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As a motorcycle rider, you need to be aware of all Ohio laws that impact your ability to own and ride your bike. From the rules surrounding riding gear to the differences in traffic laws for you and vehicles, you need to be fully informed of your responsibilities to keep yourself safe and avoid liability in an accident.
As the motorcycle rider, you will be placed under a microscope. Any possible mistake or violation of a traffic or safety law could lead to discussions of your negligence – something you want to avoid while seeking compensation from an at-fault driver. If there is evidence you did something wrong, you may not gain as much compensation for your injuries, or you may not receive any at all.
To learn more about Ohio motorcycle safety laws and how these could impact your motorcycle accident compensation claim, contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW.
Obtaining a Motorcycle License in Ohio
Ohio’s motorcycle safety laws begin with regulating who can operate a motorcycle. To drive a motorcycle or a scooter within the state, you must have a valid permit or license.
To begin the process of obtaining a motorcycle license, you must be at least 20 years and six months old, pass a written exam, pass a vision test, and then obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC). The TIPIC is valid for up to one year.
If you are over 18, you may take the motorcycle skills test or you can take a Motorcycle Ohio course, which waives the skills test if the course is completed within 60 days of obtaining your TIPIC. If you are a minor, you must have your permit for at least six months before you can take the final test and obtain your license.
Required Motorcycle Safety Gear
Ohio law requires minors under 18 and individuals of any age who have temporary instruction permits to wear a protective helmet that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Every other rider, meaning those who are 18 or older and have a full motorcycle license, are entitled to ride without helmets.
If you are in an accident and are not wearing a helmet, this could impact your claim and potential compensation. If you were legally required to wear a helmet and you were not, then this may be construed as contributory negligence.
An insurer or the other party’s lawyer may claim it was negligent not to wear a helmet even if you were entitled to go without. You should have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer help you deal with the potential complications that arise from foregoing a helmet.
Additionally, Ohio law requires you to wear eye protection unless your motorcycle has a full windscreen. This eye protection could be glasses, goggles, or a shield on a helmet.
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