Understanding New York Motorcycle Laws

What Every Rider Should Know About New York Motorcycle Laws

Motorcyclists account for a relatively small number of the drivers on the roadway. But they are disproportionately seriously injured in the event of collisions. According to the National Safety Council, “Although motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries in 2022.” There are a number of laws that New York motorcycle riders should be aware of.

Helmet and Eye Protection are Required by Law

Helmets and eye protection are required for all motorcycles in New York. Pursuant to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 381(6), “It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended.” Motorcyclists must also have adequate eye protection. This could include goggles or a face shield attached to a helmet. Failing to follow this law could result in fines and may also impact your personal injury claim in the event of a collision.

Lane Splitting is Illegal in New York

Lane splitting refers to any situation where a motorcyclist is traveling in between lanes of traffic headed in the same direction. This is particularly common during stopped or slow traffic. This behavior is illegal, according to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1252.

Any motorcyclist caught lane splitting could face civil penalties. In the event of a collision, this type of behavior could be construed as contributory negligence. In New York, drivers that are considered to have contributed to their own injuries will have any damages awarded lowered proportionately.

Motorcycle License and Registration Requirements

If you want to operate a motorcycle in the state of New York, there are certain insurance and registration requirements that you will need to adhere to.

Registration: All motorcycles must be registered with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
Insurance: Motorcyclists are required to carry minimum liability coverage. As of May 3, 2025, this coverage must include $25,000 for bodily injury claims and $50,000 to cover the death of any person.

As with many other legal requirements, failing to follow these guidelines may result in fines and other penalties.

Comparative Negligence for New York Motorcycle Accidents

New York is one of many states that operates under a pure comparative negligence rule. See, for example, New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 1411. This has some key implications for motorcyclists injured in a collision.

Available Damages: Any motorcyclist in a New York car accident may be able to still recover damages, even if they were partially at fault for what happened.
Reduced Damages: If a New York motorcyclist is awarded damages and they are partially at fault, these damages will be reduced by the percentage the victim is deemed to be at fault. For example, a motorcyclist awarded $200,000 who is deemed to be 20% at fault will receive $160,000.

It is critical that victims of motorcycle accidents seek the guidance of an experienced New York motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney can take measures to preserve your rights and ensure that you are being fairly compensated if you do sustain injuries.

Getting Legal Help for New York Motorcycle Accidents

A motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries that impact a person’s ability to work or even live a normal life. It is important for victims of motorcycle accidents to understand that they may have legal recourse. They may be entitled to financial damages.

Have you or someone you care about been injured in a New York motorcycle accident? Our team of New York motorcycle accident attorneys is here to assist you. We are dedicated to helping accident victims get the justice that they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney, we are here to help. You can contact us anytime at (516) 908-9792.