Motorcycle Laws

We are including a summary of the motor vehicle laws that apply to motorcycles for Arizona,  California, Nevada and New Mexico. This is only meant as a guide only; each rider must be aware of all applicable state laws and adhere to them. The Ride for the Heart Foundation makes no representations as to the accuracy of the information provided. Each rider must verify the laws for each of the states below.
 

Special Notice

All participating riders are expected to adhere to posted speed limits

 

Arizona Motorcycle Laws
 

Safety Helmet

Required by law under age 18

State Funded Rider Ed

Available for all eligible applicants

Eye Protection

Required by law unless equipped with windscreen

Daytime Use of Headlight

Modulating headlight permitted

Passenger Seat

Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Footrest

Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Age Restriction

None

Helmet Speakers

No Restrictions

Periodic Safety Inspection

Required by law-annual emissions, some areas

Mirror Left(L) Right(R)

One required by law

Radar Detector

No Restriction

Turn Signals

Not Required

Muffler

Muffler required; no cutout, bypass or similar device (28-955.01, Motorcycles; noise level equipment; unauthorized equipment).

Maximum Sound Level

Maximum allowable: A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel (R17-4-61. Motorcycle Noise Limits): Model Year/<=35mph/35-45mph/>45mph: Before 1972/84dba/88dba/88dba; 1972-1980/79dba/82dba/86dba; After 1980/76dba/80dba/83dba

State Insurance Requirements

Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/10)

Handlebar Height

Maximum of 15" above seat

Rider-Education Waiver

Skill & Knowledge Test

Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States

Yes

Accept RiderEd Completion Card From Other States

Yes

Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane

Yes. 13 AAC 02.427 - Driving motorcycles and motor-driven cycles on roadways laned for traffic (a) Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles may be driven upon a lane of a roadway, and no motor vehicle may be driven so as to deprive a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle of the full use of a lane. This provision does not apply to motorcycles or motor-driven cycles driven two abreast in a single lane by consent of both drivers; however, no motorcycles or motor-driven cycles may be driven more than two abreast in a single lane.

Lane Splitting

28-903. Operation of motorcycle on laned roadway; exceptions B. The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. C. A person shall not operate a motorcycle between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.

 
 


California Motorcycle Laws
 

Safety Helmet

Required by law

State Funded Rider Ed

Available for all eligible applicants - required under age 21

Eye Protection

Not Required

Daytime Use of Headlight

Required by law-modulating headlight permitted, required for vehicles manufactured during or after 1978

Passenger Seat

Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Footrest

Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Age Restriction

None

Helmet Speakers

Single earphone only

Periodic Safety Inspection

Required by law - random

Mirror Left(L) Right(R)

One required by law

Radar Detector

No Restriction

Turn Signals

Required by law

Muffler

Muffler required. No muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device (27150. Adequate Muffler Required).

Maximum Sound Level

Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel:1)Pre-1970..92dba; 2) After 1969, and before 1973...88dba; 3) After 1972, and before 1975...86dba; 4) After 1974, and before 1986...83dba; 5) After 1985...80dba (27201-27202. Motorcycle Limits).

State Insurance Requirements

Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/5) - Financial responsibility required. A driver involved in an accident who fails to prove existence of financial responsibility at time of accident shall have driver's license suspended for 1 year.

Handlebar Height

A person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.

Earplugs

No Restriction.

Rider-Education Waiver

Skill Test

Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States

Yes

Accept RiderEd Completion Card From Other States

No

Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane

Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

Lane Splitting

Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes


 

Nevada Motorcycle Laws
 

Safety Helmet

Required by law

State Funded Rider Ed

Available for all eligible applicants

Eye Protection

Required by law unless equipped with windscreen

Daytime Use of Headlight

Modulating headlight permitted

Passenger Seat

Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Footrest

Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Age Restriction

None

Helmet Speakers

No Restrictions

Periodic Safety Inspection

Not Required

Mirror Left(L) Right(R)

Two required by law

Radar Detector

No Restriction

Turn Signals

Required if manufactured in 1973 or after

Muffler

Muffler required. No cutout, bypass or similar device.

Maximum Sound Level

Max A-weighted sound level as measured at 50 feet: 1) 82dBA less than 35mph; 2) 86dBA more than 35mph.

State Insurance Requirements

Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/10)

Handlebar Height

Handgrips below shoulder height

Rider-Education Waiver

Skill & Knowledge Test

Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States

Yes

Accept RiderEd Completion Card From Other States

Yes

Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane

Yes. NRS 486.351 - Unlawful passing; driving abreast. 3. Motorcycles and mopeds may, with the consent of the drivers, be operated no more than two abreast in a single traffic lane.

Lane Splitting

NRS 486.351 Unlawful passing; driving abreast 1. A person, except a police officer in the performance of his duty, shall not drive a motorcycle or moped between moving or stationary vehicles occupying adjacent traffic lanes. 2. Except as provided in subsection 3, a person shall not drive a motorcycle, moped or trimobile abreast of or overtake or pass another vehicle within the same traffic lane.

 


 

 

New Mexico Motorcycle Laws
 

Safety Helmet

Required by law under age of 18, reflectorization required, required under age 18

State Funded Rider Ed

Available for all eligible applicants-required under age 18

Eye Protection

Required by law unless equipped with windscreen

Daytime Use of Headlight

Modulating headlight permitted

Passenger Seat

Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Footrest

Required if carrying a passenger

Passenger Age Restriction

None

Helmet Speakers

No Restrictions

Periodic Safety Inspection

Required by law-random

Mirror Left(L) Right(R)

One required by law

Radar Detector

No Restriction

Turn Signals

Required by law

Muffler

No acoustical criteria.

Maximum Sound Level

No acoustical criteria.

State Insurance Requirements

Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(25/50/10)

Handlebar Height

No Restrictions

Rider-Education Waiver

Skill & Knowledge Test

Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States

Yes

Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane

Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

Lane Splitting

Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

 


 

 

 

 

We wish you good luck and a safe ride!