Riding between lanes of traffic is not clearly allowed in many states. If you’re thinking about starting to ride a motorcycle in Ohio, it’s important to learn about the laws regarding motorcycles. This will help keep you safe and prevent you from getting a ticket if you’re in an accident because of breaking these rules.
However, motorcycle accidents related to lane splitting are all too common in Ohio. In such cases, you need to contact an Ohio injury law firm to help you apply the laws to protect your rights. A lawyer can use their experience to determine fault according to the facts of the crash to ensure you receive justice.
Here, the Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers examine the practice of lane-splitting to help you understand its implications.
Lane splitting simply implies the practice of a motorcycle rider moving between lanes of slower-moving or stopped traffic, typically during traffic congestion. It is sometimes referred to as “white-lining” or “stripe-riding” because the motorcyclist rides along the painted line between lanes.
Lane splitting remains a controversial issue across numerous states due to varying opinions on its safety and legality. Advocates argue that lane splitting helps reduce traffic congestion, allows motorcyclists to avoid rear-end collisions, and can lead to shorter travel times for riders.
On the other hand, opponents of lane splitting maintain that it increases the risk of accidents, as drivers may not expect or see a motorcyclist passing between lanes.
Lane splitting is not legal in Ohio. The state has clear laws governing the behavior of motorcyclists on the road, and lane splitting is explicitly prohibited. According to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4511.55, motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle shall deprive a motorcycle of the full use of a lane.
The law also states that motorcycles should not operate more than two abreast in a single lane. This essentially means that motorcycles, like all other vehicles, must stay within the confines of a single lane and are not allowed to move between lanes of traffic.
In Ohio, motorcycles are permitted to share a lane in a “two wide” formation, which means two motorcycles can ride next to each other within the same lane. However, it’s important to note that riders cannot ride alongside more than one other rider in the same lane.
Ohio has several rules and regulations that motorcyclists must follow for their safety and the safety of others on the road. These rules include the following:
In Ohio, helmets are required for riders under 18 and those with a “novice” designation on their motorcycle license, which applies to those who have had their license for less than one year (Ohio Revised Code § 4511.53). Passengers riding with a novice motorcyclist or a rider under 18 are also required to wear helmets.
However, Ohio has a unique aspect of this rule that makes it different from other states. It states that helmet use cannot be considered in civil trials in Ohio. This means you can still file a personal injury or wrongful death claim regardless of whether a helmet was worn during the accident.
While this is the case, we strongly recommend that all motorcyclists wear helmets to reduce the risk of catastrophic harm in the event of a crash. In fact, research shows that helmets reduce the risk of head injuries and death by 69% and 42%, respectively, during a crash.
All motorcyclists in Ohio are required to have some form of eye protection, like a face shield, unless the motorcycle comes with its windscreen. This rule is in place to protect riders from debris, insects, and other hazards that could impair their vision while riding.
Ohio law requires that motorcycles carrying passengers must be fitted with a seat and footrests for the passenger. Additionally, the passenger must ride behind the operator and not in front.
In Ohio, motorcycle insurance requirements include the following minimum liability coverage:
These requirements ensure that motorcyclists have basic financial protection in case of an accident. If you’re at fault in an accident, chances are that minimum insurance coverage won’t adequately cover the damages.
To ensure you’re well protected, we recommend that riders consider carrying higher insurance coverage. This can help safeguard your wages and assets from being garnished or having liens placed against them.
To legally operate a motorcycle in Ohio, riders must possess a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license or a motorcycle-only license. Those who are 18 and above can get these licenses by passing a knowledge test and a motorcycle skills test. The knowledge test covers motorcycle safety, equipment, and emergencies, based on the Ohio Motorcycle Operator Manual. The skills test ascertains your ability to handle a motorcycle effectively.
For those under 18, the first step is to head to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles to acquire a TIPIC permit (Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card). Permit holders must complete a 16-hour Motorcycle Ohio Course, a driver’s education course (24 hours of classroom instruction plus 8 hours of driving), and log 50 hours of driving. The TIPIC restricts motorcycle operation to daylight hours and prohibits passengers and interstate travel.
After completing the Motorcycle Ohio Course, the individual has 60 days to visit the BMV and obtain their novice license or endorsement, which is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Experiencing a motorcycle crash can have significant implications for your insurance coverage and rates. The impact on your insurance will depend on several factors, including who is found to be at fault for the accident, the extent of the damage or injuries, and your insurance policy’s terms and conditions.
After an accident, insurance companies will investigate to determine who is at fault. If you are at fault for the crash, your insurance company may pay for the damages to the other party’s property, medical expenses, and other losses they incurred. However, this will likely result in an increase in your insurance premiums.
If you have comprehensive collision coverage as part of your motorcycle insurance policy, your insurance company may cater for the costs of repairs to your motorcycle, regardless of who is at fault. However, you may be required to pay a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident with a driver who is insufficiently insured, your uninsured policy can help cover the costs. This type of coverage is particularly important for motorcyclists since they are prone to serious injuries in an accident.
If you are found to be at fault for the accident, or if you have multiple claims on your insurance policy, your insurance premiums are likely to increase. Insurance companies view at-fault accidents as an indicator of risk, and as a result, they may charge higher premiums to reflect a higher risk of insuring you.
Although Ohio regards lane splitting as an unsafe and unacceptable practice, it is legal in some other states, such as California. Motorcyclists who travel across state lines may find themselves in situations where lane splitting is permitted. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of an accident while lane splitting:
Implementing these tips can greatly reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents. Despite this, we’ve witnessed motorcyclists getting injured in accidents that were not their fault, leading to serious suffering.
In such situations, we advise you to contact an Ohio motorcycle accident attorney at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, who can help you assess the true worth of your claim and identify the available compensation sources to secure justice. Call us today at (937) 222-2222 or visit us online to get a free case evaluation.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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