Thanks to its sunny climate, Arizona has become home to a large number of motorcycle enthusiasts. Riders take to the roadways every day, whether it is to run an errand or just for a pleasure ride. Motorcyclists have the same right to use the road as the drivers of cars or trucks, but there are some special regulations to be aware of.
Following Avondale motorcycle traffic laws is important, as it can help you avoid a dangerous crash. When accidents happen despite your best efforts, a skilled motorcycle accident attorney from Phillips Law Group can help.
Arizona law allows adult riders to make their own decisions about helmets, but the rule changes when a rider is under 18. Riders and passengers younger than 18 must wear a helmet at all times while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
Arizona also requires proper eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield. This means riders of all ages should wear goggles, glasses, or a face shield to not only protect their eyes but also prevent a rider from losing control and causing a crash.
Motorcycles must also have certain equipment to operate legally on Arizona roads. State law requires a working headlight visible from a distance, at least one rear-view mirror that allows the rider to see behind them, and functioning brake lights and turn signals. You can expect to be ticketed if your vehicle doesn’t comply with these rules.
Many riders in Avondale confuse lane filtering and lane splitting, but Arizona traffic laws treat these two actions differently. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of moving traffic traveling in the same direction. Riding in this way is explicitly against the law in Arizona.
Lane filtering is different, though. Lane filtering happens when traffic is stopped, and a motorcycle slowly moves between vehicles to reach the front of the line at an intersection. Arizona recently allowed limited lane filtering under specific conditions. Riders may filter between lanes of stopped traffic on certain roads when traffic speeds are low, and the motorcycle travels at a safe speed.
The purpose of this rule is to reduce rear-end collisions involving motorcycles. When riders filter forward rather than sit between cars, they are less likely to be struck from behind.
In Avondale, some of the most common motorcycle traffic law questions involve lane sharing. Lane sharing usually refers to two motorcycles riding side-by-side within the same lane, and Arizona allows this practice under the right conditions. In general, two riders can travel side-by-side in the same lane if they both agree to do so and can ride that way safely.
However, a motorcycle may not share a lane with a car or other passenger vehicle. That situation often creates confusion for drivers and leaves little room for evasive maneuvers if traffic suddenly changes.
To legally operate a motorcycle in Arizona, a rider must obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license or apply for a motorcycle-only license through the Arizona Department of Transportation. The process ensures riders understand the rules that apply specifically to motorcycles. Typical licensing requirements include:
With these requirements wrapped up, you can apply for a class M endorsement for your license.
Accidents can still happen despite your best efforts to follow Avondale motorcycle traffic laws. When these crashes occur, Phillips Law Group can help you seek justice. Call today for a confidential consultation.
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