What Riders Need to Know About Georgia Motorcycle Laws

For motorcycle riders in Georgia, the call to the open road can feel like an exhilarating adventure. Many riders feel the rush of freedom a motorcycle can bring, and passionately embrace a rider lifestyle. Others find motorcycles offer a fun hobby and excitedly pursue weekend rides.

Nevertheless, whether you’re riding on a quaint country lane in Senoia, an urban Atlanta road, soaking in the coastal air of Tybee Island, or taking in the majestic mountain views of Blue Ridge, on a bike, you’re vulnerable to the elements and severe injury.

It’s important to know and follow Georgia motorcycle laws so that you can get the most out of your bike, avoid significant injury, and prevent accidents.

Why state motorcycle laws are needed

Motorcycle accidents occur frequently in rural and urban areas throughout Georgia. Although natural circumstances can cause collisions, laws and regulations are necessary to help riders prevent avoidable accidents.

A motorcycle accident lawyer from The Scott Pryor Law Group can advise you if you’re hurt in a collision, and can help you to determine your next legal steps. The following statistics also help to shed light on motorcycle crashes in Georgia

83% of riders in collisions were wearing a helmet
The Atlanta metro area accounts for 42% of all Georgia motorcycle accidents
47% of riders involved in motorcycle accidents do not have the required Class M license
11% of all state traffic fatalities involve motorcycle riders
In 2023, $252 million in state emergency room and hospital costs stemmed from motorcycle accidents

Georgia motorcycle laws you need to know

Understanding the various laws and regulations that apply to riders can help increase your road awareness and safety, and decrease the risk of avoidable motorcycle accidents. In order to protect yourself and the drivers you share the road with, you should know the following motorcycle laws in Georgia.

Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program protects riders

Created by the Georgia Department of Driver Services in 2020, the Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) aims to decrease the number of Georgia motorcycle accidents and fatalities that occur in the state.

The program helps riders of all ages remain safe on the roads through rider education that highlights highway safety issues and by offering motorcycle licensing courses.

Class M License Law in Georgia

A Class M license is required in Georgia in order to operate a motorcycle. You must be at least 17 years old and have verifiable consent from a legal guardian if you’re under 18 in order to qualify for a Class M.

Minor drivers will also need to meet the driver requirements set by the state’s Joshua’s Law, which includes restrictions on riding times and the need to complete supervised riding hours.

You also will be required to pass knowledge, road, and vision tests and be able to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. These tests might include a GMSP course or the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Knowledge Exam and on-cycle test.

Rider with protective goggles and helmet, emphasizing Georgia’s eye protection requirement.

Georgia Motorcycle Helmet and Eye Protection Laws

If you’re riding a motorcycle in Georgia, you and any passengers are required to wear a helmet. All helmets must meet the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT). Helmets that fit this requirement display a sticker that reads: DOT, FMVSS No. 218, CERTIFIED, and must fit securely.

Eye protection is also required, which helps to prevent eye and facial injury, and allows you to see more clearly in inclement conditions. Face shields provide the optimal protection for your eyes and face.

It’s vital to remember that a windshield alone won’t protect your eyes from sun glare, wind, dust, debris, and other elements that could impact your ability to operate a motorcycle. Although protective gear isn’t mandated, extra padding and safety gear can also help to reduce your vulnerability to injury.

Georgia Lane-Splitting Laws

Lane-splitting (when riders continue through stopped traffic or in-between lanes) isn’t legal in Georgia. If you choose to split lanes when you ride, you might impede traffic or create safety hazards, and can be issued a traffic citation.

If you’re riding alongside another motorcycle, you are permitted to use the same lane and ride alongside one another. However, Georgia state code § 40-6-312 mandates that even single motorcycles should have full use of a single lane — drivers of other vehicles should not attempt to pass a motorcyclist within the same lane of traffic.

Motorcycle Lights Law in Georgia

In order to ride a motorcycle in Georgia, your bike must also meet mandated light requirements. Your motorcycle should be equipped with visible headlights, taillights, and turn signal lights, and your lights must be on at all times, per state code § 40-6-312.

Other regulations that can impact Georgia motorcycle riders

Other Georgia motorcycle laws that impact riders include:

Insurance Requirements: A motorcycle rider in Georgia must have proof of insurance with them on every ride and must carry the following minimum insurance coverage:
- Bodily Injury Liability — $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage — $25,000 per accident

Manner of Riding: Per Georgia code § 40-6-311, a motorcycle operator must sit only on the permanent built-in seat on a bike, and may not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle was built to carry more than one occupant. All motorcycles must have handlebars and a rider should face forward, with one leg on either side of the bike, and grasp both handlebars.

Safety tips for Georgia riders

Along with understanding and following motorcycle laws in Georgia, there are easy safety tips that you can implement to help protect you on the road. Here are some simple safety tips that you can follow to fully enjoy your ride:

Avoid the Blindspots of Other Drivers: Your motorcycle is smaller than the vehicles sharing the road with you. If you ride in their blindspots, you can increase the risk of an accident. For example, if you’re passing an SUV, ensure that there’s a car length between their front bumper and your bike before you merge into their lane.
Follow the Speed Limit: It can be tempting to fly down the road on a motorcycle. However, due to the light weight nature of a motorcycle, speeding can cause your bike to operate out of your control. For example, if you’re riding 20 mph over the speed limit and come upon an unanticipated curve, you could lose control of your motorcycle and suffer severe injury.
Inspect Your Bike Before You Ride: Before you leave for a long motorcycle ride, check your tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, clutch, and throttle, and ensure your lights are working properly.
Refrain From Riding in Forecasted Inclement Weather: Although you can’t control the weather, if rain or snowstorms are forecasted, it’s a good idea to reschedule your ride.
Wear Climate-Related Protective Gear: For example, during the warm Georgia summers, make sure you’re wearing breathable material, stay hydrated, and take necessary breaks to ensure you don’t get heat stroke, and you can remain focused when you’re riding.

Lawyer reviewing accident case files with a client, emphasizing the group’s commitment to justice and results.

Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group

If you’ve endured trauma and unexpected costs as the result of a motorcycle accident in Georgia, the lawyers of The Scott Pryor Law Group can help. We’re here to support you, your family, and your loved ones on the road to healing and justice.

After an accident, a successful outcome in your case isn’t guaranteed, but we’re committed to fighting for the justice you deserve. We’ve recovered 7-figure settlements for many clients. You don’t have to try to settle your motorcycle accident case on your own — we’ll walk beside you through every step of the legal process.

Schedule your free consultation with The Scott Pryor Law Group today.

Scott Pryor

Managing Attorney | CEO

Scott is a U.S. Marine Veteran. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is listed in the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation by the Litigator Awards. He is also a member of Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association—Champion Level and sits on the Communications Committee of GTLA and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.