For this reason, we recommend hiring only certified dealers who personally evaluate all used motorcycles imported into the U.S. and report possible problems with bikes that don‘t meet EPA/CARB standards. Here are the specifications you need to meet to make your motorcycle road legal in the United States: If your motorcycle was not originally manufactured or equipped with certain required on-road equipment, you are generally exempt from the requirement. This applies to older bicycles that were produced before certain federal requirements came into force. First, make sure your motorcycle is right for you. Your feet should reach the ground comfortably when you are sitting on the motorcycle. Your road-certified motorcycle must have at least the following: There are four basic rules to keep in mind when determining if your motorcycle is road legal in the United States: FMVSS, EPA, DOT, and CARB regulatory standards. Between these 4 regulations, nothing prevents a properly manufactured (factory) motorcycle from being legally registered on the roads of the United States. All motorcycles produced since 1978 must comply with all of the above regulations to be classified as roadworthy; However, certain factors such as the type of frame can make it difficult for off-road motorcycles to meet road approval. A blue dot on the taillight of up to one inch is legal. 169.64 subd.
4c) The late 1960s, particularly 1967, was a time when helmet laws changed dramatically. Before this year, helmets were something the “losers” wore. No “cool” person wore a helmet on a motorcycle. That quickly changed in 1967, when states were forced to impose helmet laws to qualify for certain federal safety programs and highway construction funds. Within a few years, in the early 1970s, almost every state enforced a universal motorcycle helmet law. This remained constant until 1976, when states successfully urged Congress to prevent the Department of Transportation from considering fines for states without helmet laws. If you look at motorcycle helmet laws in each state, you‘ll notice that some require a DOT certified helmet, others only require a helmet for certain older riders or under certain conditions, and there are a small number that don‘t require helmet time. It‘s confusing, so let‘s take a look at the conditions you‘ll encounter when driving across the country: Candidates must pass the DMV motorcycle knowledge test to qualify, but they don‘t need to take a rider training course or pass a DMV proficiency test/driving test. Most municipalities have noise ordinances that limit noisy exhaust gases for their residents. You may not care about noisy exhaust fumes on open roads, but hearing your neighbor drive to work at 6 a.m. on his motorcycle with the exhaust open can be frustrating. Only 10 states allow an open exhaust without the need for a muffler.
Other states have different regulations, so here‘s what you can expect: A motorcycle needs attention more often than a car. If something goes wrong with the motorcycle, you should inquire before entering traffic or driving the motorcycle at highway speed. Make the following checks before each outing: A “scooter” or “scooter” refers to a variety of motorized bicycles and toys. A two- or three-wheeled vehicle of any size, manufactured for use on public roads and sold by a licensed dealer, is likely a motorcycle and confirmation is required. A vehicle with two or more wheels that is not manufactured for use on public roads and sold by retail stores is likely a toy. FMVSS — Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards — All roadworthy motorcycles must meet at least these standards. These include brakes, lighting and other safety features necessary for use on the road. Lane separation is a rather controversial topic. Only California allows the separation of lanes of any kind, and some will speak of it as a blessing, while others claim it is a curse.
Lane division is when a motorcycle moves between vehicles on the road. As we discussed in our article on lane sharing, it can help reduce traffic congestion in large metropolitan areas, but it can also be extremely dangerous for motorcyclists. Outside of California, this is not a documented legal equestrian practice and will likely cause confusion or street rage among other motorists. If it is not declared illegal, be careful if necessary. All information on this page is for educational purposes only.