--- description: So – You’ve bought a motorcycle and now you want to take it across state lines. Here’s what you need to know to stay legal and safe. title: State By State Motorcycle Laws - Fran Haasch Law Group canonical: https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/state-by-state-motorcycle-laws/ date_modified: 2026-03-23T19:55:14+00:00 practice_area: motorcycle-accident --- - State By State Motorcycle Laws - Fran Haasch Law Group [Home](https://www.lawfran.com/) » [Motorcycle Accident Lawyers](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/) » State By State Motorcycle Laws # State By State Motorcycle Laws Last Updated: March 23, 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes trusted Content Legally Reviewed by: Fran Haasch Updated 5 months ago [![Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/tbtla-1.webp)](https://www.tbtla.us) [![10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-4.png)](https://www.aiopia.org) [![Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/avvo.png)](https://www.avvo.com) [![Florida Justice Association Logo](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-5.png)](https://www.myfja.org) [![elite Lawyers of America ELA](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-3.png)](https://www.elitelawyer.com) [![National Alliance of Attorneys Distinguished Member logo](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/distinguished-member-2020-1-300x256.png)](https://naoatty.org) [![American Academy of Attorneys Top 100 2020](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AAOA-Top-100-2020-1-1-300x212.png)](https://aaoaus.com/directory/categories/florida-top-100) [![American Association of Justice logo](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-2.png)](https://www.justice.org) [![Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-1.png)](https://www.milliondollaradvocates.com) Table of Contents Our Case results [$5,010,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/5010000/) [$4,000,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/4000000-3/) [$4,000,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/4000000-2/) [$3,010,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/3010000/) [$2,405,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/2405000/) [$2,400,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/2400000-2/) [$2,400,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/2400000/) [$2,330,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/2330000/) [$1,600,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1600000/) [$1,550,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1550000-2/) [$1,500,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1500000-2/) [$1,500,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1500000/) [$1,494,446 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1494446/) [$1,400,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1400000-2/) [$1,400,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1400000/) [$1,300,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1300000-5/) [$1,300,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1300000-4/) [$1,300,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1300000-3/) [$1,250,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1250000/) [$1,200,000 Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1200000/) [View All Results](https://www.lawfran.com/case-results/) Our Practice Areas Testimonials Extremely attentive and considerate. 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Frequency may vary. Message & data rates may apply. Text HELP for assistance, reply STOP to opt out. Submit Δ SEPTEMBER 2021 | VOL. XII ## State by State Motorcycle Laws Ride legal wherever you go. #### In This Article ![Boots on the Ground-5 motorcycle ride](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Boots-on-the-Ground-5-1024x683.jpeg) ## The Call of the Road ###### Traveling cross-country on a motorcycle is an exciting adventure. It’s also important to know certain key things before taking the plunge. ###### Here’s where we can help. Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating. It’s no wonder that people want to take it one step further and tackle a long-distance trip. You’re never bored while on a motorcycle and it’s more economical than traveling in a car. Choosing your bike is a very personal choice and is the first step you need to take. But once you’ve got that down, then what? ![toy run with 3 motorcycles in the background riding curves](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/toy-run-wee-1.jpg) ## Some Tips Before Your Trip So – You’ve bought a motorcycle, know how to ride it, and now you want to take it across state lines. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and legal. **Know your state laws.** Each state has varying laws regarding different aspects of your ride. Helmet requirements, traffic laws, and sound restrictions to name a few. We’ll go over these shortly. **Plan your trip long in advance.** Though you may want to simply ride where the wind takes you, it’s important to be prepared for different scenarios such as weather changes or mechanical issues. Take your time with this. **Check your insurance & registration.** Make sure your insurance is up to date and you have the appropriate coverage. You don’t want to be stuck in a bind where something isn’t covered. **Prepare your bike.** Get an oil change and check your tires for signs of wear. Invest in a luggage rack if your trip warrants it. #### What to bring - Clothes for different weather such as a weatherproof suit - Proof of insurance, roadside assistance - License or learners permit - Safety gear: Helmet, goggles, boots, gloves. - Emergency kit: Tire patch kit, high-viz emergency markers #### Routes to consider - Pacific Coast Highway: 656 miles along the coast of California - Great River Road: 2,069 miles following the Mississippi river - Atlantic Coast: 2,370 miles spanning from Maine to Key West, Florida - Historic Route 66: 2,448 miles spanning from Chicago to L.A. Consider wearing a helmet and eye protection even in states where it’s not required. ## Helmet Laws by State ![state by state image of motorcycle laws for helmet use](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/map1.png) ### 20 & younger Arkansas Florida § Kentucky † Michigan *†§ Pennsylvania †§ Rhode