Motorcycle Rules and Laws in the US in Ohio, USA
Ohio is famous for so many different things. It is known for its rock and roll hall of fame along with American football, corn and cedar production, and much more.
Most people visit Ohio because it is known as the mother of the presidents so people with some political affiliation like to visit Ohio especially. As a motorcycle enthusiast, if you like nature, breathtaking views, and some mild climate, Ohio is the place you should visit.
For most motorcycle riders, California, Arizona, and Florida are the dream destination because of the warm balmy climate, empty roads, and desert view but Ohio offers a treat for young motorcycle enthusiasts as well as senior motorcyclists. It has something for everyone which is the reason people who like adventure sports, politics, or football like to visit Ohio.
If you are planning to visit Ohio or you are thinking of planning a motorcycle road trip to Ohio, you need to know in detail about the traffic rules and rights of the motorcyclist. According to the recent stats revealed by Ohio state patrol, annually more than 966 traffic accidents occur in Ohio.
Within these traffic accidents, the majority are motorcycles riders and these accidents sometimes can be very severe as well. In 2018, more than 114 riders were killed and this number only signifies the tip of the iceberg. After all these stats were revealed the Ohio police declared Ohio one of the most dangerous places for riders.
With the help of this article, we will mainly list down some of the most important traffic rules and regulations that every rider must follow. We will specifically target the safety rules so you can avoid accidents altogether. We will also list down some riding rules so you can minimize the risk of getting severely injured during a motorcycle road accident.
Motorcycle License and Temporary Permit
The state of Ohio issues its motorcycle permit or license. However, if you are a foreigner you need to have an international license or you can have to apply for the state license as well. In case you are under 18 years old, the criteria and skillset will be different whereas, riders who are above 18 will be judged on different parameters.
While testing your riding skills, you will be judged based on handling accidental situations, acceleration, safety, speed, braking, speed adjustment, accidental stop, and the way you communicate with other drivers.
Before your get your license you will need a temporary permit so that you can practice and learn how to ride. Once you pass the test you will be able to ride on the highway and everywhere else. If you have a temporary permit you cannot carry any passenger at all. You will also need to wear a helmet and eye protection. You can only drive during the daylight and you cannot ride on the highway or congested roads.
General Rules for Solo Rider and Group Riders
Since most motorcycle groups like to ride together, we will list down the general rules of riding solo as well as in groups. Our goal is to help solo riders traveling alone and group riders feel equally safe.
Riding Abreast
While riding with other riders you need to maintain a safe distance. Another important law is that o only two riders can ride side by side. Most riders have a lengthy formation that others follow. As a result, when one rider gets into a crash, it impacts everyone following the rider.
Lane Splitting
Just like most of the states in the US, lane splitting is illegal. You cannot take over the vehicle riding in front of you, however, you can only change your lane on either side. It is very important because lane splitting is known to be one of the biggest reasons behind Ohio motorcycle road accidents.
Motorcycle Safety Regulation
Motorcycle regulation applies to both the passenger and the rider. According to the law, both rider and passenger need to have their permanent seats. Apart from this, the helmet is not mandatory if you hold a permanent license and you are more than 18 years old. Apart from this, a rider on their first year of riding license must also wear a helmet. However, it is better to wear a helmet because this will save you from any permanent injury.
Eye Protection and Ear Buds
According to Ohio State authorities, the rider cannot wear any external earbuds for noise cancellation or music. However, if there is an inbuilt speaker within the helmet that is permitted.
Apart from the helmet, the rider needs to have approved eye protection as well.
To ensure that rider has a full view, Ohio authorizes also ensuring that you have at least one back view mirror with a working headlight as well for a clear view.
Adjusted Handlebars
Handlebars are essential for riding however people who use modified handlebars need to ensure the quality, height, and size. According to Ohio law, your motorcycle handlebars cannot rise above your shoulders. The height of the handlebar needs to be well adjusted with the shoulder rest. This is important because it can impact the comfort of the rider and can help in avoiding any discomfort during a long journey.
Bottom Line
To sum it all up, there is no doubt that Ohio is a very good place to visit as it offers some of the best tourist destinations. However, to stay safe it is very important to take good care of yourself as well as your vehicles. Before leaving your house, ensure that you have all the documents required for the trip and you are carrying a tool kit as well.
Most accidents happen because tourists are distracted whereas others happen when riders overestimate their potential without thinking about the rules, regulations, and consequences of the violation. Since motorcycle road accidents are one of the biggest issues in Ohio, police, and authorities are very strict about the rules. In case you get into an accident due to negligence you will not only be penalized but authorizes will also be taking staunch measures to angst you.
