Long Island Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations

NYS Roadway Regulations for Motorcycle Laws

New York’s “rules of the road” are established by laws governing everything from parking and speed limits to cell phone use and obligations after a crash. All these rules of the road apply to motorcycles as well, as do four additional rules specific to their use:

• A motorcycle’s headlight and rear light must always be in operation while on the road.
• Motorcycles can ride two side-by-side in a single lane but not beside another vehicle.
• Motorcycles cannot ride between lanes or between traffic and parked cars.
• Passengers may not ride in a position that will interfere with the driver’s operation, control, or vision.

To operate a motorcycle In New York State, you must comply with the regulations covering:

• Insurance requirements– Like all other motorists, motorcyclists must meet the liability insurance minimums established by the state.
• License requirements– Motorcyclists must have a Class M (motorcycle) or Class MJ (motorcycle junior) license to drive in New York.
• Passenger safety equipment and seating– All passengers must wear helmets. Passengers must ride on a permanent seat and sit facing forward with one leg on each side with each foot on a foot peg, unless riding in a sidecar.
• Personal safety equipment– Drivers must wear helmets and either eye goggles or a face shield.
• Registration and inspection requirements– Motorcycle registrations last only one year instead of the normal two and expire on April 30.

New York also requires that all motorcycles be outfitted with certain equipment, which must be in good working order and meet detailed specifications:

• Brakes – Brakes on the front and rear wheels must be capable of stopping the motorcycle within 25 feet from 20 miles per hour on a hard, dry surface.
• Handlebars or grips– These must not be higher than the operator’s shoulder.
• Horn – A horn must be loud enough to serve as a warning but not unnecessarily loud or harsh.
• Lighting devices and reflectors– The motorcycle must have the following:
  • Headlamp – The bike must have at least one light on the front capable of projecting high and low beams. It must be on when operating the motorcycle on public highways and roads.
  • License plate lamp– The light above the license plate must be white and bright enough to make the plate visible from 50 feet.
  • Reflector – A reflector must be placed on the rear of the vehicle and may be part of the tail lamp.
  • Stop lamp– A light indicating the vehicle is slowing must be red and displayed to the rear.
  • Tail lamp– One red lamp displayed to the rear must be on and visible from 300 feet when the motorcycle operates on public highways and roads.
  • Turn signal lamps– Lights used to indicate a turn must show amber to the front and amber or red to the rear.
• Mirror – An adjustable rearview mirror must allow a clear view of the road and traffic behind the motorcycle.
• Muffler – Motorcycles must be equipped with an approved muffler, as “cutouts” or mufflers with removable baffles are not allowed.
• Seat height– There must be at least 25 inches between the ground and the top of the seat on a two-wheeled vehicle.
• Speedometer – The motorcycle’s speedometer must accurately measure the speed and display it in miles per hour.
• Tires – Tires must have no:
  • Visible breaks or cuts over one inch
  • Bump, bulge, ply, or cord exposure
  • Completely worn tread or tread depth less than 2/32 of an inch
  • Labeling to indicate “not for highway use” or similar wording
• Windscreen – If the motorcycle has a windscreen, permanent manufacturer’s labels must be on the brackets to indicate they are appropriate for highway use.

Is New York a No-Fault State for Motorcycles?

New York is a “no-fault” car insurance state, meaning motorists must first turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance for coverage after an accident. However, the no-fault rules do not apply to motorcyclists.

If you were hit while on a motorcycle, you likely will not be able to collect “no-fault” insurance benefits to help pay for your medical treatment or lost wages. Instead, your ability to recover compensation for the losses you suffered will rest on proving that someone else is to blame for them. If you can, their liability insurance should cover losses such as:

• Lost income and lower earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Past and future medical bills
• Vehicle repairs and other property damage

If someone else is responsible for the accident, they should also be responsible for the harm they caused you. However, holding them accountable is no easy feat when you’re in pain and recovering from serious injuries. Turn to a skilled Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer to handle your case on your behalf, allowing you to focus your energy on healing.

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Long Island, NY

New York law allows a limited amount of time to pursue compensation after a motorcycle crash. The statute of limitations in New York gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. If your claim is against the state or a municipality, you must give notice within 90 days of the accident.

While there are exceptions to these time limits, you can lose your right to seek financial recovery if you do not file in time. A knowledgeable Long Island motorcycle accident attorney can determine any deadlines and help you pursue all sources of compensation before it’s too late.