Whether you’ve been riding a motorcycle in Alabama for years or just received your license, staying up to date about Alabama motorcycle laws is essential to your safety. Motorcycle laws are in place to keep you safe on the road and help other drivers predict your behavior. Failing to follow these laws can put you at risk of an accident and losing your motorcycle license.
Read ahead to learn what to know about Alabama motorcycle laws.
Class M Endorsement Law
To operate a motorcycle in Alabama, you must have a Class M endorsement on your driver’s license. You can receive this endorsement by passing a motorcycle knowledge exam from the Department of Public Safety and participating in a safety class.
Any Alabama resident who is at least 16 can receive this endorsement. Residents who are 14 and 15 can instead obtain a B-restricted motorbike driving license, which allows them to ride lower-speed bikes weighing less than 200 pounds. These bikes are typically not suitable for highway riding.
Universal Motorcycle Helmet Law
Alabama has a universal helmet law, which requires anyone operating or riding a motorcycle to wear a compliant helmet. Your helmet must have a chinstrap and solid exterior layer to comply with Alabama law.
This law is not in place to restrict you. Instead, extensive research has shown that wearing a helmet while riding your motorcycle can prevent serious brain injuries and head traumas from motorcycle accidents.
Failing to comply with this universal helmet law can leave you with a misdemeanor charge, a $100 fine, and even a jail sentence of up to 180 days.
Footwear Law
Alabama law also requires all individuals riding and operating motorcycles to wear shoes.
While the law does not specify the type of shoes you must wear, we recommend wearing closed-toed shoes or boots with excellent traction. Wearing sturdy shoes can provide better control when riding in rainy conditions and protect your feet from burns if you accidentally touch them to the muffler or pipes.
Passenger Laws
Alabama also has laws in place for motorcycle passengers. For example, if you’d like to ride with a passenger, both riders must have separate seats and footrests. The passenger must also have handholds or straps to hold on to while riding.
Riding Specifications
Alabama law requires you to use the following accessories while riding your motorcycle:
- Side mirrors
- Daytime headlights
- Handlebars no more than 15 inches about the seat
Auto Insurance Laws
You must also carry the minimum auto insurance to operate a motorcycle in Alabama. State law requires all motorcyclists to carry the following liability insurance:
- $25,000 property liability
- $25,000 bodily injury liability for one person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability for two or more people
While these figures represent the minimum legal coverage, we recommend adding additional coverage to your insurance policy. For example, comprehensive coverage can provide funds if your motorcycle becomes damaged in an event other than a crash.
Lane Sharing Laws
Alabama law allows for two motorcycles to ride in the same lane side-by-side. However, attempting to fit more than two motorcycles in the same lane could become dangerous.
Additionally, lane splitting is illegal in Alabama. While this practice of riding between stopped traffic is common in many states, including Alabama, participating in lane splitting could leave you with a ticket.
Following the above Alabama motorcycle laws can promote your safety on the road and prevent you from getting a ticket, fine, or worse. However, if you have experienced a motorcycle accident, we can help. Contact Law Tigers today at 1-888-863-7216 to request your free case evaluation.
