What Florida Motorcycle Riders Should Know
Every state has different laws regarding what is safest for motorcycle riders, and often, this determines whether or not they are required to wear a helmet. In Florida, the answer may vary depending on a driver's age and other factors. Read on to learn more.
#1. Only Riders Under 21 Have to Wear Helmets
According to Florida Statutes 316.211, any motorcycle rider under the age of 21 must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet. Under this compliance requirement, the helmet must pass several tests to ensure it is impact and penetration-resistant and contains the necessary labeling and certifications. When choosing to purchase a motorcycle helmet, opt for one that has a sticker or label signifying that it is DOT approved.
#2. But Non-Helmet Users Are Required to Have Additional Insurance
Riders over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet or other protective headgear so long as they have an insurance policy that contains $10,000 in medical benefits coverage.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by 69%. As such, this law was created to ensure that riders understand the potential, serious nature of the injuries that they could sustain in a motorcycle crash.
#3. Eye Protection is Required for All Riders
Although motorcycle helmets are not a blanket requirement, every motorcycle rider must wear some kind of DOT-approved protective eyewear at all times. These are often in the form of goggles or safety glasses that protect the whole eye and are impact-resistant. When looking for a safe option, look for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certification label—this indicates that they are pre-approved for use and compliant with all safety requirements.
St. Augustine Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Canan Law aims to help make the roadways safer by holding negligent drivers accountable for the injuries they cause. Motorcycle riders have a right to share the roadway, and our team is dedicated to helping you seek justice after a car or other vehicle causes you harm. Schedule a free consultation with our team by calling (904) 849-2266 and discuss your potential case today.
