Motorcycle Accident Laws in Florida

Motorcycles are extremely popular in South Florida. Party because Florida is a great place to ride motorcycles year round. However, riding a motorcycle can be quite dangerous. Especially for persons who are unfamiliar with Florida’s traffic laws. When it comes to riding a motorcycle in Florida, it is crucial to understand Florida’s laws on motorcycles. In this blog post, we will provide a lot of valuable information that is helpful for both novice and experienced riders alike. We will also explain why it is important for riders to be aware of these laws and regulations in the event of an accident. Overall, after reading this blog post, riders should be able to avoid common motorcycle accidents and operate their bikes in a much safer manner.

How is a Motorcycle Defined Under Florida Law?

Florida law defines a motorcycle as any motorized vehicle with two or three wheels along with an engine 50cc or more. Mopeds and scooters are not considered motorcycles and require a regular driver’s license or a class E license.

Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP):

In the state of Florida, you must obtain a motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement before legally driving a motorcycle. All persons requesting a motorcycle endorsement are required to complete a basic motorcycle safety education course prior to being issued a motorcycle endorsement or “Motorcycle Only” license. The BRC provides the basic entry-level skills for new riders to begin practicing and developing the mental and motor skills important for safe street operation. The BRC has approximately five-hours of classroom instruction and 10- hours of on-cycle instruction. Both sessions are facilitated by experienced motorcyclists.

Personal Injury Protection or PIP Does Not Apply To Motorcyclists:

As you all know, Florida is a no fault state which means that personal injury protection or “PIP” applies to most car accidents. What you may not be aware of is that in Florida, PIP does not apply to motorcycle accidents. This is because Florida does not require motorcyclists to carry insurance that provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP), because motorcycles are not recognized as motor vehicles under Florida’s no-fault law. Likewise and for the same reason, motorcyclists are not required to purchase Bodily Injury (BI) coverage.

Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law Does Apply to Motorcyclists:

Florida’s Financial Responsibility Law applies to all motor vehicles in Florida, including motorcycles. Therefore, it is highly recommended that riders purchase a motor vehicle liability insurance policy. The law in Florida states that failure to carry property damage and bodily injury liability insurance in case of a crash, DUI conviction or other occurrences may result in loss of license, loss of tag and registration, and/or restitution or civil court judgment.

Operating Motorcycles on Roadways Laned For Traffic:

In Florida, all motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. However, the operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the car that is being overtaken. Additionally, no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

Motorcyclists Can’t Wear Headsets While Riding:

In Florida, no person is allowed to operate a car or motorcycle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing. However, motorcyclists are allowed to operate a motorcycle using a headset if it is installed in a helmet and worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the rider’s ears so that the rider can hear surrounding sounds.

Helmet and Eye Protection Requirements For Riders:

Remember, head injuries are reduced by wearing approved motorcycle helmets!Anyone under 16 years of age must wear a Department approved motorcycle helmet and may only ride as a passenger on any motorcycle, moped, motor-driven cycle regardless of engine size. A person is not required to wear a helmet while operating or riding upon a moped, scooter or other two or three-wheel motor vehicle 50cc or less, if at least 16 years of age. Anyone 16 years of age but less than 21 years of age must wear a Department approved helmet when operating or riding upon a motorcycle. If a rider is at least 21 years of age, they may ride a motorcycle without a helmet if they can show proof of medical insurance coverage in the amounts of at least $10,000.00 that will pay for injuries they may incur in a motorcycle accident. In regards to eye protection, all riders, no matter their age or insurance policy must wear eye protection when operating a motorcycle. Approved eye protection options include: goggles, glasses, and face shields. Overall, every rider should wear a safety helmet and keep their eyes protected every time they are on a motorcycle.

There are many important riding laws in the state of Florida that riders must follow. Many of the laws are extremely important for the safety of yourself and others around you. If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have a right to seek compensation for your losses. The Law Offices of Suarez & Montero Motorcycle Accident Attorneys is a personal injury law firm with locations in Miami and Broward. A motorcycle accident claim can seek funds that cover medical expenses, lost income and other damages. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Suarez & Montero can help those of you who would like to pursue a motorcycle accident claim. To discuss how we can assist you, call us or contact us online. We encourage you to learn more about and the successes our attorneys have had on behalf of individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injury in accidents involving motorcycles. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.