What You Need To Know About the New York Motorcycle Laws

You ride because it gives you something most people don’t understand—freedom, adrenaline, control. But riding in New York comes with trade-offs. Between congested streets, aggressive drivers, and uneven enforcement, it can feel like the system was built for everyone but you.

New York motorcycle laws affect more than where and how you ride. They shape how you’re treated if something goes wrong, whether you’re dealing with law enforcement, an insurance adjuster, or a courtroom. One mistake or missed detail can leave you carrying the cost.

This blog breaks down the New York motorcycle laws that matter most. Whether you’re prepping for your road test, getting back on the bike after a crash, or making sure you’re protected before your next ride, you’ll want to know where you stand.

Motorcycle Licensing and Registration in New York

Before you even hit the road, New York law requires that both you and your bike meet specific legal requirements. That starts with proper licensing and registration. To legally operate a motorcycle in New York, you must have a valid Class M or MJ license. The process typically requires:

• Obtaining a learner’s permit
• Passing a written test
• Completing a road test or taking an approved motorcycle training course

Every motorcycle must also be properly registered, insured, and inspected. In New York, motorcycle registrations expire each April 30, no matter when they were issued. You can renew your registration through the DMV online portal.

Helmet and Eye Protection Requirements

New York is one of the few states that requires both helmets and protective eyewear for all motorcycle riders and passengers, regardless of age or experience.

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 381(6):

• All operators and passengers must wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet at all times.
• Riders must also wear eye protection or a face shield if the motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield.

These laws apply whether you’re commuting in New York City or taking a weekend ride through Long Island. Ignoring them doesn’t just put your safety at risk, it may also impact your ability to recover compensation after a crash.

Insurance companies often try to reduce or deny payouts by arguing that motorcycle accident victims contributed to their injuries by failing to follow state safety laws. If you’re not wearing a helmet or proper eyewear, even a valid personal injury claim could become harder to prove.

Wearing the right gear can’t prevent every accident, but it can reduce the severity of road rash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries, even in low-speed collisions. It also strengthens your legal position if you’re hurt by someone else’s negligence.

Key Motorcycle Safety Rules You’re Expected To Follow

In addition to wearing the proper gear, New York law outlines several rules that apply specifically to motorcyclists. These aren’t just safety guidelines. They’re enforceable laws that can impact your license, your insurance coverage, and even your ability to file a personal injury claim if you’re involved in a crash.

Here are a few key requirements:

• Lane splitting is prohibited. You cannot ride between two lanes of traffic, even when cars are stopped or moving slowly.
• Your headlight must be on at all times when operating a motorcycle, day or night.
• Passengers are only allowed if your motorcycle is equipped with a proper passenger seat and footrests.
• Handlebars must not rise above the rider’s shoulder height when seated on the bike.

Violating these laws can lead to traffic tickets, fines, and points on your license. Violations may also give the insurance company a reason to reduce or deny your damages award, even if the crash wasn’t your fault. Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s also part of protecting your legal rights on the road.

How New York’s No-Fault Law Affects Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists in New York aren’t just exposed physically.  They’re also treated differently under the law. One of the biggest legal distinctions involves the state’s no-fault insurance system.

Under NY Ins. Law § 5102(f), motorcycles are excluded from New York’s no-fault benefits. That means if you’re injured in a crash while riding, your own insurance will not automatically cover your medical expenses, regardless of fault.

Instead, you must take a different legal path:

• File a personal injury claim directly against the at-fault driver or other responsible party.
• You don’t have to meet the serious injury threshold that typically applies to car accident cases under the no-fault system.
• You may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in-home care needs if your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence.

Because most motorcycle accident victims suffer more serious injuries than car occupants, lawsuits are more common, and often more complex. You may need to work with a New York motorcycle accident lawyer who understands how to build a strong case under this separate legal framework.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident

If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, there are a few key steps that can protect your legal rights:

• Seek medical treatment right away, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious.
• Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
• Gather witness statements, take photos of the scene, and collect insurance information from the other driver.
• Avoid speaking with insurance companies until you’ve consulted with a motorcycle accident lawyer.

An attorney for motorcycle accidents works with medical and financial experts to build strong claims. This can include documenting physical therapy, long-term treatment needs, and lost income from being unable to work. Most motorcycle accident victims underestimate the long-term impact of their injuries, especially those involving road rash, fractures, or spinal damage.

Why Insurance Companies Treat Motorcycle Claims Differently

Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists, even when the crash was clearly caused by another driver. Adjusters may claim that you were speeding, weren’t wearing the right gear, or weren’t following the rules of the road.

If your injuries are serious, the insurance company may:

• Pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer
• Delay or deny payment for medical bills or lost wages
• Dispute your need for future medical care

That’s why many motorcycle accident cases require legal representation from a personal injury law firm that knows how to challenge biased insurance tactics.

When More Than One Person May Be At Fault

Some motorcycle crashes involve other vehicles, but others may be linked to a property owner’s negligence. For example:

• A poorly maintained road may create hazards that cause a motorcycle to lose control.
• Construction debris, potholes, or broken pavement can cause a crash even when no other vehicle is involved.

In these cases, the city or a private contractor may be responsible for your injuries. Your legal team may need to investigate whether government agencies or third parties played a role in the accident.

Recovering Compensation After a Motorcycle Crash

If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including ongoing care
• Lost income or reduced earning potential
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Damages award for emotional distress

Some motorcycle accident attorneys work with clients who need in-home care, home modifications, or assistance managing medical and financial experts as part of the recovery process.

Injured in a New York Motorcycle Accident? Talk to a Long Island Personal Injury Law Firm That Knows What You’re Up Against

Motorcyclists aren’t just smaller targets on the road. They’re often treated unfairly after a crash. At The Harrison Law Group, we’ve spent more than 30 years standing up for motorcycle accident victims across Long Island and New York City. We know how insurance companies operate, and we don’t back down from complex motorcycle accident cases.

If you’re facing hospital bills, missed work, chronic pain, or uncertainty about your future, we’re ready to step in. Our legal team works with medical and financial experts to build strong claims for clients with serious personal injury. We’ve recovered millions in compensation for those hurt by someone else’s negligence, and we’re ready to pursue what’s fair for you.

Call (631) 465-9797 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your FREE consultation. You’ll speak directly with a lawyer who understands what you’re going through and how to move your case forward with confidence.

Copyright © 2025. The Harrison Law Group, P.C. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Harrison Law Group, P.C.
534 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 100,
Melville, New York 11747
(631) 465-9797
https://www.hlgny.com