim can help cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Is Florida a No-Fault State for Motorcycle Accidents?

Florida’s legal definition of “motor vehicles” includes motorcycles. However, the state’s no-fault insurance law doesn’t apply to vehicles with fewer than four wheels. Even if you have no-fault insurance for your car, it will not pay benefits for motorcycle accident injuries. 

Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law

Florida motorcycle helmet laws say riders over 21 do not need a helmet if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for motorcycle-related injuries. Anyone under 21 must always wear a helmet with no exceptions. 

While failure to wear a helmet does not prevent you from filing a motorcycle accident claim, insurance companies could hold it against you when determining a settlement offer by arguing you contributed to your injuries or failed to reduce the risk of getting hurt. 

Florida Motorcycle Insurance Laws

Florida doesn’t require riders to purchase motorcycle insurance. Instead, you must show proof of financial responsibility to the DMV when you register your bike. You can satisfy this requirement by: 

  • Purchasing liability insurance
  • Getting a self-insured certificate from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
  • Getting a financial responsibility certificate from FLHSMV with proof of a $30,000 certificate of deposit and a power of attorney 

Your proof of financial responsibility shows you have the means to cover losses if you are involved in a motorcycle accident that causes bodily injury or property damage. 

Motorcycle Licensing and Endorsement Requirements

If you already have a Class E Florida driver’s license and want to add a motorcycle endorsement, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you must have held a learner’s permit for at least one year with no traffic convictions.
  • Complete a Basic Rider Course (BRC) approved by the Florida Rider Training Program.
  • Visit a driver’s license or tax collector’s office that provides licensing services.
  • Pay the required fees.

To obtain a motorcycle-only license, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you must have held a learner’s license for at least one year without any traffic convictions.
  • Successfully complete a Basic Rider Course (BRC).
  • Pass the Class E knowledge test.
  • Visit a licensing office to apply.
  • Pay the required fees.

Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Some key Florida laws regarding motorcycle safety equipment include:

  • Eye protection – Riders must have DOT-approved eye protection, such as goggles. 
  • Helmets – A helmet is mandatory for riders under 21.
  • Lights – A motorcycle must have a working headlight, brake light, taillight, and license plate light. Headlights must be on at all times when riding.
  • Mirrors – At least one rearview mirror is required, though most motorcycles have two. 
  • Horn – A motorcycle must have a horn that other road users can hear from at least 200 feet.

Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing Laws

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Lane sharing is when two motorcycles ride side-by-side in the same lane. In Florida, lane splitting is illegal, meaning motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes or weave through traffic. Doing so can result in a traffic ticket and may hurt your personal injury case if you’re involved in a crash.

However, lane sharing is legal if both riders agree to it. Two motorcycles can ride next to each other in a single lane, but no more than two abreast are allowed at one time.

Passenger and Cargo Regulations

In Florida, motorcycles can only carry passengers if the bike is designed for more than one person. That means it must have a dedicated passenger seat and footrests. Riding with a passenger on the handlebars or in front of the driver is prohibited.

Cargo must be secured properly and not interfere with the rider’s ability to steer, balance, or control the motorcycle. Carrying items in a way that blocks your view or affects your movement can be dangerous — and may also lead to fines or liability in a crash.

Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

Even when you do everything right, the actions of a negligent driver or other party could result in a devastating motorcycle crash. At Zimmet & Zimmet, we can help you pursue compensation for losses like medical bills, lost wages, mental distress, and more. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.