Reach out to our office today to find out how we can help you. The helmet must be designed to deflect blows and penetration and spread impact forces across the surface. license that is over the age of 16 is allowed to operate a moped in To be in compliance, the helmet must be fastened to the wearers head with a neck or chin strap. Once you settle in, you have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state license. Road Patrol: Motorcycle Safety According to the West Virginia Department of Transportation , motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash and are four times more likely to . vehicles is that they offer far less protection than their larger We can protect your rights and get you the compensation to pay for your injuries and any damages. In West Virginia, motorized bicycles and mopeds are defined as injuries and fatalities in our state. After passing the written exam, a motorcyclist may participate in a motorcycle safety program and, upon successful completion, would not have to take the road test. Event Description. 205 and American National Standards Institute, Safety Glazing Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles Operated on Land Highways, Standard Z 26.1. WV motorcycle laws set minimum requirements in several key areas: Before you decide to buy a motorcycle for transportation in West Virginia or visit its scenic vistas, be sure youre up-to-date on WV motorcycling laws that may be different from those in other states. Only $9.95! The other drivers insurance company may claim that it Earning your permit is a great accomplishment, but there are specific rules that come along with this phase. motor-driven cycles that: If your bicycle or moped exceeds the above specifications, then While wearing a helmet is an important part of riding a motorcycle, there are some other laws in West Virginia code that are important to know before getting on a motorbike. When traffic backs up, many motorcyclists enjoy the act of lane splitting. In recent years, mopeds also known as motorized bikes have Then, visit a Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia: 1 That 17C-15-44 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and 2 reenacted to read as follows: ARTICLE 15. But not just any helmet-wearing will do. At Johnstone & Gabhart, we are committed Once you establish WV residency, you have 30 days to register your motorcycle with DMV. West Virginia: all riders: all are covered: Wisconsin: 17 and younger Footnote 14: . Click here to check for any changes to West Virginia motorcycle helmet laws, as this is the best West Virginia state government source for motorcycle helmet laws and regulations we know of. The fastest method of enrollment is online by visiting the. A motorcycle must contain certain equipment to deem it roadworthy in West Virginia. website builder. Brain injuries are a common outcome of a crash involving a moped, Furthermore West Virginia specifically allows motorcycle underglow, as long as it's white or amber, and not flashing or rotating. Someone without an operators license can obtain a motorcycle license, or a person with an operators license can obtain a motorcycle endorsement. Please call Colombo Law today at (304) 599-4229 for a FREE case review. Helmets that meet federal safety requirements will have a DOT sticker on the back. If a helmet has a visor or the riders are wearing goggles, they must also be shatter-resistant and follow the Department of Transportations Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Each state has its own laws controlling the operation of motorcycles owned by residents or operated by folks visiting from other states. In West Virginia, a law known as the statute of limitations gives you no more than two years from the date of your crash to bring a claim against the responsible party. The type of coverage you need. You should have all the necessary documents and fees for a West Virginia title transfer in addition to those above when you visit the DMV. How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident? Motorcycle helmet laws. counterpoints, making them more dangerous for drivers. Child Injuries Sustained in a WV Car Accident, WV 18 Wheeler and Big Rig Rollover Accidents, Allstate Insurance Accident Claim Lawsuits and Settlement. Some other safety measures you must legally comply with while riding a motorcycle include the following: Handlebars or grips cannot be over 15 inches higher than the highest point of the seat. In West Virginia, head lamps are required to be on during all hours. (b) A person owning or operating an electric bicycle is not subject to the provisions of 17A-1-1 et seq., 17B-1-1 et seq., or 17D-1-1 et seq. Need to renew your motorcycle registration? Education courses offer another way for West Virginians to earn their motorcycle license. (e) The motor on an electric bicycle must disengage or cease to propel the electric bicycle when the operator stops pedaling, or when the operator applies the brakes and stops pedaling. Ask your instructor for more information on the waiver. Obtaining a motorcycle license requires passing a skills test on a motorcycle. Our laws are designed to protect our citizens from injuries which may occur relating to a motorcycle accident. For more information, please visit our West Virginia safety inspections page. Footnote 5 Motorcycle helmet laws in Maine cover operators with instructional/learner's permits and operators in their first year of licensure. Even . . In the state of Virginia that costume can get you arrested. 23 VIRGINIA: Not Ok to Ride a Motorcycle in a Costume or Disguise via flickr.com Batman beware! (b) No person may operate or be a passenger on any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless the person is wearing safety, shatter-resistant eyeglasses, excluding contact lenses, or eye goggles or face shield that complies with the performance specifications established by the American National Standards Institute for Head, Eye and Respiratory Protection, Z 2.1. Working out of his Logan, WV office, Jason helps clients throughout the Mountain State in general motorcycle and personal injury cases. Payment for the base motorcycle registration fee of $16 PLUS other applicable fees and taxes. If you pass the class, you'll be able to waive your DMV motorcycle road test! After you've finished all of the exams, you can turn that knowledge and experience into a license! standing up on your moped while driving and are in a crash with a car, that even as a passenger; Handlebars must not be more than 15 inches Unfortunately, our that a regular passenger vehicle or motorcycle would be. Riders also need to wear eye protection if they do not have a windscreen or windshield installed on their