Riding a motorcycle along scenic Louisiana highways can be fun and exhilarating, but it’s important to remember that Louisiana has enacted motorcycle laws to help keep riders and other motorists safe. You need to know and comply with these laws before taking to the open road for your safety.
Our Lafayette motorcycle accident attorneys are here to teach you about the rules of the road for motorcyclists in Louisiana.
Before You Ride
You must first be sure your motorcycle is street-legal. Before you can put your bike on the road, it must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, a horn, turn signals, and rearview mirrors on each side.
You must also register your motorcycle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles before riding. Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines and penalties.
Handlebars must be at or below the operator’s shoulder height. Your bike must also have a permanent, uniform seat and footrests for passengers. All riders must ride facing forward with one leg on each side of the bike.
You Must Wear a Helmet and Eye Protection
Louisiana law requires that your bike have a windshield tall enough to help protect your eyes, or else that you wear a helmet with a visor or other proper eye protection.
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:190, all motorcycle riders, including passengers, are required to wear a helmet that meets specific standards. When purchasing a helmet, ensure it meets all federal safety standards and displays the DOT symbol on the back.
Traffic Lane Laws You Need to Know
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:191.1, motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a traffic lane. They are also permitted to ride next to another motorcycle in one lane of traffic. However, no more than two motorcycles can ride side by side in a lane.
Motorcyclists are not allowed to pass a vehicle in the same lane. Additionally, although lane splitting is legal in some states, it remains illegal in Louisiana.
Riding With Passengers
Louisiana Revised Statutes 32:191 provides additional requirements for riding with passengers. You cannot share a seat unless the motorcycle is designed for two people to ride. You should also be aware that you cannot ride with a child who is under the age of five or who is required to be in a child safety seat when riding in a car. Any child who is legally permitted to be a passenger on a motorcycle must wear an appropriately sized helmet.
Insurance Requirements
Louisiana law requires all motorcyclists to purchase liability insurance to pay damages caused to another party in an accident. The minimum amount of coverage needed is:
- $15,000 for bodily injury to one person in an accident.
- $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more people in an accident.
- $25,000 for property damages in an accident.
These minimum coverage amounts can be insufficient in the event of a serious accident. You should consider purchasing higher liability coverage. Additionally, you may buy uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as well as coverage for damage to your motorcycle.
How Anderson Blanda & Saltzman Can Help You
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Louisiana motorcycle accident caused by another party, you may have the right to recover compensation for your damages. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents and will work hard to deny, delay, and devalue your claim. You need the assistance of an experienced Louisiana motorcycle attorney to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
At Anderson Blanda & Saltzman, our personal injury attorneys in Lafayette have the experience, skills, and resources to help you recover maximum compensation for your damages. Schedule a free consultation by calling (337) 233-3366 or by visiting our contact page now.