Riding a motorcycle is uniquely satisfying for many people. The sheer exhilaration of riding on the open road makes motorcycling very appealing. While every motorcyclist has their reasons why they ride, it’s essential to know a rider faces a heightened risk of severe injury or death if involved in an accident.
NHTSA found that motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely to die from an accident than passengers in cars. This is attributed to the fact that motorcycles lack structural support like roof and doors, which offer protection to vehicles. The Louisiana motorcycle laws were created to reduce the risk of severe injuries and fatalities arising from motorcycle crashes.
There are several motorcycle laws you need to know before hitting the road, but first, we’ll be answering the common question riders often ask us – Does Louisiana have a helmet law? Yes, motorcyclists are legally required to wear helmets in Louisiana.
Louisiana motorcycle helmet law
Motorcycle operators and passengers must always wear a helmet whenever they are on the road. It is because wearing helmets has been proven to be life-saving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says this type of protective gear can prevent brain injuries and deaths by 67% and 37%, respectively.
Under Louisiana Revised Statues 32:190, it is unlawful to operate or ride on a motorcycle without wearing a safety helmet that’s properly secured by a chin strap. Any violation will attract a legal penalty of $50.
Louisiana helmet law also clarifies that the safety helmet must be specifically manufactured for motorcyclists and consists of lining, visor, and padding. The protective gear should also adhere to any other specifications that the commissioner may establish and publish.
If you’re a member of an organization that sponsors, conducts or participates in exhibition parades, you can request a permit exemption from the local police authorities. The parish, city, town, or village police can issue the permit, which is only valid during the public exhibition or parading period.
Other must-know Louisiana motorcycle laws
- A rider must wear protective eye gear like safety glasses, goggles, and face shields when operating a bike without a high windshield
- A motorcycle must be equipped with footrests if it’s designed to carry a passenger
- A passenger can only ride on a motorcycle with a seating capacity of two (permanent and regular seat)
- Handlebars must not be higher than the operator’s shoulder
- Both hands should be on the handlebars when riding
- Rider and passenger must face forward and have one leg on each side of the motorcycle
- Motorcycle operators are only allowed to ride with children who are at least five years, and they must wear a helmet and fit in the passenger seat
- Motorbike rider cannot pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle that he or she is overtaking
- It is prohibited to ride closely together with more than two bikes while facing the same way in a single lane.
Contact a Louisiana Motorcycle Lawyer
Obeying the Louisiana helmet law, the Louisiana traffic laws, and other bike safety laws can help you avoid accidents or reduce the severity of injuries. Unfortunately, accidents can happen because of another person’s negligence. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact Mike Mahone, a New Orleans motorcycle accident lawyer for a free case evaluation.
