Victorville Motorcycle Traffic Laws

Many Victorville residents own motorcycles and other motorized bikes, and knowing the traffic regulations and safety rules is essential. Understanding them helps prevent legal trouble and keep yourself safe by avoiding collisions while riding.

Unfortunately, even when you take every step to adhere to the regulations and safety rules, you are still at risk of motorcycle accidents caused by the negligence of other motorists. When that happens, you have the right to hold them responsible. Speak to a qualified lawyer at the Walter Clark Legal Group for more details about Victorville motorcycle traffic laws.

Licensing Requirements

Bikers must obtain a motorcycle license to travel within the state legally, and two types are available for residents. Those applying who are 21 years old or over must pass a vision, written, and riding skills test and pay the processing fee.

People between 18 and 20 must also complete an approved motorcycle safety training program and hold instructional permits for at least six months. Riders between 16 and 17, or 15 and a half for learner permits, must complete all the previous steps, a behind-the-wheel course, and have authorization and signatures from a parent or guardian.

M1 License

M1 driver’s licenses permit riders to operate:

• Standard motorcycles with two wheels
• Motorized bicycles
• Scooters
• Mopeds

M1 license holders may transport passengers and travel at any time. The second option sets additional limitations, including the type of vehicles they can operate.

M2 License

Individuals with their M2 license may lawfully operate motorized bicycles, mopeds, and scooters only. However, they may have additional restrictions regarding permission to carry passengers, traveling at night, and roadway limitations.

Helmet and Safety Gear Rules

California traffic laws adhere to a mandatory motorcycle helmet law, and traveling within the state without wearing federally approved safety helmets is unlawful. Operators and passengers should also wear face shields or eye protection at all times if not part of the headgear.

Approved safety helmets must meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines, including being sturdy with neck straps and weighing a minimum of three pounds. They are easily identifiable by looking for DOT stickers on the back. Failure to comply with the motorcycle traffic regulations in Victorville could lead to traffic violations and problems collecting damages for collisions caused by other drivers’ carelessness.

Rights and Responsibilities on the Roadways

As with all drivers traveling on California roads and highways, traffic laws prohibit motorcycle operations while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to the rules provided by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles, motorcycle operators have the same rights and responsibilities to the roadways as other drivers. However, they are more challenging to see, so other motorists must take additional care to prevent them from causing riders harm.

Riders must adhere to posted speed limits and other traffic and safety rules and regulations, such as stopping for signs and lights and giving the right-of-way when necessary. The statutes prohibit bikers from riding on the shoulder or sharing the lane with other cars to pass, also called lane splitting. A lawyer knowledgeable about Victorville motorcycle traffic statutes could review the laws and answer questions during an initial consultation.

Discuss Motorcycle Traffic Laws With a Victorville Attorney

Even the most cautious motorcycle operators, who comply with every law, could sustain severe injuries and other losses because of other motorists’ thoughtless actions. Unfortunately, motorcycles lack the same protections that other vehicles have, and you are more vulnerable to severe harm.

Knowing your rights and responsibilities on the roadways is essential for safe cruising. When someone else’s negligence causes a wreck resulting in your harm, you have the legal right to hold them accountable. Speak to a dedicated lawyer about Victorville motorcycle traffic laws and how they may impact your civil claim. Contact the Walter Clark Legal Group today to schedule a free consultation.