For many people, riding a motorcycle is more than a simple means of transport. It’s a passion many in the motorcycle community share. The reason why many find the motorcycle so appealing is the fact you get the feeling like it’s just you on the open road.
But before you can experience the appeal of the open road, there are some rules you need to know. These rules are different from state to state as each one has a specific set of regulations to follow so you need to make sure you’re aware of them before hitting the road.
Today, we’re tackling the rules in Arizona. The state is often described as rider-friendly but that doesn’t mean the rules are optional. They can actually be quite strict, especially when it comes to certain areas, the first and most important one being safety.
If you’re an Arizona resident or you’re planning to take a motorcycle ride on its wide highways, it’s good to know the rules. These rules exist for your safety and the safety of those around you so it’s important to take them seriously.
Let’s take a look at what rules apply in Arizona and what your responsibility is as a rider.
Why motorcycle laws matter
As you’re probably aware, when you’re on a motorcycle, you’re far more exposed than someone in a car. You don’t have a metal frame around you, there are no airbags and that means you have no room to make errors.
Because of that, motorcycle laws are often designed with a mix of safety concerns and personal responsibility in mind.
Arizona consistently sees a high number of motorcycle crashes compared to many other states, partly because riding is possible almost year-round. In 2023, there were more than 3,500 motorcycle crashes and the number has only increased since then, especially in areas around the capital such as Chandler and Mesa.
The outcomes of motorcycle accidents are often severe as motorcyclists often disregard the basic rules of safety but we’ll talk more about that later.
Plus, you’re more vulnerable to the incoming traffic as cars and trucks often don’t see motorcycles in their blind spot(because they usually fail to check it). In such situations, enlisting a motorcycle accident lawyer is necessary as you need to make sure the guilty party gets fined for the accident.
Often, riders will avoid taking the accident to the authorities and will instead strike a deal with the driver but this is highly discouraged as any reckless driving should be reported.
This is not necessarily a rule you have to follow but more of a responsibility you have as a rider.
Rules that keep you out of trouble
We’ve listed out the most important rules below and no worries, we’ve only selected the most important ones so you should be able to absorb it all in.
Helmet laws
Every time you take out your motorcycle for a ride, your helmet should go with you. It’s as simple as that.
Helmet laws are usually the first thing riders ask about, and Arizona’s rules are clear but often misunderstood.
In Arizona, helmets are required for motorcycle operators and passengers who are under 18 years old. If you are 18 or older, the law does not require you to wear a helmet.
That said, we would actually like to encourage you not to leave the house without a helmet. Even though it’s not required by law, if something should happen, you could suffer a serious injury that could have fatal consequences.
From a practical standpoint, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of injuries and it can also help with seeking insurance afterwards as the insurance company will perceive your actions differently.
What Arizona law requires eye protection unless your motorcycle is equipped with a windshield. This applies regardless of age. Riding without proper eye protection may not seem like a big
Motorcycle licensing
In Arizona, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle on public roads without the proper license. Sure, it might seem like an obvious rule, but you’d be surprised at how many people completely disregard it.
This is another area where riders sometimes take shortcuts, especially those who are new or visiting from another state.
To legally operate a motorcycle, you must have either a motorcycle endorsement added to your existing driver’s license or a standalone motorcycle license.
Obtaining this endorsement typically involves passing a written knowledge test and a skills test, unless you complete an approved motorcycle safety course that waives the skills portion.
This requirement exists for a reason. Motorcycles are different from cars and just because you’re a pro at driving a car, it doesn’t mean you’ll do so well on a motorcycle. The written test doesn’t take too much time and it’s always better to take the test and ride around knowing you are licensed to do so.
Lane splitting and lane filtering
Lane splitting is one of the most debated topics in motorcycle law, and Arizona riders often hear conflicting information about it. In Arizona, lane splitting is illegal. That means you can’t ride between lanes of slow or stopped traffic, even if it seems safer or more efficient.
That’s probably the reason why most people opt for a motorcycle as they think they’ll be able to simply cut the long line of traffic and get to their destination as quickly as possible.
However, Arizona does allow a limited form of lane filtering under specific conditions. The rule is a bit lengthy so read carefully.
Lane filtering is permitted when traffic is stopped, the speed limit is 45 miles per hour or less, and the motorcyclist does not exceed 15 miles per hour while filtering. The point is to reduce rear-end collisions at intersections ultimately.
The bottom line
As a motorcycle rider, we hope you’re now better informed about the dos and don’ts of riding in Arizona. We tried to put focus on the most important rules that are invaluable for your safety. When on a motorcycle, you also carry a certain level of responsibility as you have to be properly licensed and wear all the proper safety equipment.
It’s also up to you to address any reckless driving you notice as by doing so you’re helping ensure everyone’s safety and not just that of your own.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.