Rules of the Road
RULES OF THE ROAD
PETER E. SUTHEIM
THE INFORMATION in the accompanying chart was compiled from replies to questionnaires sent to motor vehicle, highway or other appropriate departments in each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. A few of the states didn't reply, even to second and third requests, but most were cooperative.
To avoid endless repetition, general requirements upon which most states agree, are described in this introduction. Assume that these general points apply, unless specifically negated or amended in the chart.
Licensing: Some states offer an optional cycle or scooter license; other states require one. The difference is simply that if you choose to, in the first case, you can take your road test on a two-wheeler, pass whatever other exam is required, then get a license that is restricted to motorcycle (or scooter) operation only. You cannot legally drive a car with such a license. However, in these states, a regular (automobile) license is also good for motorcycles. A few states offer restricted scooter permits to 14, 15, or 16-year-olds.
In the second case, you cannot legally drive a motorcycle or scooter unless you have a special license, which usually requires a specific road test and written exam, and may or may not additionally entitle you to drive a car.
Lighting and Signaling: Most states agree on these matters. The phrase, “at least one and not more than two” (headlamps), appears in most of the statutes studied for this chart. Generally, you can be sure of meeting any state’s requirements if you have a headlight that will show up a person or vehicle 500 feet in front of you, with the added provision that your low beam (or your only beam, if your bike doesn’t offer a choice) does not shine higher than 5 inches above the center of the light, at a distance of 25 feet in front of the bike. Some states have looser requirements, but these haven’t been enumerated. It seems wise, however, to be on the safe side.
Practically all states specifically require a red or amber stoplight that shines automatically when you press the brake pedal, and a red taillight that is visible 300 feet behind the motorcycle. All states require a white light to illuminate the rear license plate, so that it is visible 25 feet behind. It can be the same light as the taillight (usually there is a clear “window” on the underside of the taillight housing).
Electric turn signals are permitted, or even encouraged, by most states. Where they are prohibited, it is noted in the chart. Most states require only that the signals be separated by the maximum, practical, side-to-side distance. States also agree pretty much on hand signals: left arm and hand straight out for left turn, bent upward for right turn, bent downward for slowing or stopping.
Exception: Connecticut. Signal a right turn by waving your left hand as though you are signaling a following driver to pass. It is wise to use hand signals whenever possible, even if you have electric turn signals. (Maryland and Virginia require it.)
Another rule, which is accepted as universal, is that a passenger may be carried only on a machine designed to carry a passenger — that is, one with a suitable buddy seat permanently attached.
And, of course, every state more or less explicitly requires at least one decent brake. Specific details aren’t entered in the chart, because anyone who would take to the highway without both brakes is probably insane.
Finally, nearly every state has paragraphs in its motor vehicle rulebooks that contain phrases like, “causing undue noise,” “maximum safe speed,” and similar statements that leave matters to your own good judgment, or to a battle of wits between you and the arresting officer, if it should come to that.
These apply to all motor vehicles, and you needn’t worry about them if you’ve formed good driving habits. ■
