Motorcycles are a means of traveling and experiencing roads in a unique way. If you are planning on going for a road trip, or just feel like cruising around, there are a few things you should know. The following article will inform you of what the motorcycle laws are in Ohio, and give you a few safety tips.
Ohio Motorcycle Laws and Regulations
- Motorcycle Requirements
- Fixed operator seat
- Muffler
- Turn signals, if motorcycle was manufactured 1967
- Cannot be louder than 82 dBA if you are riding 35mph or less, and cannot be louder than 86 dBA if you are riding faster than 35mph
- Handlebars cannot be higher than the rider’s shoulders, and cannot be more than 15 inches above the seat
- Side mirrors are required on each side of a motorcycle
- Passenger Regulations
- No passenger age restriction
- If carrying a passenger, a fixed passenger seat and footrests are required on your motorcycle
- Equipment Requirements
- Riders and passengers that are under the age of 18, or have had their license for less than a year, are required to wear a helmet
- There are no restrictions on helmet speakers
- Riders and passengers must wear eye protection, unless the motorcycle is fitted with a windshield
- License Restrictions
- Riders under 18 are required to pass a State-Funded Riders Education course to receive a motorcycle license or permit
- Riders who are under the age of 18, and only have a permit, cannot carry passengers, ride in the dark, or ride on limited access highways
- Minimum Insurance Requirements
- $25,000 bodily damage or death coverage for only one person involved in a crash.
- $50,000 bodily damage or death coverage for two or more people involved in a crash
- $25,000 property damage coverage
- Miscellaneous Laws
- No restrictions on daylight useage of headlamp
- No restrictions of radar detectors
- Motorcycles are subject to random vehicle safety checks by the police
Motorcycle Safety Tips
- Wear the proper equipment.
Wearing the right gear can make all the difference in term of both safety and comfort. Make sure that your helmet in US Department of Transportation (DOT) approved (should have a tag indicating DOT approval on the back of the helmet). Thick, durable clothing will protect you from the elements and might reduce injury if you crash. Wear heavy boots that come up above your ankles. This will make changing gears on your motorcycle easier, and might save you from having a broken ankle in case of a crash. - Know what to do in case of a crash.
Even the most experienced riders occasionally are involved in a crash. The best way to be safe during a crash, is by knowing what to do ahead of time. Keep relevant medical information on you when you ride, and put a first aid kit on your motorcycle (if possible). If you do crash, remember to keep calm and make sure that everyone who was involved in the crash is okay. - Buy appropriate insurance coverage.
Only carrying the minimum amount of insurance coverage can generate a lot of trouble for riders. It’s always better to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst when it comes to insurance. You should consider investing in policies such as:- Liability coverage should be considered a necessity. It will cover you if you are found liable for a crash.
- Uninsured motorist coverage will cover medical and repair costs if you crash into a motorist that does not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover all of your damages.
- Comprehensive coverage will compensate you for damages to your motorcycle that wasn’t vehicle collision related (like theft, weather damage, crashing into a tree, etc.).
Additional Resources
- Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual
- Ohio Law regarding the operation of motorcycles
