For the most part, the rules of the road apply equally to everyone who drives on four wheels or rides on two in our state, including things like speed limits, traffic signs and signals, lane markings, and regulations for yielding the right-of-way at intersections. That said, there are a few unique rules for motorcycle riders that are worth knowing about, whether you are new to riding or have been traveling by motorcycle for years already.
Here is an overview of key Merrillville motorcycle traffic laws that every operator must follow to stay compliant and reduce the risk of preventable crashes. If another person’s misconduct caused a motorcycle accident that left you injured, a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney from the Law Offices of David W. Holub could help you understand and assert your right to seek compensation.
Does State Law Treat Motorcycles Differently from Cars?
According to Indiana Code §9-21-10-6, motorcyclists have the right to ride fully within one lane of traffic and take up the same amount of space in that lane that a standard passenger car would occupy if it were in the same position. In practice, this means that other drivers cannot crowd motorcyclists from any direction in a way that would be unsafe if the motorcycle were a standard passenger car. Likewise, motorcyclists must also maintain a safe distance from other traffic.
State traffic laws prohibit motorcycle riders in Merrillville and throughout Indiana from lane splitting, which involves riding between traffic lanes to pass slower vehicles. However, two motorcyclists may ride abreast within a single lane if both consent to lane sharing. According to I.C. §9-21-10-7, all traffic regulations for passenger cars apply to motorcyclists, except those that explicitly exclude motorcycles or are impractical to enforce.
Mechanical Requirements for Motorcycles
Motorcycle traffic laws for Merrillville also require motorcycles to be outfitted with certain features to be street-legal, including, but not restricted to:
- A rearview mirror (Ind. Code § 9-19-7-2.5(1))
- Electronic or mechanical turn signals (Ind. Code § 9-19-7-2.5(3))
- May be designed to carry up to one passenger, in which case a dedicated passenger seat and footrest must be incorporated into the design of the motorcycle (Ind. Code § 9-21-10-1 and Ind. Code § 9-19-7-2)
- A headlight, which must be turned on at all times when the motorcycle is being operated (Ind. Code § 9-21-10-5) d
A Merrillville Attorney Can Answer Questions About Motorcycle Traffic Laws
Even if you follow every Merrillville motorcycle traffic law that applies to you, you may still wind up getting hurt in a motorcycle wreck caused entirely by the negligence of someone else on the road with you. Fortunately, you have help available from knowledgeable legal professionals with years of experience helping people just like you through situations just like yours.
A conversation with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers will give you answers to pressing questions and confidence about the next steps you should take toward financial recovery after a crash. Call the Law Offices of David W. Holub today to set up a meeting.