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Several laws in Missouri regulate what is and what isn’t permitted when riding a motorcycle. This includes laws pertaining to licensing, what equipment your motorcycle needs, and what to wear. The motorcycle laws in Missouri also specify who is allowed to ride on a motorcycle.
Minimum Age for Motorcycle Passengers in Missouri
It is only natural for motorcycle enthusiasts or riders to share their love for motorcycle riding with their children. However, before a motorcyclist allows a child to be their passenger, it is necessary for them to know what the minimum age for motorcycle passengers is in Missouri.
In Missouri, there is no minimum wage for passengers on a motorcycle. However, a passenger seat and footrest are required.
Other Missouri Motorcycle Laws
Class M Motorcycle License
In some cases, however, no passengers may be allowed. To legally ride a motorcycle, a motorcyclist is required to have a class M motorcycle license. Alternatively, they may use a driver’s license that has an M endorsement.
However, for younger riders, there are additional rules. Motorcyclists who are 15 and a half may apply for what is known as a temporary instruction permit. These permits have some restrictions, including one where passengers are not permitted and one where riding is only permitted during daylight hours.
Motorcycle Safety Gear Requirements
Everyone who is under the age of 25 or over the age of 25 without health insurance is required to wear a protective helmet. Missouri law also requires shatterproof face protection, such as strong protective goggles or a face shield.
Even though there are no legal requirements to wear protective clothing, leather clothing, such as a leather jacket and leather pants, is a wise choice of clothing to wear while riding a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Equipment
It is imperative that motorcycles stay in good working order, and this includes the tires, brakes, wheels, and exhaust system. The taillight, as well as the headlight, should also be working properly, and if the motorcycle has them, then this also applies to turn signals. In Missouri, signaling is required, but hand signals can be used.
Motorcycle Riding Rules
There is only one passenger that is permitted per motorcycle, and as already mentioned, it is required that the passenger has their own seat and footrests. While there is no minimum age for passengers in Missouri, motorcyclists should use common sense. Small children are not safe on the back of a motorcycle. As a matter of fact, they are not safe anywhere on a motorcycle. More so, sandwiching a small child between two adults is also not smart nor is it permitted.
Lane Splitting VS Lane Sharing
Lane sharing can be described as two motorcycles that are riding next to each other in one lane. On the contrary, lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides in between two different lanes of traffic that are going in the same direction. Essentially, these motorcyclists are using the white middle line.
Even though lane splitting is not specifically prohibited in Missouri, it is also not explicitly allowed. This is because it may cause problems in regard to receiving fair treatment should a motorcycle accident occur.
Motorcycle Insurance
In Missouri, motorcyclists must have:
$25,000 insurance for bodily injury for one person
$50,000 insurance for bodily injury for all persons
$10,000 insurance for property damage, and
Uninsured motorist coverage
Motorcyclists should speak with their insurance salesperson to discuss what exactly is covered and how much coverage they should be getting.
What About Those Injured in a Missouri Motorcycle Accident?
Those that have been injured in a Missouri Motorcycle accident should get in touch with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Powell Law Firm as soon as possible. Victims suffering from motorcycle accident injuries can contact this law firm today to schedule a free consultation.
During this consultation, victims will have the chance to speak with a top motorcycle accident attorney in St Louis from Powell Law Firm, discuss the circumstances of their motorcycle accident, and determine their next legal steps.
After a motorcycle collision in Missouri, victims may be faced with serious medical expenses and long-term recovery. A Missouri motorcycle accident attorney at Powell Law Firm will help them to pursue maximum compensation, especially for those who were not at fault for the accident.