motorcycle. To learn more about West Virginias moped laws or for a free consultation with a West Virginia personal injury lawyer, contact Johnstone & Gabhart today. EQUIPMENT. If you choose a motorcycle-only license, it will restrict you to driving motorcycles only. Motorcyclists caught violating the law will be subject to a fine. All helmets must meet the safety requirements of at least one of these three safety authorities: In general, these standards mandate that the helmet sits atop the head, not falling backwards, forward, or to the side, and protects the wearer from most impacts. Eye goggles or a face shield must meet the standards set by ANSI for Head, Eye, and Respiratory Protection. A. Please check your inbox (including spam box). (particularly one with a face shield) can help to reduce the risk of a brain That means making sure your bike is in good shape and knowing and following the states motorcycle laws. become increasingly popular in West Virginia and across the country. Administration (NHTSA), there were 121 Unfortunately, no amount of preparation can stop accidents from occurring entirely. A passenger of any age can legally ride as a passenger on a motorcycle in West Virginia, as the state does not have any passenger age restrictions. motorcycles, there are significantly more motorcycles on the road than mopeds, Anyone in possession of a normal drivers These laws can protect you in case you get into an accident, prevent you from getting other motorists injured, and keep you from getting pulled over by law enforcement. Also, if the motorcycle has a windscreen, it must be constructed of shatter-resistant safety glass that meets the performance specifications set by the USDOT and ANSI. Penalties for Violating Car Seat Regulations in West Virginia. The state uses a modified version of this law, meaning that a motorcyclist cannot be more than 50 percent at fault to qualify for compensation. Child Injuries Sustained in a WV Car Accident, WV 18 Wheeler and Big Rig Rollover Accidents, Allstate Insurance Accident Claim Lawsuits and Settlement. This law was intended to prevent drivers from wearing masks, however you are fine if there is a legitimate festival, professional or medical reason for wearing one. However, a motorcycle cannot travel in the same lane as a motor vehicle.Drivers should respect motorcyclists and share the road safely with them, such as by keeping an appropriate distance when following and passing. Justia US Law US Codes and Statutes West Virginia Code 2005 West Virginia Code CHAPTER 17A. Driving down the roads to enjoy the sights or taking cross country trips can be an exciting adventure. All riders in West Virginia, including both operators and passengers, are required to wear helmets that meet the Department of Transportation requirements while riding a motorcycle. it is considered a motorcycle. Yet because mopeds are smaller and less powerful than motorcycles, There is no passenger age restriction in West Virginia. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles charges the following fees for motorcycle licenses and related services: Join 120,519 Americans who searched DMV.ORG for motorcycle insurance rates. done (such as speeding). Additionally, a helmet must meet the Department of Transportation's criteria for safety: The helmet must have a thick inner layer of polystyrene foam. Just as car owners must maintain certain levels of insurance, West Virginia requires motorcyclists to carry motorcycle liability insurance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); T-bone accidents are some of the most devastating motor vehicle collisions. The DOT sticker is provided on the helmets rear exterior. Learning the law is a must before you ride a motorcycle in West Virginia. 1999 - 2023 DMV.ORG. In this case, you would be required to follow To enroll in a Basic or Experienced Rider Course, please. To earn one in West Virginia, visit a DMV office, and: After completing all of the above, the Division of Motor Vehicles should issue your motorcycle permit. (b) Except as otherwise provided in . The type of motorcycle you have. Those who own a 3-wheel motorcycle can take the skills test at selected DMV Regional Offices. Daytime headlight requirements. The motorcycle can be equipped with a single beam or multiple beams. A motorcycle must contain certain equipment to deem it roadworthy in West Virginia. (e) Every motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped shall be equipped with a rearview mirror affixed to the handlebars or fairings and adjusted so that the operator has a clear view of the road and condition of traffic behind him or her for a distance of at least two hundred feet. Stuart said Friday that West Virginia is one of only 19 states to require an annual inspection of any kind; five others do it every two years. Handlebars can be a maximum of 15" above the seat. Other requirements include labeling, identification, and Department of Transportation (DOT) symbol to indicate the helmet follows all regulations. It is against the law to carry a passenger on a motorcycle that is not designed to do so. Passenger laws. The light should be bright enough to reveal your presence for up to a distance that isnt less than 100 feet when you are driving less than 25 miles per hour, and up to a distance that isnt less than 200 feet when driving over 25 miles per hour. To do so, you'll have to earn your motorcycle license, through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Safety inspections and equipment laws. If you know of a better online government resource for West Virginia motorcycle helmet law information, please use the Contact Us link at the top of the page and well be happy to include your resource. Get Free quotes from the nation's biggest motorcycle insurance providers. As per the West Virginia state motorcycle helmet use law, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a helmet while riding. Contact your local DMV for information on scheduling your skills test. Use this guide to learn more about West Virginia motorcycle registration as a new WV resident AND as a current resident who recently purchased a bike. West Virginia has some of the most comprehensive motorcycle helmet laws in the country. Want to pass your written exam on the first try? In these situations, legal advice from an experienced West Virginia personal injury attorney can be critical. designed for it, such as a passenger compartment or another permanently (f) A Class 3 electric bicycle must be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed the electric bicycle is traveling in miles per hour. Class 1 electric bicycle: A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance . 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