Island *† South Carolina Texas *§ Utah ### 17 & younger Alaska *† Arizona Colorado Hawaii Idaho Indiana Kansas Maine *† Minnesota † Montana New Mexico North Dakota * Ohio *† Oklahoma South Dakota Wisconsin † Wyoming ### Other Restrictions Delaware – 18 and younger Missouri †§ – 25 and younger *= Passengers must wear a helmet †=Learners permit riders or those in early years of riding must wear a helmet §=May require additional insurance or special training ## Lane Splitting Laws by State ![Motorcycle Laws by state, showing united states](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/map2.png) #### What is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting is the act of driving between rows of slow or stagnant traffic going in the same direction. Though this practice occurs regularly throughout Europe and Asia, it’s rarely permissible in the U.S. with only a few exceptions. For example, riders in California should not lane split faster than 10mph above the speed of surrounding traffic. Similarly, lane filtering means the rider can sneak between rows of stopped or slow-moving vehicles, usually done at a stop light, in order to take off quicker than if they were to have remained behind other vehicles. ![overhead view of 5 lane highway with traffic, blurred](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Depositphotos_241329808_xl-2015-1024x576.jpg) ## Noise Laws by State ![graph of US Measurement of exhaust noise](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/map3.png) The hum and braaap of your bike may be a pleasing sound to you, and may even put you in a nice meditative state if that’s what you enjoy. Often, motorcycle mufflers are modified to change the desired sound output. When traveling, it’s important to know whether or not this is legal where you’re going. So- now you know some ways to prepare for your next two-wheeled adventure. Please note that laws are subject to change, and you should always check government sources for updated regulations prior to any trip. Always remember: Have fun, and keep the rubber side down. ![arlene malik ride motorcycles in road](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Arlene-Malik-34-768x512.jpeg) INJURED IN FLORIDA? The Fran Haasch Law Group Is Here for You. Whether you’ve been hurt in a [motorcycle crash](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/), [car accident](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/), [truck collision](https://www.lawfran.com/truck-accident-lawyers/), or another serious incident, you deserve strong legal representation. Our experienced Florida [personal injury attorneys](https://www.lawfran.com/palm-harbor-personal-injury-lawyers/) will fight to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you need. [Schedule Your Free Consultation](https://www.lawfran.com/contact-us/) Share this page Find an Office Near You Our Motorcycle Accident Locations At Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond. With multiple offices across the region, our team is dedicated to making it easy for you to access experienced legal help close to home. Select a location below to learn more about the services available near you. Meet Our Attorneys ![fran-haasch.jpg](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/fran-haasch-r9krkvoso3sdv1wow979xtqj4n68cn5nlpd31reujw.webp) ## Francoise M. 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[Meet Laura Smith Davies](https://www.lawfran.com/attorneys/laura-smith-davies/) Related Content Want to learn more about car accidents? Whether its how to prevent them or what to do once you’ve been in one, [our blog](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/) can help you gather the knowledge and information you need. ### [Seasonal Motorcycle Insurance](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/seasonal-motorcycle-insurance/) ### [State By State Motorcycle Laws](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/state-by-state-motorcycle-laws/) ### [Paul Teutul Sr. Presents Custom Orange County Choppers Motorcycle to Fran Haasch](https://www.lawfran.com/bikers-corner/fran-haasch-receives-custom-orange-county-choppers-build/) ### [Types of Head Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/types-of-head-injuries/) ### [How to File An Insurance Claim](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/how-to-file-an-insurance-claim/) ### [Motorcycle Accident Brain Injuries](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/brain-injuries/) ### [Spring Hill Motorcycle Accident Lawyer](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/spring-hill/) ### [Brooksville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/brooksville/) ### [What Is Motorcycle Bias & How Can I Avoid It?](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2019/05/what-is-motorcycle-bias-how-can-i-avoid-it/) May 8, 2019 Motorcycle riders must often cope with the unfitting reputation of being wild and dangerous individuals simply for their transportation choice. However, it can be argued [Read Full Post »](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2019/05/what-is-motorcycle-bias-how-can-i-avoid-it/) [![muffler in the middle of the road, road debris can cause damage](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/muffler-in-road-debris-1.jpg)](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2023/01/who-is-responsible-for-road-debris-damage/) ### [Who is Responsible for Road Debris Damage](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2023/01/who-is-responsible-for-road-debris-damage/) January 5, 2023 When a motorcycle accident is caused by road debris, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for the damages. In most cases, the [Read Full Post »](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2023/01/who-is-responsible-for-road-debris-damage/) ### [Crash Data](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2020/09/crash-data/) September 26, 2020 A Look at Recent Motorcycle Crash Data As a motorcycle rider, you already understand that riding can be statistically more dangerous than driving, especially when [Read Full Post »](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2020/09/crash-data/) ## Contact Us Today [(727) 784-8191](tel:+17277848191) Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate your legal rights with confidence. 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