Legal Question: Do Motorcycles Need Mirrors?
When shopping for a new bike, you might come across a motorcycle that doesn't have mirrors. You might even find yourself asking, "Why is that some have them and some don't?" The even better question is, "Do you need mirrors on a motorcycle?" The short answer is, yes, most states in the U.S. do require some sort of mirror on a bike. Georgia, however, is not one of them.
If you have legal questions about bikes in the Peach State, call Steelhorse Law. We have experience in every area of motorcycle law and are happy to answer any questions you may have. For help with your situation, contact us right away.
Do Motorcycles Need Mirrors?
So, legally, do you have to have mirrors on a motorcycle? In the US, 22 out of 50 states require some form of mirrors on motorcycles, with five states requiring two rearview mirrors, typically one on each handlebar. While the other 28 states don't legally require a mirror, it's still generally advisable to have one that shows at least 200 feet behind you to avoid accidents and make driving easier.
States That Require Mirrors
As previously mentioned, most states require some form of mirror on a bike. Many states have overlapping laws. Alaska and Maryland mandate two rearview mirrors, with the latter requiring one on each side of the bike. Ten states require a rearview mirror: Arizona, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Utah. California, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, and West Virginia require a rearview mirror that provides visibility of at least 200 feet behind the motorcycle. Nevada and Washington require both left and right rearview mirrors, which must show at least 200 feet behind the vehicle.
A few states—Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Tennessee—have unique rules. The Sooner State requires both a left and a right rearview mirror, each with a reflective surface of at least three inches in diameter, which must show a minimum of 200 feet behind the vehicle. The Roughrider State mandates that bikes have a rearview mirror with a reflective surface of at least 10 square inches. Lastly, the Volunteer State requires a rearview mirror to be mounted on the left handlebar.
States That Don't Require Mirrors
In some states, there is no formal penalty for not having a mirror on your bike, but they may have other requirements, such as for headlights. However, even in these states, it's generally safer to have a rearview mirror to avoid accidents. The following states do NOT require mirrors on motorcycles:
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
While the federal government leaves bike mirror decisions up to the states, we recommend following the recommendations of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
How many mirrors do you need on a motorcycle?
Do motorcycles need mirrors? Generally, yes, you need at least one rearview mirror, but five out of the 50 states require two- one on each handlebar. If you plan on taking a road trip in that area, consider either buying a bike with two mirrors or adding an extra mirror to your second handlebar. Each state also has its own specific requirements, such as the distance you need to be able to see behind you, the location of the mirror on the vehicle, and the size of the reflective surface.
What about other countries?
Let's say you're planning a road trip. Do motorcycles in other countries typically have rearview mirrors? Generally, the answer is yes. In Canada, you must have at least one mirror securely attached to your bike. If you're planning a long trip, it's a good idea to get a rearview mirror for your safety while driving.
What's the case for rearview mirrors on motorcycles?
Old-school motorcyclists might scoff at the idea of attaching a flashy mirror to their beautiful bike, claiming they can simply turn around to check their blind spot; however, riding is all about reaction time. Turning your head while wearing a helmet takes precious fractions of a second that you need to react to an accident and avoid injury. Choose the safest option, which also lets you cross state lines without worry!
Ask the Hard Questions to Steelhorse Law
If you're thinking about getting a motorcycle, you may have a lot of questions. Steelhorse Law is the ideal law firm to help you find the answers you're looking for. We'll also help out if you ever need legal assistance. We'll work ferociously to defend you and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Each lawyer on our team considers it part of their personal mission to protect the rights of riders who have been involved in an accident. At every step of the legal process, you can be assured that your case is in the hands of our experienced, capable, and compassionate team.
Give us a call to schedule a free consultation and have all of your questions answered.
