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Motorcycle Law: Grab Life by the Handlebars

May 21, 2021 | Allen A. Ritchie

Allen's Answers

 

If you have to ride, it seems that you just have to ride. With the temperature up, I wanted to mention a few Alabama motorcycle laws in the hope of keeping you safe.

First, you must wear a helmet in our state. It is not only the legal thing to do, but it is also the right thing to do.

Here are some facts I have come across in my legal work.

  • Helmets save roughly 2,000 lives a year in the U.S.
  • Helmets reduce the risk of death by about a third.
  • Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by roughly two-thirds.

Another law is that you cannot legally operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic in our state. This maneuver is not only dangerous but also makes you likely to be caught. Remember, when traffic is backed up, there is likely a trooper nearby.

Here is a state law that is both fun and legal. You can ride two abreast in a single lane in Alabama. But only two, not three.

You do need a special license to ride a motorcycle in our state. It used to be true that a regular driver’s license would do. But not anymore.

And finally, in Alabama, you cannot drive a motorcycle without shoes. Seriously, this is the law, but who would want to try stopping 400 pounds of metal barefoot? Apparently, someone tried.

I usually come into the picture when things have gone wrong, often very wrong. I would much rather hear about your trip after you return home safely.

If you suffer a personal injury like an auto/motorcycle accident or slip and fall, you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet. We are mostly working remotely but are always available.

Also, join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We will take your calls live. We are experimenting with new ways to do the show and still follow the CDC guidelines. You might want to see what we have come up with.

Allen Ritchie

Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer

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