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Virginia Motorcycle Laws

Motorcycle accidents happen every day, and in Virginia motorcycle accident and motorcycle injuries are on the rise. In an effort to curb the rate of motorcycle accidents and fatal motorcycle accidents, a number of laws are in place in order to protect motorcycle riders, motorcycle passengers and other drivers on the road. Are you familiar with Virginia's motorcycle state laws?

· When driving or riding on a motorcycle in Virginia, a safety helmet is required. Helmets are also required for off-road bikers, such as dirt bike riders.

· Eye protection is required by Virginia law for all motorcycle riders. Eye protection can not only prevent injury during a crash - it can prevent crashes from happening by blocking debris from a rider's face while traveling at higher speeds.

· A passenger seat and passenger footrest is required if there is a passenger riding on the back of the motorcycle. A passenger helmet is required, though there is no minimum age for motorcycle passengers in Virginia.

· It is illegal to ride a motorcycle while listening to headphone or earphones of any kind. Lawmakers believe that listening to music or other communications while driving can make riders unaware of their surroundings and could cause driver distraction.

· Two side view mirrors (one on each side of the bike) are required by Virginia law.

· Motorcycle safety inspections are required by Virginia law.

· Turn signals are not required on motorcycles according to Virginia law. Handlebar height is also not restricted in Virginia as it is in some other states.

· In Virginia, insurance or $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee required for all motorcycle owners.

· Two motorcycles can't share a lane - that is, they cannot ride next to each other in the same lane. Those who do share a lane can be charged with reckless driving. A motorcycle rider will also be charged with reckless driving if he or she engages in lane-splitting - driving on the line between two occupied lanes.

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