Florida Motorcycle Laws Explained
To understand the nuances of Florida motorcycle laws for riders under 21, it is important to first recognize the general landscape of these laws, why they exist, and what they mean for motorcyclists. Every state has somewhat different laws regarding motorcycle licensing, insurance, helmet use, safety gear, and other issues. In Florida, the laws are fairly comprehensive, but it is imperative for both young and experienced bikers to have a solid understanding of them in case they are flagged for a violation or are involved in an accident where law enforcement officials are present. A majority of states have some form of graduated licensing program for motorcycle riders. These programs allow bikers to slowly graduate to more advanced riding. Many require a vision and written test, and almost all have ride tests where certain skills must be demonstrated. Riders under the age of 21 will have a higher standard to meet than bikers over that age. Importantly, bikers operating under a restricted license are only permitted to carry one passenger, may not operate at night , and are not allowed to operate a bike during certain weather conditions. Florida also has laws requiring certain motorcycle parts to be present and working while the bike is operated on the street. A few of the most important parts from a legal perspective are the headlights and horns. Certain failures on these parts can result in a fine or warning. Additionally, all Florida bikers must have a motorcycle endorsement if they are over 16. Bikers under 21 must have a restricted motorcycle license endorsement obtained by taking a basic motorcycle rider course. Drivers should ensure they meet all testing and licensing protocols to avoid penalties. Bikers in Florida are not required to wear a helmet, but they must wear eye goggles or a face shield. Bikers under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. Other types of safety equipment are not required, but many decision not to wear them is a safety risk to the driver. Bikers obviously must have proper insurance in order to legally operate their bikes on the road. Florida has minimum coverage limits. Most bikers have far more than the minimums due to the high number of personal injury and vehicle replacement claims every year.
Specific Minimum Requirements and Restrictions by Age
The stats are hard to ignore: Motorcyclists make up a large percentage of vehicle operators killed in traffic accidents nationwide. And of these, a significant number are younger riders, particularly those under the age of 21. While motorcycle crashes are relatively rare among all drivers, they have proportionately high numbers of fatalities in that age group – an indication that there may be a link between youth and unsafe riding behaviors.
So, what are the laws governing young adults who ride motorcycles in the state of Florida? Are they being adequately protected?
In addition to the general information that is common to all motorcycle riders (such as: obtaining a motorcycle endorsement prior to hitting the road, carrying proper insurance, and following operation and safety regulations), there are some additional requirements and restrictions that apply specifically to those who are under the age of 21.
In fact, the law is so strict that if you do not currently possess a valid motorcycle endorsement (a Florida driver license with a "motorcycle only" endorsement), you are not even permitted to operate a motorcycle at all – even while waiting for your endorsement to be granted. You face no exceptions to this rule whatsoever, even just to get your bike home from the dealership, for example.
If you do possess a valid motorcycle endorsement or have completed the Basic Rider Course program, you can legally operate a motorcycle. But you may not do so after dark, unless you wear protective eyewear and a Department of Transportation-approved hard-shell helmet fitted with a neck or chin strap. You may not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is equipped for that purpose, nor may you operate your motorcycle without an eye-protective device.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, motorcyclists under the age of 21 are involved in about 3,000 crashes annually throughout the state. Riders in this age group typically have an accident rate that is four times higher than their older counterparts, and about one-third of them will end up injured in road traffic crashes. So it might seem that these specific statutes are not doing enough to protect young riders.
It’s important to understand, though, that the vast majority of these accidents are attributable to unsafe behaviors (inattention, speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, etc.) and not because of legal requirements and restrictions.
Mandatory Helmet and Protective Equipment for Motorcyclists
Florida motorcycle law includes mandatory helmet requirements and other safety regulations, but these rules vary according to the rider’s age. For all riders under age 21, Florida law requires mandatory helmet usage. Florida Statute 316.2085(1) states that "a person may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped on a public road… without wearing protective headgear…" This law applies to passengers that are also under age 21.
