The independence of the open road is alluring to motorcycle riders. While riding may be fun, it carries a lot of risk as well. Motorcycle riders are actually more than 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than both drivers and passengers of cars. They're also five times more likely to sustain injuries, according to the NHTSA.

Connecticut, like many states, has a number of laws that all riders are required to follow and should be aware of for their own safety. Following these laws can help prevent you from sustaining serious injuries or death if you are involved in an accident, as well as from receiving a traffic ticket or being at fault.

We will highlight some of the most important laws to know as you continue reading. But, if you find yourself in an accident and need help, reach out to the CT motorcycle lawyers of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law for assistance. Thanks to our extensive experience, we can give you the highest chance of success.

Connecticut Riders Need A Motorcycle Endorsement On Their License

Riders in Connecticut have a regular driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement rather than a separate motorcycle license. Although a new license is not required, there are steps you must take to get a motorcycle endorsement:

• Testing and permit fees
• Passing both the knowledge and vision test
• Ability to ride a motorcycle with restrictions while holding a learner's permit
• Successful completion of a motorcycle training program that has been approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and includes both classroom and practical training

Those who have completed an approved training course and have a valid Connecticut driver's license, and are at least 16 years old, may apply for a motorcycle endorsement at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Connecticut's Helmet Rule

Connecticut is one of 28 states with helmet laws, though CT has partial regulations, meaning that only some riders are required to wear helmets, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

All motorcycle riders, including passengers under the age of 18, are required by Connecticut General Statutes § 14-289g to wear helmets while riding a motorcycle. A minimum fine of $90 could be assessed for failure to do so.

Additionally, § 14-40a (b) mandates that anyone applying for a motorcycle endorsement must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle with a learner's permit. A first-offense fine of between $35 and $50 and a maximum of $100 or 30 days in jail could be imposed for failure to comply.

After the state's previous regulation was overturned in 1976, there had been a 13-year period without a helmet requirement before the state's partial helmet law was enacted in 1989. Anyone operating or riding a motorcycle was required by the law to wear a helmet.

You Must Wear Eye Protection

CGS § 14-289d requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective eye gear, such as goggles, glasses, or a face shield, unless the motorcycle has a windshield or windscreen.

When driving at high speeds, goggles are essential to keep bugs and other debris out of your face. You might lose control of the bike if something were to temporarily blind you due to an object in your eye.

Passenger Rules

An individual with a learner's permit is not permitted to ride a motorcycle with any passengers. For 90 days following the receipt of an endorsement, those who recently earned a motorcycle endorsement are prohibited from transporting passengers. For six months after receiving a motorcycle endorsement, riders aged 16 and 17 cannot transport passengers.

Once this period of time has passed, drivers are only permitted to transport people on motorcycles that have a seat for the passenger that is securely fastened to the rear of the driver's seat. According to CGS § 14-289c, any motorcycle operator who transports a rider on a motorcycle that isn't equipped to do so has broken the law.

Lane Splitting Is Prohibited

In Connecticut, motorcycle riders have the same rights as other types of motor vehicles, including the ability to use a single traffic lane entirely. With that said, CGS § 14-289b prohibits the simultaneous usage of a single lane by more than one motorcycle.

A motorcycle driver is also prohibited from passing and overtaking another vehicle in the same traffic lane. They are also not permitted to "lane split," or ride a motorcycle between lanes of traffic.

Connecticut Insurance Requirements

You need to be covered by auto liability insurance in order to register your motorcycle. However, the amount of insurance you require to pay for your medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages in the event of a motorcycle accident should be your top priority. It's recommended that you purchase the most amount of insurance you can afford, as well as underinsured/uninsured motorist insurance, which could pay for additional damages if the at-fault driver's insurance does not cover the costs.

In Connecticut, all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, must have proof of liability insurance, which covers any injuries you may cause to another person's body or to their property.

The state mandates:

• $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

Handlebar Requirements

The handlebars of any motorcycle shall not extend higher than the shoulders of the rider. Anything exceeding this mark is prohibited by the state of Connecticut.

Other Bike Requirements

Mufflers are also necessary, but they can't be any louder than the OEM model that comes with your motorcycle due to noise regulations. Make sure that none of the components on your bike have cutouts or straight pipes. Your motorcycle must also have left- and right-side mirrors, but turn signals are not required.

In Connecticut, motorcycles made after 1979 must also have daytime running lights.

Brandon J. Broderick Can Help You With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

You may need legal counsel if you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident as a result of someone else's negligence. Having someone on your side to support you in these circumstances can be a tremendous comfort.

You can be confident that if you retain the services of a CT motorcycle accident attorney from the Brandon J. Broderick team, we will be an advocate for your interests and seek to maximize your recovery. The insurance provider may make you a meager offer that hardly meets any of your needs if you don't file a legal claim. It's possible that you'll be on your own to cover the price of your injuries. We will seek fair compensation.

Reach out to us right away, and let's make your setback into a victory.