Idaho Motorcycle Laws You Should Know

If you enjoy motorcycle riding, there are Idaho motorcycle laws you should know. Understanding these laws will keep you safe while riding but also protect your rights if you are injured in a motorcycle accident. An Idaho motorcycle accident attorney with our law firm can tell you more about Idaho laws and assist with a claim for compensation if a liable driver hurt you or your loved one.

Idaho Motorcycle Laws Require Bikers to Obtain a Licence Endorsement

All drivers in Idaho must have a valid driver’s license. You must also obtain a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) to operate a motorcycle. According to the Idaho Motorcycle Rider’s Handbook, if you surrender an out-of-state Class M license or more than 25 months have passed since you received an endorsement, you must first pass a motorcycle knowledge and skills test. If you are under 21, you must pass the knowledge test and a rider training course.

Anyone riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motor scooter, or motorbike must have an endorsement.

Idaho Motorcycle Insurance Laws

Drivers in Idaho, including motorcycle riders, must carry auto liability insurance to pay for accidents if they are at fault. According to the Idaho Department of Insurance, the required minimums are $25,000/$50,000 in bodily injury liability per person/per accident and $15,000 in property damage liability.

Insurance policies must also provide uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage unless you reject it in writing.

The Law Requires Motorcycle Riders to Have the Proper Equipment

Having the proper gear can ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Idaho motorcycle laws require that all bikes driving state roadways have the following equipment:

• Brakes: At least one wheel must have hand- or foot-operated brakes
• Fenders: Both wheels must have fenders no higher than 20 inches above the surface of the highway
• Headlights: Must illuminate the following distances relative to speed: 100’ ahead when traveling at 25 mph or less, 200’ at 25-34 mph, and 300’ at 35mph
• Horn: Must be audible at least 200 feet away
• Mirror: Must provide a rear view of at least 200 feet
• Taillight: Must be visible from 500 feet
• Reflector: Minimum of one on the rear of the bike
• Turn signals: White or amber lights on the front and rear visible from at least 100 feet
• Footrest: Passenger-designed footrests if you wish to carry a passenger

Idaho Helmet Laws

Idaho Statutes § 49-666 states that anyone under age 18 must wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle, motorbike, ATV, or UTV on public property. Helmets are not required on private property or for individuals over 18.

Idaho Motorcycle Laws Regarding Lane Sharing and Lane Splitting

Lane filtering is the practice of picking your way through slow-moving traffic. Lane splitting is when motorcycle riders weave in and out of moving traffic, often by traveling along the centerline. Both lane filtering and lane splitting are illegal in Idaho.

Motorcyclists have the right to use a full traffic lane, so it is illegal for cars to share a lane with motorcycles. Additionally, it is also illegal for two riders to share a lane.

It is Against the Law for Any Motorcyclists or Vehicle Operator to Drink and Drive

No driver may operate a motorcycle, car, truck, or any other type of motor vehicle while intoxicated. According to Idaho Statutes § 18-8004, the law regards most motorists as legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.008 or higher.

Drinking and driving can incur civil and criminal penalties.

A Violation of the Idaho Traffic Laws Can be Ground for a Motorcycle Accident Claim

If you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident, Idaho motorcycle laws and traffic laws will matter in your case. If another driver broke the law or otherwise acted negligently, they may be financially liable for your crash damages. Examples include:

• Driving without a license
• Driving without insurance
• Driving a vehicle that lacks proper equipment
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Illegally passing
• Crowding another driver’s lane
• Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
• Driving recklessly or aggressively

However, if you violated the law or made a driving error, you may bear some responsibility, which can affect your claim for compensation.

Idaho Statutes § 6-801 states that you can seek damages from those at fault if you are not more than 50 percent liable for an accident. Any percentage of liability below 50 percent that the court assigns you will reduce your damages by that amount. If it finds you are more than 50 percent liable, you cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies know the law, so it will also affect settlement offers.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

No law requires you to hire a lawyer to handle a motorcycle crash claim. However, a lawyer can work to investigate your case and prove negligence while you focus on healing. An Idaho personal injury attorney with our firm can also fight back against allegations that you broke the law or are somehow at fault, which can reduce your settlement or negate your right to compensation.

Recoverable Motorcycle Accident Damages

If a liable party caused your crash, in general, you can seek damages for the following:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and employment benefits
• Lost future earning capacity
• Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
• Household services
• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
• Wrongful death of a loved one

You do not have unlimited time to recover your losses. You should file insurance claims immediately. If you must take legal action, Idaho Statutes § 5-219 allows two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If time expires, you likely cannot take your case to court, and you will lose bargaining power over the insurance company.

Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers

Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers has over a decade of experience helping injured parties seek justice. If a negligent driver harmed you, our firm’s motorcycle accident attorneys can tell you more about Idaho motorcycle accident laws you should know and how they may affect your case.

Contact us online or call today for a free consultation. Working with us will cost you nothing up front or out of pocket.