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While sharing the road with cars and trucks, motorcycle riders must remain vigilant to avoid accidents. If a crash does occur, knowing and following motorcycle laws in your state will make it easier to prove the other party’s negligence in a personal injury case. To strengthen your case in a Connecticut court, follow these rules while on the road.

What Are the Important Motorcycle Laws of Connecticut?

1. Certain Motorcycle Operators Must Wear Helmets

In Connecticut, everyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while on a motorcycle. Violators are subject to at least $90 in fines. Also, motorists must obtain a motorcycle endorsement with a standard driver’s license to ride legally in Connecticut.

Endorsement applicants, regardless of age, must wear helmets while they have training permits. The fine for not following the law is at least $35 on the first offense and up to $100 or 30 days in jail for repeat offenders.

2. Lane Splitting Isn’t Allowed

negligence Although motorcycles have the same rights to the road as cars, some laws prevent motorcycle operators from wandering into drivers’ blind spots. Lane splitting, for example, is prohibited.

Weaving between lanes of traffic can result in a rider getting side-swiped or causing an accident. Trying to pass a car in a single lane can also catch another driver off guard. The shortened response time can lead to an accident, so motorcycles aren’t allowed to speed up and pass other vehicles in single lanes.

3. Lights Must Stay on During the Day

Motorcycles manufactured after 1979 must have headlights on during the day. The lights must be bright enough to illuminate objects at least 100 feet away while traveling below 25 miles per hour. Having headlamps on at the time of an accident can be used to prove another party’s negligence, as you took steps to remain visible on the road.

 

For legal assistance with a motorcycle accident case in eastern Connecticut, contact the Law Office of T.J. Morelli-Wolfe, PC. Since 2003, the Norwich-based attorney has helped clients receive damages for pain and suffering by proving at-fault parties’ negligence. Visit the auto accident attorney online to learn why you can trust him with your legal matters, or call (860) 859-9899 for a consultation.

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