Are you a motorcycle rider in Arizona? Staying up to date on the state’s motorcycle laws is essential. Arizona has specific rules covering everything from helmet use to lane filtering to minimum insurance requirements, and knowing how they work helps protect both your safety and your legal rights.
If you were recently involved in a crash, the Phoenix motorcycle accident lawyers with Rack Law Accident Lawyers are here to help you file a claim against the responsible party. We have over 40 years of combined experience and have already secured $200 million for our clients to date. Contact us today at (602) 661-6300 for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
How Rack Law Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Arizona
Rack Law Accident Lawyers is one of the most well-regarded personal injury law firms in Arizona. We’re passionate about fighting for the rights of motorcyclists in our local community because we understand the unfair biases riders face from insurance companies.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona, can help you throughout the process by:
- Investigating the circumstances of your accident and identifying all of the liable parties
- Collecting the evidence needed to prove your claim
- Calculating the full scope of your economic and non-economic damages
- Working with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts
- Handling all communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Negotiating for a settlement that reflects what your case is truly worth
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair agreement cannot be reached
Call us today for a free case review. Our trial lawyers work on contingency, which means you pay nothing in terms of attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists
One of the most common questions riders have is whether Arizona requires a helmet. Under A.R.S. § 28-964, only motorcycle operators and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. Adults 18 and older may legally choose whether to wear one.
That said, the decision to ride without a helmet can have consequences beyond personal safety. If you are involved in a crash and suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) while not wearing a helmet, the other side’s insurance company may argue that your injuries were made worse by that choice. Arizona’s comparative negligence law could reduce the amount of compensation you ultimately receive in these circumstances.
Note that Arizona law does require all riders to wear protective eyewear unless the bike is equipped with a windshield.
Lane Filtering vs. Lane Splitting in Arizona
Lane filtering is legal in Arizona under A.R.S. § 28-903.1, but the rules are specific and include:
- The posted speed limit on the road must be 45 mph or less
- All surrounding vehicles must be completely stopped
- The motorcycle must not exceed 15 mph while filtering
- The road must have at least two lanes traveling in the same direction
Lane splitting, meaning riding between lanes of moving traffic, remains illegal in Arizona. Riders who split lanes risk a traffic citation and potential complications with their personal injury claims.
Insurance Requirements for Arizona Motorcyclists
Arizona law requires motorcyclists to carry the same minimum liability insurance as other motor vehicle operators.
Under A.R.S. § 28-4135, the minimum coverage amounts are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
While these are the legal minimums, they may not be enough to cover serious injuries in a motorcycle crash. That’s why many riders choose to purchase additional coverage, such as UM/UIM insurance.
Additional Equipment and Licensing Requirements
Beyond helmets and insurance, Arizona has several other rules that apply to motorcycle operators. These include that motorcycles must be equipped with at least one headlamp, a rearview mirror, a seat for the operator, and footrests for both the rider and any passenger. If a passenger is present, the bike must also have a separate seat and footrests for them.
To legally operate a motorcycle in Arizona, riders must hold a Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on their standard driver’s license. Applicants are required to pass both a written knowledge test and a skills test, although they can complete an approved motorcycle safety training course instead as an alternative.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Phoenix Motorcycle Law Firm
Arizona’s motorcycle laws give riders certain freedoms, but they also come with responsibilities that can affect your legal rights after an accident. Learning about the rules of the road puts you in a better position if you ever need to file a claim.
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s actions, Rack Law Accident Lawyers is ready to help. Contact our Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
