Savannah roads in general, present heightened dangers for motorcyclists, which is why specific motorcycle traffic laws exist to increase safety.
Knowing Savannah motorcycle traffic laws and Georgia motorcycle laws can save your life and strengthen your legal position if a negligent driver causes a crash. From helmet requirements to lane usage restrictions, the state imposes specific rules that differ from those of many other states. If a motorcycle accident injured you, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers could protect your rights.
Does the State Require Motorcycle Helmets?
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315, every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, regardless of age or experience. This motorcycle road law exists because helmets significantly reduce the chances of head injuries in Savannah crashes.
Failing to wear a helmet can also create disputes during an injury claim, since insurers may argue that head protection affected injury severity. Unless your motorcycle has a windshield, the state also requires DOT-approved eye protection or a helmet with a visor. Contact our team to discuss how these laws impact your claim.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in the State?
Georgia prohibits lane splitting, which is riding between lanes of traffic or passing vehicles in the same lane. This motorcycle law applies to all traffic situations in Savannah, except when police officers are performing official duties. Many motorcyclists assume lane splitting is legal because it allows them to avoid stopped traffic, but the state has not adopted this practice.
If you are lane splitting and a car strikes you, the defense and insurance companies will often cite the violation when disputing fault and damages. Our attorneys could investigate whether the other driver’s actions, such as an unsafe lane change without signaling, were the primary cause of the collision. Two motorcycles may legally ride next to one another in the same lane, which can improve visibility to other drivers when done safely.
Other Essential Motorcycle Requirements
The state requires all motorcycle operators to hold a Class M license unless they are at least 16 years old with a valid instructional permit. Applicants must pass written and road skills tests demonstrating competence in motorcycle operation. Additional requirements include:
- Always illuminating headlights and taillights, even during daylight hours
- Positioning at least one side-view mirror to give the operator a clear view behind the vehicle
- Having handlebars that do not exceed 15 inches above the seat
- Installing a proper passenger seat and footrests for motorcycles carrying passengers
- Having minimum insurance coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage
- Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a traffic lane
- All traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles in Savannah also strictly apply to motorcycles
Violating these requirements can result in citations that weaken your injury claim. Our motorcycle lawyers could assess how the at-fault driver’s violations contributed to your injuries, so contact our firm today.
Contact a Savannah Motorcycle Accident Lawyer About Traffic Laws
Even when you follow Savannah motorcycle traffic laws perfectly, negligent drivers can still cause devastating crashes. At Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers, we have recovered tens of millions for injured motorcyclists throughout the state’s coastal regions.
Our founder, Paul W. Painter III, has tried cases nationwide and understands how insurance companies defend these claims. As a former defense attorney, he knows their strategies and how to counter them. With over 20 years of combined experience and a 95 percent success rate, our firm represents injured clients with confidence. We are open 24/7 and work on a contingency basis, so contact our motorcycle accident attorneys online today for a free consultation.
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