In addition, riders under 21 must ensure that the helmets they wear on the roadway are federally approved. The helmet must be designed to break upon impact, with inner padding of polystyrene foam at least one-half inch thick. Any helmet worn by an operator or passenger of a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped must also include a sticker or other label stating that it complies with the standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In lieu of wearing a helmet, riders under the age of 21 must carry proof of completion of a motorcycle safety program approved by Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
While protection against head injuries is of the utmost importance in the event of an accident, wearing other protective gear while riding is also helpful. The following is a list of protective gear we suggest for motorcyclists under the age of 21:
Heed these helmet and safety gear rules. And if you’re too young to be exempt from wearing a helmet, but you nevertheless sustain a head injury, even if it was your fault, don’t expect the insurance company to overlook your failure to obey the law.
Licensing, Training and Testing Requirements for Motorcyclists Under 21
One of the ways Florida hopes to keep its cyclists safe is by ensuring that young riders have the necessary skills and experience to handle the open road. Lawmakers have made this a priority for bikers 21 and under by setting a minimum age and requiring certain safety and training courses. In addition to other licensing requirements, all new applicants in Florida are required to pass both a vision and a written test. But those under 21 face additional hurdles in the form of mandatory statewide training programs. Specifically, before getting a motorcycle endorsement, a young person must pass either BRC (Basic Rider Course) or ADI (Advanced Rider Course) .
A BRC is a special course that gives motorcyclists the training they need to ensure their own safety on the road. This hands-on program covers common motorcycle hazards, motorcycle controls, basic riding skills, and crash avoidance techniques. All students receive one-on-one feedback from a qualified instructor, and each lesson is tailored to their level of experience. If they pass the BRC certification exam, the student receives a completion card as well as an exemption from the state’s driver license riding test. The ADI is a more advanced course required of those government employees wishing to ride on official business.
Motorcycle Riding Penalties for Violations
Riders under 21 years of age who do not comply with this law are looking into immediate penalties if they are stopped by local law enforcement. The penalties are as follows: If a law enforcement officer stops a rider under 21 who does not have a motorcycle endorsement, the motorcycle rider will be required to complete a basic rider course within 90 days. If within 30 days of the issuance of a citation the motorcycle rider shows proof that an endorsement or a basic rider class was accepted; no points would be assessed. If a rider gets caught repeatedly with no motorcycle endorsement he can face criminal penalties. While most motorcycle offenses will result in civil penalties, a repeated offense can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. A rider may be sentenced to jail time and end up with a criminal record. The driver license requirement can be satisfied either by successfully completing the Florida Rider Course (Basic Rider course) or by obtaining a motorcycle license endorsement. If a rider fails to satisfy the requirement and law enforcement officers seize the rider’s motorcycle, then the rider may face "harsh penalties," including expensive impound costs, and law enforcement officers may be required to have a towing agency take the rider’s motorcycle.
Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips for Young Motorcyclists
In addition to the legal requirements for operating a motorbike in Florida, there are a number of safety tips and best practices that can help riders under 21 stay out of harm’s way on the road. The first line of defense for young riders is to undergo the appropriate training courses. Most courses also provide students with invaluable tips on defensive riding techniques, hazard awareness and other skills that can reduce the risk of crashing. Regular maintenance of the bike is also essential. A poorly maintained motorcycle is more likely to suffer a breakdown on the road and is more likely to cause a crash. All fluids should be checked frequently, including oil , coolant and hydraulic fluid. Tires should be inspected for cut or worn spots, and tire pressure should be checked regularly to ensure tires have a proper grip on the road. Finally, brakes should be checked for wear and replaced as necessary. Refusal to conduct regular maintenance on a motorcycle can lead to significant safety issues on the road and could result in criminal or civil penalties if an accident occurs related to poor maintenance. In addition to these safety precautions, wearing all the necessary gear every time a motorcycle is in operation is critical. The essential gear includes a helmet (and eye protection if the helmet does not have a face shield), gloves, boots and clothing that covers the arms and legs.