Getting a motorcycle is exciting. You may be looking forward to taking in the spectacular scenery on the weekends or using your bike to ease your daily commute. Before you hit the road, however, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with Chandler motorcycle traffic laws.
It is also crucial to understand that motorcycles are dangerous, and accidents can happen even when you take all precautions. If you are involved in a crash and are injured, contact an attorney immediately. The skilled motorcycle accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group have decades of experience successfully helping local bikers get compensation for their injuries.
Licensing Requirements for Motorcycle Operation
Anyone can apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit if they are at least 15 years and six months old. Permit holders may not carry passengers and may not operate their motorcycles between sunset and sunrise.
Applicants who complete an approved motorcycle safety course or who hold an out-of-state license or endorsement need not take the Arizona written and road tests. Others must pass both tests in order to get a motorcycle license or endorsement.
Every person holding a motorcycle license or endorsement must update their photo and get an eye test every 12 years. Motorcycle licenses expire at age 65. A Chandler attorney can answer any further questions regarding the licensing aspect of motorcycle traffic laws.
Laws Governing Motorcycle Operation
Motorcycle operators must obey the same laws as anyone else using the road. They must adhere to speed limits, signal when turning or passing, pass safely, and obey stop signs and traffic signals.
Other traffic laws that pertain specifically to motorcycles are set out in Arizona Statutes § 28-903. This law allows motorcycles the full use of a lane of traffic but also allows bikers to ride two abreast. Lane filtering, which means passing stopped vehicles in the same lane, is permitted if:
- The road has at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction
- The speed limit does not exceed 45 mph
- The motorcycle travels at 15 mph or less while passing
Lane splitting, which means passing a vehicle in the same lane while the motorcycle and the vehicle are both moving, is illegal in Arizona.
When a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle collide, the insurer for the passenger vehicle driver might claim the motorcycle operator was violating the law. Therefore, it is critical for an injured biker to work with a skilled Chandler accident attorney who is familiar with motorcycle traffic laws. Phillips Law Group’s legal professionals can investigate the crash to collect evidence of the car driver’s negligence.
The Legal Impact of Disobeying Traffic Laws
When someone seeks compensation for injuries suffered in a vehicle accident, they must prove the other driver involved was negligent. An individual is negligent if they do not use reasonable care to avoid harm to others.
When law enforcement attends the scene of an accident and issues a citation, the ticket is evidence of negligence. Holding the individual who received the ticket liable is relatively simple. However, when an injured biker also receives a citation, obtaining fair compensation from the at-fault driver becomes complicated.
When both parties involved in a crash are negligent, a jury will determine how much of the blame each holds. If a biker is 30 percent responsible for a crash, they will only be able to collect 70 percent of the compensation they are owed. An attorney from Phillips Law Group experienced with motorcycle traffic laws can advocate for a Chandler biker to ensure they do not bear an unfair portion of the responsibility for a crash.
Speak With a Chandler Attorney About Motorcycle Traffic Laws
No matter how careful you are, motorcycle accidents can always happen. Strictly obeying Chandler motorcycle traffic laws cannot protect you completely from negligent drivers.
If you are hurt in a crash, you need a strong advocate to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. The team at Phillips Law Group is ready and able to help. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about motorcycle laws and explore your legal options if you have been injured in a crash.
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