Alabama has some of the toughest laws in the country for motorcycle helmets. Motorcycle helmet laws are in place to protect motorcyclists. At Warren & Simpson, PC, our lawyers have handled dozens of cases where the lives of motorcyclists were saved because they were wearing a helmet.

Alabama Helmet Laws You Should Know

You may be wondering, “Does Alabama have a motorcycle helmet law?” The answer is yes.

Alabama is one of the few states that has a universal helmet law. Alabama helmet laws require all people riding or operating a motorcycle to wear a helmet. This is different from other states that often have a minimum age, such as 18 or 21, above which a motorcycle rider has the right to choose not to wear a helmet.

The Alabama Director of Public Safety has the authority under Alabama helmet laws to set safety standards for helmets. Any helmet sold in Alabama should meet these requirements because it is illegal to sell a helmet that does not.

Other Motorcycle Safety Tips

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by distracted drivers or drivers who are not paying close enough attention to the road. Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, making them harder to see and more likely to be involved in an accident. Many motorcycle accidents occur when another vehicle pulls out in front of the motorcyclist and can lead to high levels of personal injuries.

Under Alabama law, 14-year-olds and 15-year-olds can legally operate a motorcycle if they have received a motorcycle license. Most states do not allow motorcycles to be operated by drivers who are less than 16 years old.

Responsibilities of Motorcycle Drivers and Passengers in Alabama

Motorcycle drivers have an obligation to follow all the rules of the road, including the additional laws put into place for motorcyclists. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Motorcyclists are prohibited from lane splitting or riding between lanes.

• Motorcyclists must add a valid motorcycle endorsement to their driver’s license.

• No more than 2 motorcyclists are allowed beside each other in a single lane.

• All motorcyclists must complete and pass a written test to operate their vehicle.

A motorcycle driver should be prepared to abide by these laws and rules before purchasing a motorcycle. Being involved in a motorcycle accident while not following these laws can damage your case in receiving compensation for injuries.

Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident? Our Expert Legal Team Can Help.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, get expert legal help immediately. Motorcycle accidents often involve serious medical bills and lasting injuries that may hinder your ability to return to work. File a claim as soon as possible to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries. To find out what you need to do to recover from all your losses, call Warren & Simpson now.