Riding in Groups: Motorcycle Clubs’ Legal Requirements
Riding a motorcycle on the open road can be a wonderfully enjoyable and peaceful experience. Whether through a shared hobby or communal safety, some riders chose to belong to a local motorcycle club. When the club rides as a group, there are certain precautions they should consider to protect themselves and their club. For one thing, riders and the club should both carry liability insurance.
There are also state laws and basic safety guidelines to consider when riding in a group. A Florida motorcycle accident lawyer can explain the legal considerations for motorcycle clubs riding in a group. They can also help you with a personal injury claim following a fort myers motorcycle accident lawyer .
Financial Responsibility as a Rider and a Club
Although Florida law does not require motorcyclists to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, they do need to prove financial responsibility. Under Florida Statutes § 324.031, riders must prove financial responsibility with either:
- Liability insurance of $10,000 for bodily injury to one person, $20,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage
- A certificate of deposit for $30,000
- A self-insured certificate of $40,000
Your club should also carry equivalent coverage to protect themselves from liability in the case of an accident while riding as a group. Having both the club and the rider carrying liability insurance provides comprehensive coverage. It also provides layered protection in case of injuries and losses from an accident while riding as a group that exceeds the rider’s policy limits.
If you have been in an accident, most personal injury attorneys offer a free case review.
Insurance Coverage for Scheduled Events
Your club can also protect itself by acquiring insurance to cover a planned ride. The club’s insurance carrier should be able to accommodate coverage for rallies and charity rides, depending upon the terms in the club’s policy.
Incorporating the Club to Protect Members
A west palm beach motorcycle accident lawyer club can also protect its members through incorporation and become a legal entity. Liability for accidents would then fall to the club and not the assets of its members.
Incorporation would also require the creation of bylaws for the club. Bylaws would establish:
- Officers’ roles and responsibilities
- Criteria for membership
- Election policies
- Voting rights and amendment procedures
- Judicial process for resolving issues
Other Legal Considerations for a Motorcycle Club Riding in a Group
Whether as a group or a solo ride, motorcyclists should follow traffic laws. Riders should drive at or under the speed limit, observe traffic lights, and follow any posted signs. Clubs should also be aware of any noise level restrictions for the areas they ride through.
To be considered safe on public roads, the motorcycle must have the same operating features as a car:
- Brakes
- Horn
- Mirrors
- Headlights
- Taillights
Helmet and Eye Protection Requirements
Under Florida Statutes § 316.211, riders must wear a helmet and eye protection. However, anyone over the age of 21 who is carrying an insurance policy of $10,000 for medical benefits is exempt from wearing a helmet.
Lane Splitting Is Illegal
Riding between stopped or slow vehicles is lane-splitting, and it is illegal. Motorcyclists have a right to a full lane, and two riders can drive side-by-side in one lane, per Florida Statutes § 316.209.
Tips for a Safe Motorcycle Group Ride
To ensure your club has a good ride, you and your motorcycle club should incorporate some of these riding in formation rules into your next gathering:
Plan Your Route
Before your ride, you and your club should meet and discuss your destination and the roads you will take. You should include stopping points for rest, food, and refueling. You should also check on the status of the roads you are planning on taking, and whether any of them are under construction or can handle the size of your group.
Group Formation and Hand-Signals
Even though you are permitted to ride side-by-side in one lane, a safer formation is a staggered one, where you can clearly see the rider adjacent to you. It will allow you to avoid any dangers that could result in a motorcycle pileup.
Staggering your ride also allows you to make hand-signals to communicate your intentions to your fellow club members. Headsets and electronic communications are permitted under Florida Statutes § 316.304 but with strict limitations, primarily that the device does not interfere with the rider’s ability to hear surrounding sounds.
Service Your Motorcycle Before the Ride
You should check your motorcycle to ensure it is in proper working order. You should make sure your brakes and lights are working, that the frame is solid, and that the fluids are topped off.
One to Lead and One to Sweep
In any ride, your club should designate one person to lead the group and one to sweep behind to make sure no one is left behind.
Call for More Legal Considerations on Riding as a Motorcycle Club
If you have questions on group riding regulations or how you and your club can legally protect themselves in the event of an accident, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270. Our fort lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys can review your club’s structure and provide you with legal advice. Contact us today.
