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California The Golden State Helmet: Required by LAW, all riders. Do something about it! Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Handgrips up to 6" above shoulder height Eye Protection: Not Required Turn Signals: Required, must use if equipped Daytime Use of Headlight: Required for all models 1978 and later Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: Single earphone only Earplugs: Permitted, No Restriction effective 1/1/04 Muffler: Muffler required. No muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device (27150. Adequate Muffler Required). Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel:1)Pre-1970..92dba; 2) After 1969, and before 1973...88dba; 3) After 1972, and before 1975...86dba; 4) After 1974, and before 1986...83dba; 5) After 1985...80dba (27201-27202. Motorcycle Limits). Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: YES Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Permissible if conducted in a safe and prudent manner Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/5) - Financial responsibility required. A driver involved in an accident who fails to prove existence of financial responsibility at time of accident shall have driver's license suspended for 1 year. Periodic Safety Inspection: Random, required by law State Funded Rider Education: Available for all eligible applicants, required under age 21, Rider Education Waiver: Skills test waived for successful completion Radar Detector: No Restriction MIRT, Mobile Infra Red Transmitter: Illegal to use or possess Highway Conditions: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/ Department of Transportation: Caltrans http://www.dot.ca.gov/ Department of Motor Vehicles:  www.dmv.ca.gov Highway Patrol Website: http://www.chp.ca.gov/ Motorcyclist Rights Organization: http://www.abate.org New Laws for 2005: http://www.csaa.com/docs/aboutaaa/2004_legislative_digest.pdf Back to Top Alabama The Cotton State - The Heart of Dixie Helmet: Required by law Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Maximum of 15" above seat Eye Protection: Not Required Turn Signals: Not Required Daytime Use of Headlight: Required by law Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: No restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: No acoustical criteria Decibels/Maximum Sound: No acoustical criteria Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Yes. Title 32: Section 32-5A-242 Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(20/40/10) Periodic Safety Inspection: None State Funded Rider Education: ? Rider Education Waiver: No Radar Detector: No restriction Department of Motor Vehicles: Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.state.al.us/ Highway Patrol Website: http://www.dps.state.al.us/ Motorcyclist Rights Organization: ABATE, P.O. Box 6063, Anniston, AL 36205; 888-800-2812 Back to Top Alaska The Great Land, Land of the Midnight Sun Helmet: Required for ages under 18 Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Maximum of 15" above seat Eye Protection: Required by law - unless equipped with windscreen which is 15" or higher above handlebars Turn Signals: Not Required Daytime Use of Headlight: Required by law Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law (L,R) Helmet Speakers: No Restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: No acoustical criteria Decibels/Maximum Sound: No acoustical criteria Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Permitted. 13 AAC 02.427 Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(50/100/25) Periodic Safety Inspection: Required by law - random State Funded Rider Education: Not available Rider Education Waiver: No Radar Detector: No Restriction Highway Conditions: http://511.alaska.gov/ Division of Motor Vehicles: http://www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/ADMIN/dmv/ Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/ Highway Patrol Website: http://www.dps.state.ak.us/ast/ Motorcyclist Rights Organization: ABATE OF ALASKA, P.O. Box 92213 Anchorage AK 99509; 907-566-3332 www.abateofalaska.net Back to Top Arizona The Grand Canyon state Helmet: Required by law under age 18 Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Handgrips at shoulder height or below Eye Protection: Required by law unless equipped with windscreen Turn Signals: Not required Daytime Use of Headlight: Required by law Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: No restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: Muffler required; no cutout, bypass or similar device (28-955.01, Motorcycles; noise level equipment; unauthorized equipment). Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel (R17-4-61. Motorcycle Noise Limits): Model Year/<=35mph/35-45mph/>45mph: Before 1972/84dba/88dba/88dba; 1972-1980/79dba/82dba/86dba; After 1980/76dba/80dba/83dba Passenger Age Restrictions: No regulations Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: Yes Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/10) Periodic Safety Inspection: Required by law, annual emissions in some areas State Funded Rider Education: Available for all eligible applicants, may waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed. Radar Detector: No restriction Department of Motor Vehicles: http://www.dot.state.az.us/mvd/mvd.htm Department of Transportation: www.dot.state.az.us/mvd/driver/ driverservices.htm Highway Patrol Website: http://www.dps.state.az.us/agency/highwaypatrol/default.asp Motorcyclist Rights Organization: ABATE, 8900 N. Central Ave., Suite 303, Phoenix, AZ 85020-2848; 602-678-4012; www.abateofaz.org MMA, P.O. Box 2090, Page, AZ 86040; 602-788-8873; www.MMA-az.org Back to Top Arkansas The Natural State Helmet: Required by law under age 21 Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: No restrictions Eye Protection: Required by law Turn Signals: Not required Daytime Use of Headlight: Required by law Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: No restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: No acoustical criteria. Decibels/Maximum Sound: No acoustical criteria. Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(25/50/15) Periodic Safety Inspection: "Random" - Subject to Law Enforcement Road Side Inspection. State Funded Rider Education: Not available Rider Education Waiver: Skill Test Radar Detector: No Restriction Highway Conditions: http://www.ahtd.state.ar.us/roads.htm Department of Motor Vehicles: Department of Transportation: http://www.ahtd.state.ar.us/ State Police Website: http://www.asp.state.ar.us/ Motorcyclist Rights Organization: ABATE, 18019 Amazon Lane, Little Rock, AR 72206; 501-888-5893; www.arkansasabate.org Back to Top Colorado The Centennial State Helmet: Not Required Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Eye Protection: Required by law Turn Signals: Not Required Daytime Use of Headlight: Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: No restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: Required Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel, local authorities may adopt following: 1)Manufactured before 1/1/73--88dba at 35mph or less; 90dba at 35 to 55mph; 2) Manufactured after 1/1/73--86dba at 35mph or less; 90dba at 35 to 55 mph (25-12-107. Powers of Local Authorities). Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Permitted. 42-4-1503 Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(25/50/15) Periodic Safety Inspection: Required by law - random State Funded Rider Education: Available for all eligible applicants Rider Education Waiver: Skill & Knowledge Test Radar Detector: No Restriction Highway Conditions: http://www.cotrip.org/ Division of Motor Vehicles: http://www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_dir/home.asp Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.state.co.us/ Highway Patrol Website: http://csp.state.co.us/ Motorcyclist Rights Organization: ABATE, P.O. Box 3600, Syracuse, Denver, CO 80007; 303-659-6374; www.abateofcolo.org Riders for Justice, P.O. Box 1986, Loveland, CO 80539; www.ridersforjustice.com Back to Top Connecticut The Constitution State Helmet: Required by law under age 18, required for instructional permit holders Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Maximum of 15" above seat Eye Protection: Required by law unless equipped with windscreen Turn Signals: Not required Daytime Use of Headlight: Required by law for vehicles manufactured during or after 1980 Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: No restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: Muffler required, baffles required, no cut-outs or straight pipes Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel (Sec. 14-80a. Maximum Noise Levels): Model Year/<=35mph/>35mph-- Before 1/1/1975/82dba/86dba; On or after 1/1/1975/80dba/84dba Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Permitted. 14-289b Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(20/40/10) Periodic Safety Inspection: Required by law - random State Funded Rider Education: Available for all eligible applicants, required under age 18 Rider Education Waiver: Skill Test Radar Detector: No restriction Highway Conditions: Department of Motor Vehicles: Department of Transportation: Highway Patrol Website: Motorcyclist Rights Organization: CMRA-Connecticut Motorcycle Riders Association, P.O. Box 56, New Britain, CT 06050; 860-588-6666; www.thecmra.com Back to Top Delaware The First State Helmet: Required by law-reflectorization required, must have in possession, required age 19, required for instructional permit holders Helmet Reflectorization: REQUIRED Handlebar Height: Maximum of 15" above seat Eye Protection: Required by law Turn Signals: Not Required Daytime Use of Headlight: ? Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: No Restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: Muffler required, no cut-outs Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel or 20" from exhaust outlet (Sec. 71-II-4. Allowable Noise Levels): 1) Highway Operation less than 35mph--78-80dba; 2) Highway Operation above 35mph--82-84dba; 3)Stationary at 50ft 78-80dba; 4)Stationary at 20"--95dba. Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/10) Periodic Safety Inspection: Required by law State Funded Rider Education: Available for all eligible applicants under age 18 Rider Education Waiver: Skill & Knowledge Test Radar Detector: No Restriction Highway Conditions: Department of Motor Vehicles: Department of Transportation: State Police Website: http://www.state.de.us/dsp/ Motorcyclist Rights Organization: ABATE Inc., P.O. Box 10923, Wilmington, DE 19850; 302-731-0455; abateofde.com Back to Top District of Columbia "Bitch set me up" ~Mayor Marion Barry Helmet: Required by law Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Maximum of 15" above seat - Required by inspection regulations Eye Protection: Required by law unless equipped with windscreen Turn Signals: Not required Daytime Use of Headlight: Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law - (L) Helmet Speakers: No restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: No person shall modify or alter the exhaust system of a motor vehicle or motorcycle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the vehicle above the limits set forth in section b Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound level based on measurements takent at a distance of 50 feet from center line of travel: 1)less than 35 mph--82 dBA 2) over 35 mph--86dBA. Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: ? Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: ? Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(25/50/10) Periodic Safety Inspection: Required by law State Funded Rider Education: Not available Rider Education Waiver: No Radar Detector: Prohibited to use or possess Highway Conditions: Department of Motor Vehicles: Department of Transportation: Highway Patrol Website: Motorcyclist Rights Organization: Back to Top Florida The Sunshine State Helmet: Not required over 21 with a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Maximum of 15" above seat Eye Protection: Required by law Turn Signals: Not required Daytime Use of Headlight: Required by law Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: No Restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: No person shall modify the exhaust system in such a manner that the noise emitted is above that emitted by the vehicle as originally manufactured. No person shall operate a vehicle with an exhaust system so modified. Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 feet from center line of travel (Sec. 316.293): 1) Manufactured before 1/1/79--82dBA (35mph or less); 86dBA (over 35mph) 2)Manufactured after 1/1/79--78dBA(35mph or less); 82dBA(over 35mph). Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Permitted. 316.209 Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(10/20/10) - Financial responsibility required Periodic Safety Inspection: None State Funded Rider Education: Available for all eligible applicants-required under age 21 education Rider Education Waiver: Skill & Knowledge Test Radar Detector: No Restriction Highway Conditions: Department of Motor Vehicles: Department of Transportation: Highway Patrol Website: http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/ Motorcyclist Rights Organization: ABATE of Florida Inc. , P.O. Box 2520, Deland, Fl 32721; 904-943-9610; www.abateflorida.com Back to Top Georgia The Peach State Helmet: Required by law Helmet Reflectorization: Not required Handlebar Height: Maximum of 15" above seat Eye Protection: Required by law unless equipped with windscreen Turn Signals: Not Required on motorcycles manufactured prior to January 1, 1972 40-8-25(b). Daytime Use of Headlight: Required by law Modulating Headlight: Permitted Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: To be used for communication purposes only Earplugs: ? Muffler: No accoustical criteria Decibels/Maximum Sound: No accoustical criteria Passenger Age Restrictions: None Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Permitted. 40-6-312. (d) Insurance Requirements: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/10) Periodic Safety Inspection: None State Funded Rider Education: Available for all eligible applicants Rider Education Waiver: Skill & Knowledge Test Radar Detector: No Restriction Highway Conditions: Department of Motor Vehicles: Department of Transportation: State Patrol Website: http://dps.georgia.gov/02/dps/home/0,2228,5635600,00.html Motorcyclist Rights Organization: ABATE, P.O. Box 669, Pine Lake, GA 30072; 404-294-8900, fax 404-294-8980; www.abatega.org Back to Top Hawaii The Aloha State Helmet: Required by law-reflectorization required, required under age 18 Helmet Reflectorization: Required Handlebar Height: Maximum of 15" above seat Eye Protection: Required by law unless equipped with windscreen Turn Signals: Not Required Daytime Use of Headlight: No Restriction Modulating Headlight: ? Mirror Left (L) and Right (R): Required by law Helmet Speakers: No Restrictions Earplugs: ? Muffler: Exhausts can't be modified, altered, or reparied in such a way that the noise emitted by the vehicle is inreased above that emitted by the vehicle as originally equipped from the factory. Decibels/Maximum Sound: Maximum allowable A-weighted sound levels range from 61dBA to 91dBA based on measurements taken from 20-50 feet at speeds ranging from 25-60mph. Passenger Age Restrictions: Prohibits passengers under age 7 Passenger Seat: Required if carrying a passenger Passenger Footrest: Required if carrying a passenger Motorcycles OK in HOV Lanes: ? Lanesharing/Lanesplitting: Not permitted Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Permitted. §291C-153 Insurance Requirements: