COVID-19 UPDATE: The Skolnick Weiser Law Firm, LLC operations continue uninterrupted. Click for More Information

Photo of the attorneys of The Skolnick Weiser Law Firm, all wearing protective masks

Call Us For A Free Initial Consultation
Local: 216-861-8888 – Toll-Free: 877-977-3476

Local: 216-861-8888 – Toll-Free: 877-977-3476

Personal Injury Law Is All We Do

Photo of the attorneys of The Skolnick Weiser Law Firm
  1. Home
    2.  – 
  2. Motor Vehicle Accidents
    3.  – Understanding Ohio Motorcycle Laws

Helping Motorcyclists Understand The Laws That Apply To Them

Knowing the laws and following them to the letter is an essential part of being a responsible motorcyclist. Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being in accidents on the roads. Therefore, all safety precautions should be taken at all times when riding.

At The Skolnick Weiser Law Firm, LLC, our attorneys have over 120 combined years of experience helping Cleveland-area residents with their motorcycle needs. From helping clients understand the laws and their rights to providing comprehensive representation after a motorcycle accident, we are here to help you with anything you need.

Defining A Motorcycle

There are several definitions that apply to motorcycles, motorbikes, motor scooters and more. The main definition of a motorcycle describes it as a motorized vehicle that drives on at least two wheels but no more than three wheels and has a saddle or seat for the rider to sit on. So both the traditional style of two-wheel motorcycles as well as the newer three-wheel version are classified as motorcycles. Also, the higher the cylinder capacity (CC) of the motor on a motorized vehicle, the more likely it is to be classified as a motorcycle.

Important Laws That Motorcyclists Need To Know

There are numerous motorcycle-specific laws that riders need to know when taking to the roads on their bikes, including the following:

  • In order to legally operate a motorcycle on the road, you must hold a motorcycle license or have a standard driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. The license or endorsement may be obtained by passing both a written and road test, much like obtaining a standard driver’s license.
  • You must have insurance on your motorcycle that covers the bodily injury of another in an accident or property damage suffered by someone else in an accident. This is the minimum required, though other policies that offer further coverage can also be held to protect yourself and your motorcycle.
  • Helmets are only required if the operator of the motorcycle is under the age of 18 or has a novice designation on their license. However, helmets are highly recommended in order to protect yourself in a crash.
  • The handlebars of your motorcycle must be attached to your bike and, if you’re traveling on the highway at a high rate of speed, handlebars may not exceed the height of your shoulders while sitting on the motorcycle.
  • Lane splitting and lane sharing are not specifically illegal, but great care must be taken when doing so. Ticketing riders for being careless with these actions is at the discretion of law enforcement.

Get More Information Today

To learn more about motorcycle laws, what to do after a motorcycle accident and how our firm can help, schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team today. Call our office at 216-861-8888 or toll-free at 877-977-3476. You can also send us an email using our online contact form.