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Riding a motorcycle is a popular pastime in Pennsylvania. Once you learn the rules and regulations, you can get in on the fun. First, find out how to obtain a motorcycle license. Then, learn how to register your bike and go over various rules and guidelines. Finally, check out the steps you can take if you get a ticket while riding your motorcycle.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle License Requirements
If you want to drive a motorcycle in Pennsylvania, you must get a Class M license. “M” stands for motorcycle, and it will allow you to ride your bike.
You can’t just go to a Driver License Center and apply for a motorcycle license. First, you need to get your learner’s permit.
After obtaining your permit, you can drive during daylight hours. If you have a driver’s license, you can ride by yourself on the motorcycle. However, if you do not have another license, you must ride with a licensed motorcycle operator.
In both cases, you can only carry instructors on your motorcycle. No other passengers are allowed when driving with a learner’s permit.
Before you can get your permit, you need to download the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Operator’s Manual and the Application for a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit (DL-5).
Study the operator’s manual, fill out the application, and go to a Driver License Center to submit your application. Once there, you’ll take a vision test and the knowledge test. Then, the Driver License Center will process your application and issue a learner’s permit.
Your permit lasts for a year, but you can schedule your motorcycle skills test at any time, as long as you’re 18 or over. However, if you are younger than 18, you must:
· Use the permit for at least six months
· Obtain 65 hours of supervised riding
· Take a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course
The course counts toward 15 of the 65 supervised driving hours you need.
If you take a motorcycle safety course, the rider coach will administer your skills test. If not, you can go to a Driver License Center to take it. If your motorcycle has more than two wheels, make sure the Driver License Center you choose offers the right test.
After you get your permit, make sure your motorcycle has the right equipment.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
Your motorcycle must have certain equipment before it’s road-ready. Otherwise, you could face a violation. First, make sure your motorcycle has a muffler or another noise suppression system.
Muffler
All motorcycles must have effective noise-suppressing systems, such as mufflers. The system must operate constantly and be in good working order. It cannot:
· Have a cutout
· Have a bypass
· Show signs of external repair
Illumination
Pennsylvania also requires that motorcycles have:
· Rear lamps that are on when auxiliary driving lamps, fog lamps, or headlamps are in use
· Turn signals that flash between 60-120 times per minute
· Red rear reflector
· Tail lamp
· 1-2 headlamps
· 1-2 red stop lamps
Handlebars
Your handlebars should extend at least 18 inches between the ends of each grip. Also, your handlebars need to include non-slip grips.
Mirrors
Your motorcycle needs at least one rearview mirror. It needs to stay in place when adjusted and must be in excellent condition without cracks or discoloration.
Warning Devices
If you drive a motorcycle in PA, it must have a warning device, such as a horn. While it can’t emit unreasonably loud or harsh noises, the sound should travel at least 200 feet.
Now, let’s look at registering your motorcycle in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Registration Process
The registration process depends on how you purchase your motorcycle. Purchasing through a dealership is the easiest option. In most cases, the staff will register the bike for you. The cost of registration is included in the price, so you can finance it as well.
You might get temporary license plates at the dealership. Then, the state of Pennsylvania will mail your permanent plates and registration. Make sure you put on the permanent plates as soon as they arrive.
If you buy a motorcycle from a private seller, you’ll need to register it at a PennDot office. First, you’ll need to gather the:
· Title
· Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration
· Proof of insurance
· Class M driver’s license
If you bought the motorcycle at less than 80 percent of the fair market value, you also must complete Form MV-3, Motor Vehicle Verification of Fair Market Value by the Issuing Agent. Get this form notarized before taking it to the PennDOT office.
After registering your motorcycle, make sure you know the rules of the road.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Laws for the Road
Pennsylvania has numerous laws meant to keep motorists safe. If you ride a motorcycle, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in PA. The Department of Transportation warns that riding between lanes makes motorcyclists vulnerable to:
· Hands coming out of windows
· Open car doors
· Sudden turns
Helmet Laws
If you are under the age of 21, you must wear a helmet at all times when riding on a motorcycle. However, if you are 21 or over, you don’t have to wear a helmet as long as you:
· Have two years of riding experience and/or
· Have completed an approved motorcycle safety course
While wearing a helmet isn’t required, helmets reduce your risk of head injuries. Thus, many motorcyclists choose to wear helmets for their own safety.
Carrying Passengers
You can carry passengers with you on your motorcycle as long as you follow the rules. First, your motorcycle must be designed for passengers. Your passengers need their own seats.
Second, passengers must stay in their designated seats. Never drive a motorcycle with the passenger sitting in front of you. The passenger should not obstruct your ability to operate the motorcycle.
There are also laws against racing motorcycles in Pennsylvania.
Laws Against Racing Motorcycles in Pennsylvania
Racing motorcycles is against the law in Pennsylvania. If you participate in motorcycle racing, you face:
· A $200 fine
· A six-month driver’s license suspension
You might also get charged with additional violations, such as reckless driving. That comes with additional fines and penalties, so you definitely don’t want to participate in motorcycle racing.
