Arizona Motorcycle Eye Protection Laws

Arizona motorcycle rides offer spectacular places to explore. From Flagstaff mountains to Sedona’s red rocks, the wide-open Sonoran Desert, and the sprawling Valley of the Sun. But before you head out on the open road, you may have a question: Is eye protection mandatory in Arizona?

Yes. Motorcycle operators must wear protective glasses, goggles, or face shields except on motorcycles equipped with protective windshields. But eye protection should be worn regardless of the law, either in a helmet visor, motorcycle glasses, or goggles approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Your expensive Ray-Ban sunglasses won’t work because ordinary sunglasses are not shatter-resistant. Explore Arizona’s motorcycle eye protection laws and other laws riders should know below.

Motorcycle Eye Protection Laws in Arizona

Arizona Revised Statute 28-964 requires motorcycle operators to wear an eye shield – either goggles, protective glasses, or a face shield that protects the rider’s eyes – if they do not have a windshield on their motorcycle.

Without an eye shield, bugs or debris might fly into a rider’s eyes and cause an accident. A helmet, gloves, vest, and jacket are also recommended but not subject to laws in Arizona.

Why Motorcycle Riders Should Wear Eye Protection

Eye protection shields you from flying debris that damages your eyes. Small metal pieces, rocks, and insects are all examples of debris. These objects can cause serious injuries, even blindness if they hit your eye.

Wind can whip up dust and dirt while riding your motorcycle, irritating your eyes. It is helpful to wear eye protection to keep this debris from getting into your eyes. Moreover, UV rays from the sun can cause macular degeneration and cataracts in your eyes. 

Every rider should know other motorcycle laws besides eye protection. These include:

Arizona Regulations on Noise

The motorcycle model regulates motorcycle muffler noise levels in Arizona, measured 50 feet from the center of the lane. Besides, motorcycles in Arizona must be fitted with the original manufacturer’s muffler. When the original muffler is removed, noise-reduction parts must be installed while cutoffs and bypass devices are also prohibited in Arizona.

Registration and Insurance Requirements

Getting into an accident with a motorcycle in Arizona requires liability insurance, just like driving a car. You might lose your license if you drive a car or motorcycle without liability insurance. The Motor Vehicle Division also requires motorcycle registration within 15 days of purchase and insurance proof. 

Motorcycle license plates are issued only after registration. Driving a bike in Arizona is illegal without a valid license plate or registration.

Laws Relating to Passengers

As long as the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, you can have passengers on the bike, according to ARS 28-892. Furthermore, passengers must sit behind or next to the driver in the motorcycle’s permanent passenger seat or in a seat firmly attached to the bike. 

Lane-Sharing in Arizona

Lane-sharing laws in Arizona include:

• Unless lane filtering, motorcycle operators may not overtake and ride in the same lane as the vehicle they are overtaking.

• When lane filtering, a motorcyclist may drive between traffic lanes but not between adjacent rows of cars (lane splitting).

• Two motorcycles cannot ride side-by-side in a single lane.

Other motorcycle laws in Arizona

• Motorcycles must have rear-view mirrors.

• Both the driver and passenger must have secure seats and footrests.

• The exhaust system on your motorcycle must be in proper working order and shouldn’t be too loud.

• Motorcycle headlamps must be turned on at night.

You could receive a citation or even be arrested for violating these laws. So, it’s important to know and obey the laws.

Find Out How Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

The Sorenson Law Firm, LLC Tempe, personal injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of motorcycle accidents protect their rights. You can schedule a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys for more information about Arizona’s motorcycle laws.

Consultation is free, no-obligation meaning you only pay us if you win. As you recover, we can communicate with the insurance company, investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, and handle the legal aspects of your claim.

Contact us today, and we will review your case and let you know what we can do for you.

FAQs

What are Arizona motorcycle laws?

Motorcycle licenses can be obtained at 16 or older, while seven-month permits are available to 15.5 years old. The Class M endorsement requires you to pass a general knowledge test, a skills test, and a vision test.

What is the new Arizona motorcycle law?

The law became effective on September 24, 2022. The bill allows motorcycle riders to pass stopped vehicles in the same lane and direction as bikers.

What are the laws on motorcycle exhaust in Arizona?

A motorcycle muffler’s maximum noise level in Arizona is determined by its model, measured 50 feet from the center of the lane. Additionally, the motorcycle must have the original manufacturer’s muffler.

Can a rider wear headphones while riding a motorcycle in Arizona?

Yes. Arizona allows motorcycle riders to wear headphones.

Are mirrors required on motorcycles in Arizona?

Yes. Arizona requires rear-view mirrors.