Every Motorcyclist Has On-Road Legal Responsibilities to Comply With

Most of the motorcycle accidents that happen are avoidable.

UK laws entitle motorcyclists to file for a motorcycle accident compensation claim in the event of an accident to recover medical expenses and incurred losses in property damage.

But, at the same time, it also provides guidelines to motorcyclists for on-road safe and responsible driving. So, where possible, these can be avoided. These guidelines are provisioned in the form of on-road legal responsibilities that every motorcyclist in the UK is expected to comply with.

Do you know your on-road legal responsibilities as a motorcyclist?

Sure, being a responsible citizen, you do. However, reviewing them further ensures that the risk of exercised negligence is kept to bare minimum.

Therefore, without any further ado, let’s get started.

There Are Age Restrictions that You Need to Comply With

You can legally ride a motorcycle or a tricycle, only once you are 17 years old. There are some bikes that have even higher age requirements.

What about mopeds and light quadricycles?

For that, you don’t necessarily have to be a 17-year-old. If you are 16 years or older, you can legally drive a moped or a light quadricycle on the roads of the UK.

There are Safety Helmet Standards That You Need to Comply With

All motor cyclists in the UK are required by law to wear helmets while riding. Not just any helmet, but helmets that must comply with one of the following safety standards:

• British Standard BS 6658:1985. Such helmets carry the BSI Kitemark.
• UNECE Regulation 22.05
• An equivalent EEA member standard to the BS 6658:1985, designed to offer same level of protection.

There are Legal Requirements to Comply with If You Wear Goggles or a Visor

Many motorcyclists prefer wearing a visor or goggles when driving, especially in daylight to protect their vision from sunlight. If you wear a visor or goggles, when riding a bike, it must conform with following standards:

• A British standard, carrying a BSI Kitemark.
• A European standard, that offers same level of protection against sunlight as the British standard.

There are Legal Requirements to Comply with If You Are Carrying a Pillion Passenger

If there is an accompanying pillion passenger, it’s your legal responsibility to ensure that the pillion passenger must be able to place both his feet on pillion footrests.

It’s Your Legal Responsibility to Not Ride a Bike Under the Influence of Alcohol

While riding a bike under the influence of alcohol could not only be dangerous for your own safety but also for the safety of any other vehicle present on-road. Avoid at all cost, because if found guilty, you can face serious charges.

Ride safely and ride responsibly.

Be safe!

A Motorcycle Accident Claim to File?

Despite exercising every precaution and following every guideline stated as per law regarding responsible on-road driving, accidents can happen. This is because motorcycles reduce visibility on road, thus, increasing the risk of collision with another on-road vehicle. This can result in injuries and costly property damages.

If you need help to file your motorcycle accident claim, our personal injury solicitors can assist and advise you. Contact us, to schedule an appointment.