As a motorcyclist in New Jersey, you’re familiar with the experience of riding through busy city streets, highways, and scenic routes. However, riding in the Garden State comes with its own set of challenges, from managing heavy traffic to dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. Before your next ride—whether through urban areas or along the coastline—it’s essential to be aware of the state’s motorcycle laws.
These laws are in place to promote safety and ensure legal compliance across New Jersey’s varied roadways. Let’s take a closer look as a New Jersey injury lawyer shares seven NJ motorcycle laws that every motorcyclist in New Jersey should know.
1. Helmet Requirements
When it comes to motorcycle safety in New Jersey, helmets are non-negotiable. You must wear a helmet that complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. According to N.J. Stat. § 39:3-76.7, your helmet should have a DOT (Department of Transportation) sticker on the back. Additionally, the helmet must have a secure chin strap to meet safety standards. Remember, it’s not just about following the law – it’s about protecting your most valuable asset: your head.
2. Eye Protection
Your eyes need protection too. New Jersey law requires you to wear goggles or a face shield while riding. According to N.J. Stat. § 39:3-76.8, these must be of a type approved by the state’s Director of Motor Vehicles. The director is authorized to set rules and regulations regarding the specifications for goggles and face shields. Be sure to use only approved protective gear, as prescription glasses or sunglasses alone do not meet the legal requirements.
3. Licensing and Registration
In New Jersey, operating a motorcycle requires either a valid motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. As per N.J. Stat. § 39:3-10, anyone applying for a motorcycle license must pass both a written knowledge test and a road test. If you’re under 18, you cannot be issued a basic motorcycle license until you meet specific requirements, including passing a satisfactory examination that tests your vision and knowledge of safe driving practices.
4. Insurance Requirements
Before you can register or ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you must have liability insurance. This insurance helps cover costs for bodily injury or property damage you might cause to others in an accident. The state requires at least:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Although these are the legal minimums, opting for higher limits can offer better financial protection in case of a severe accident. You can also consider additional optional coverages, such as:
- Collision for repairs to your motorcycle after an accident
- Comprehensive for non-accident damages like theft or weather events
- Medical payments to assist with medical costs if you’re injured
- Towing and roadside assistance for emergency breakdowns
While not mandatory, these extra coverages provide valuable protection and can help you avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses.
5. Headlights Required During Inclement Weather
New Jersey law mandates that headlights must be used whenever windshield wipers are activated due to rain, fog, snow, or other adverse weather conditions. This law, commonly known as the “Wipers On, Lights On” rule, ensures that motorcyclists are visible to other drivers in poor weather. Headlights must also be used when visibility is less than 500 feet or during times of insufficient light, such as from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
Failure to comply with this law can result in a fine, and more importantly, it increases the risk of accidents. Following this law improves your visibility and helps keep you safe during challenging weather conditions.
6. Passenger Regulations
If you enjoy riding with a passenger, there are specific rules to follow. Your motorcycle must be designed to carry more than one person, with a proper seat and footrests for the passenger. According to N.J. Stat. § 39:3-76.5, the passenger must also wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection.
Carrying a passenger changes how your motorcycle handles, especially during turns, acceleration, and braking. Be prepared to adjust your balance and weight distribution accordingly.
7. Equipment Requirements
New Jersey law also mandates certain equipment on your motorcycle. N.J.A.C. 13:20-33.1 to 33.7 specifies that this includes:
- At least one rearview mirror
- A horn audible for at least 200 feet
- Handlebars that don’t rise higher than the rider’s shoulders when seated
- Properly functioning brakes on both wheels
- Turn signals (for motorcycles manufactured after 1975)
- A muffler to prevent excessive noise
Regular inspections and maintenance are critical to ensure all these components are working correctly. It’s important to regularly inspect your motorcycle to ensure all these components are in good working order, especially before long rides.
What About Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing?
In addition to the seven laws above, there are other important practices that may not be explicitly covered by specific statutes but still carry legal implications. One of the most common areas of confusion is lane splitting and lane sharing.
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is not explicitly addressed by New Jersey law, but it can still be considered illegal. While no specific statute bans lane splitting, law enforcement may treat it as reckless driving under N.J. Stat. § 39:4-97, which prohibits operating a vehicle with willful disregard for the safety of others. Even though lane splitting isn’t directly prohibited, it carries significant risks. The narrow space between vehicles and the unpredictability of other drivers make it hazardous for motorcyclists, increasing the likelihood of accidents. If a police officer deems your lane splitting unsafe, you could face fines or penalties for reckless driving.
However, lane sharing—riding two motorcycles side-by-side in a single lane—is permitted, as long as both riders agree to it. Even with lane sharing, it’s important to ensure that both riders practice safe riding habits and communicate clearly to avoid accidents.
Riding a motorcycle offers a unique sense of freedom and exhilaration, but it also comes with responsibilities. By following these laws and being mindful of practices like lane splitting and sharing, you’re not only avoiding potential legal issues but also contributing to a safer riding environment for everyone on the road.
You Followed the Law and Got Injured—Now Let Us Fight for You
Even when you do everything right on the road, an accident caused by a negligent driver can turn your life upside down. At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, we know how difficult it can be to face the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, especially when someone else’s reckless behavior is to blame. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way.
With over 30 years of experience, our team is ready to help you handle the challenges ahead. Whether you were involved in an accident in congested areas like Newark or during a scenic ride along the Jersey Shore, we’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, guide you through your options, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Your recovery is our priority, and we’ll work hard to make sure you’re not left facing the consequences alone.
If you’ve been searching online for “motor vehicle accident lawyers near me” or “motorcycle accident attorneys,” contact us instead. You can call us at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246 to schedule your FREE case review, or fill out our confidential online form. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and getting back to what matters most.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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Lodi, NJ 07644
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