Motorcycle Safety Laws in Virginia

If you ride a motorcycle in Virginia, it’s crucial to obey the commonwealth’s laws on required safety equipment, practice safe riding habits, and have the proper license and insurance. Following the motorcycle safety laws in Virginia can protect yourself and others from devastating harm. 

Are Motorcycle Helmets Required in Virginia?

Virginia law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear protective helmets at all times. These helmets must meet safety standards from the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The only exception to this rule is for motorcycles with a wheel diameter of eight inches or less and three-wheeled motorcycles or autocycles with non-removable roofs, windshields, and enclosed bodies. Drivers and passengers in these vehicles do not need to wear helmets, though wearing one is still a good idea.

What Other Items Should a Motorcycle Rider Wear to Keep Themselves Safe?

When you’re riding a motorcycle, safety should always come first. While wearing a helmet is essential, other pieces of gear can make a big difference in keeping you safe on the road, such as:

• Protective jackets – A sturdy jacket made from leather or other tough materials can protect your skin from cuts and scrapes in a crash. Look for one with extra padding in the elbows and shoulders.
• Gloves – Wearing gloves helps protect your hands from the elements and reduces the risk of injury if you fall. Look for gloves with a good grip and padding for extra comfort.
• Riding boots – Durable boots with good ankle support and a slip-resistant sole can protect your feet and ankles in a crash. Make sure they cover your ankles and fit securely.
• Padded pants – Jeans might not provide enough protection if you crash while riding a motorcycle. Riding pants with built-in pads can help cushion your knees and hips, making a big difference in an accident.
• Eye protection – Sunglasses or goggles shield your eyes from dirt, bugs, and wind. A helmet with a face shield offers even more protection. Virginia law says you must wear goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield if your motorcycle doesn’t have a windshield.

What Are Virginia’s Motorcycle Equipment Requirements?

Motorcyclists must make sure their bikes have specific equipment to provide a safer ride and comply with Virginia motorcycle laws. The required safety equipment for motorcycles includes:

• Headlight – All motorcycles must have at least one functioning headlight that can illuminate objects up to 200 feet ahead. Up to two auxiliary headlights are allowed, but they must not produce a glaring or blue light.
• Brake light – A functioning brake light signals when a motorcycle is slowing down or stopping. Motorcycles need at least one but can also have additional auxiliary brake lights if they meet commonwealth requirements.
• Tail lights – Motorcycles in Virginia must have at least one red tail light visible from 500 feet. This light should also illuminate the rear license plate from at least 50 feet away.
• Rearview mirror – Riders on Virginia roads need at least one rearview mirror to ensure visibility behind them, which is critical for lane changes and stopping safely.
• Horn – Virginia motorcycles on public roads must have a functional horn to alert other drivers and pedestrians to potential dangers.
• Foot pegs and passenger seats – Motorcycles designed to carry passengers must have footrests for the passenger’s safety. Additionally, the motorcycle must have a designated passenger seat for a second person. The passenger seat should attach to the rear of the rider’s seat or on the side, depending on the bike’s design.

Is a Special Driver’s License Required for Motorcycles in Virginia?

You need a special driver’s license endorsement to legally ride a motorcycle in Virginia. The commonwealth offers different designations depending on the type of motorcycle you plan to operate:

• Class M – This allows you to operate both two- and three-wheeled motorcycles.
• Class M2 – This is for two-wheeled motorcycles only.
• Class M3 – This covers only three-wheeled motorcycles.

Most motorcyclists get licensed to ride both motorcycles and motor vehicles. However, if your license has a “6” listed under “Restrictions,” you can only operate a motorcycle.

If you already have a valid Virginia driver’s license and are 18 or older, you can add the Class M, M2, or M3 designation by completing the following steps:

• Pass the vision screening, complete the Virginia Rider Training Program, and hold a motorcycle learner’s permit for nine months, or
• Pass the vision screening, motorcycle knowledge exam, and motorcycle road skills test and hold a motorcycle learner’s permit for 30 days.

Completing the Virginia Rider Training Program may waive the requirement to pass the knowledge exam and road skills test.

If you’re under 18, these are the steps to get your motorcycle license:

• Pass the vision screening and complete the Virginia Rider Training Program, or
• Pass the vision screening, motorcycle knowledge exam, and road skills test and hold a motorcycle learner’s permit for nine months.

Does Virginia Require Motorcycle Insurance?

All Virginia motorcycle riders must have liability insurance. Make sure your policy meets the new minimum coverage requirements. Motorcycle operators in Virginia must also have a license plate, registration card, and title.

Does Virginia Require Motorcycles to Be Inspected?

All motorcycles in Virginia must undergo an annual safety inspection. You can learn more about these inspections from the Virginia State Police.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Virginia?

Lane splitting is illegal in Virginia. However, two motorcyclists can legally ride side-by-side in the same lane. Doing so is a good way to increase your visibility and reduce the chances of a collision.

Contact a Virginia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

No matter how careful you are when riding a motorcycle, you can’t control what other drivers do. If you sustain injuries in a motorcycle crash, Lichtenstein Law Group PLC is ready to fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We have nearly 100 years of experience fighting for injury victims in Virginia, giving us the skills, resources, and knowledge to aggressively represent you and protect your rights as a motorcyclist. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free case review.