By not racing, you’ll stay much safer on the road. You can also maintain your safety by meeting the state’s annual inspection requirement.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Inspection Requirements
You need to have your motorcycle inspected annually at a PennDOT Inspection Station. Through these inspections, the state ensures that motorcycles are safe and operational when on the road.
During the inspection, the mechanic will check the:
· Suspension
· Steering
· Braking system
· Tires and wheels
· Lighting and electrical systems
· Glazing
· Mirrors
· Fuel system
· Speedometer and odometer
· Exhaust system
· Horn and warning devices
· Body
· Chassis
If the mechanic notices problems, you’ll need to fix them to pass the inspection.
Along with passing an annual inspection, you must maintain insurance on your motorcycle.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
The state has minimum insurance requirements in place for all motor vehicles, including motorcycles. You need to meet the minimums in three categories, which are:
· Medical Benefits
o $5,000
· Bodily Injury Liability
o $15,000/$30,000
· Property Damage Liability
o $5,000
When you buy coverage, you can choose between limited or full tort. You can save on your monthly premiums by getting full tort coverage. If you’re in an accident and have full tort coverage, your policy will handle your out-of-pocket expenses. However, you cannot recover damages for pain and suffering unless you meet specific requirements.
If you want to maintain your right to sue, you can get limited tort coverage. Then, you’ll pay higher monthly premiums, but you’ll have the option to sue the other driver.
You can get a discount on limited and full tort insurance if you meet some requirements. According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, discounts are commonly given for:
· Completed safety courses
· Memberships to certain associations
· Safe driving records
· Factory-installed anti-lock braking systems
· Bundling motorcycle insurance with other policies
Once you have your insurance in hand, you’ll be ready to hit the road. First, find out what items you need to bring with you.
Items that Every Pennsylvania Motorcycle Rider Should Have
Bringing the right items along for each ride will help you stay safe and comfortable. First, make sure you bring plenty of water each time you go out on your bike.
Water
You can’t escape the elements when riding a motorcycle, so you can get dehydrated quickly. Bring plenty of water with you, even when taking short trips. Staying hydrated will help you remain alert and agile on the road, reducing your risk of getting in an accident.
Emergency Lights in Case of an Accident
If you’re in an accident, you need to protect yourself until help arrives. Also, you need to make sure that emergency personnel can find you. You can accomplish both with emergency lighting.
By setting up emergency lights, motorists will see you on the side of the road. Also, emergency personnel will be able to locate you quickly so you can receive medical care.
Gloves
Motorcycle gloves are stylish, but that’s not all. They can also increase your grip strength, keep your hands comfortable, and protect your hands in an accident. Always ride with gloves, and bring an extra pair to use if needed.
Tire Plug Kit
Unfortunately, flat tires are a part of the driving experience. You can reduce the risk by inspecting your tires before each ride. However, you should also bring a tire plug kit and a pump with you to use if anything happens. If you prefer, you can choose a kit with a tire-inflation system instead of a pump.
Riding Boots
Proper riding boots will help you get the necessary traction on the road when stopping and idling on your motorcycle. In addition, riding boots offer more protection than sneakers, so you’re less likely to experience a foot or ankle injury in an accident.
Go with waterproof riding boots so you’ll be ready for all conditions. They should also be well ventilated but still able to keep your feet warm when it’s cold outside.
Sunglasses or Goggles
Wind, debris, and UV rays can damage your eyes when you’re riding your motorcycle. Fortunately, you can protect them with motorcycle sunglasses or goggles. Always wear them when you’re on the road and stash an extra pair.
Important Documents
Never take off on your motorcycle unless you have all the necessary documents with you. You should bring your:
· Insurance card
· Motorcycle license
Once you gather everything, you’ll be ready to hit the road. Whether you embark on a long ride or go on a short trip, you might get a ticket during the journey. Find out what to do if you get a ticket on your motorcycle.
What to Do If You Get a Ticket on Your Motorcycle
If you get a motorcycle ticket, you might face fines, points on your license, and a possible license suspension. Those are pretty steep penalties, so consider fighting back by using Winit. This app makes it easy to contest the ticket.
First, you need to submit a photograph of your ticket, along with any evidence you have. Then, a traffic attorney will inspect the ticket and evidence, looking for errors or violations. The lawyer will keep you updated while contesting your ticket.
If your ticket is dismissed, you’ll pay the attorney 50 percent of the potential fine. For instance, if your fine was going to be $200, you’ll pay $100. The low price isn’t the only benefit. If the ticket is dismissed, you don’t have to worry about points on your license and a higher motorcycle insurance rate.
If the attorney doesn’t get the ticket dismissed, you won’t have to pay anything. That means it’s a risk-free service.
Stay Safe When Riding Your Motorcycle in Pennsylvania
Familiarize yourself with the rules of the road and the equipment you need. Then, take off on your motorcycle for an adventure around Pennsylvania. While following the rules will help you avoid getting tickets, remember that you can use Winit if you are charged with a violation.
