Motorcycle Safety Laws in Kansas FAQ
There may be nothing more American than the idea of zipping down the highway on a motorcycle. Riding a motorcycle is the essence of independence, and its particular mystique has drawn in countless riders since the days of James Dean. However, the open road can be a dangerous one, even if you focus on safety. To reduce your risk of being involved in a life-altering crash, it’s essential to fully understand the motorcycle safety laws in Kansas.
Even if you’re a responsible motorcyclist, you’re still uniquely vulnerable to serious injury in the event of a crash. You can’t fully eliminate the risk that comes with riding a motorcycle, but you can reduce it by following Kansas’s motorcycle laws.
What Are the Essential Motorcycle Laws in Kansas?
Safer Roadways Start With You
To avoid preventable motorcycle accidents, Kansas requires you to get a driver’s license with a class “M” endorsement before operating a motorcycle on public roads. To receive this endorsement, you need to have met specific criteria:
Be at least 17 years old
Successfully pass a written and driving skills test
Provide proof of identity and Kansas residence.
Proper licensing is a key part of riding safely in Kansas. However, there are several other laws you must follow, including the following:
Helmet Laws
Motorcycle helmets are a foundational source of safety when riding; however, Kansas is one of the few states that does not require adult riders to wear a helmet while on their motorcycle. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). They must do so regardless of whether they’re operating the motorcycle or riding along as a passenger.
Eye Protection Laws
All motorcyclists must have some form of eye protection. The following forms of protection are considered acceptable:
Protective glasses
Protective goggles
Face shields that are impact-resistant and shatterproof
A windscreen that rises at least 10 inches from the center of the handlebars.
State authorities will issue a $45 fine to anyone caught violating motorcycle helmet and eye protection laws.
Insurance Laws
Just like drivers of passenger cars, Kansas motorcyclists are legally required to carry a certain amount of insurance. You must have at least this much liability insurance:
$25,000 bodily injury or death per person
$50,000 bodily injury or death per accident
$25,000 property damage liability.
You also must carry uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, which can pay for your medical care if an uninsured driver causes an accident. The required coverage is:
$25,000 bodily injury or death per person
$50,000 bodily injury or death per accident.
Because Kansas is a no-fault state, you must also carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This will immediately pay for your medical care after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. However, if you prefer, you may sign a statement opting out of PIP.
Passenger Laws
If you’re driving with a passenger, it is the law in Kansas that the passenger must have a seat and foot pegs. Additionally, if your passenger is under 18, they must wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.
Safety Equipment Laws
Like passenger cars, motorcycles also must have certain safety features, including:
At least one headlight and one taillight
A working horn
Turn signals
At least one brake light
A license plate light
A rear reflector.
These features are a legal requirement for most motorcycles on the road. However, if you ride a bike that was made before 1973, some of them may not apply.
Have you been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault? Palmer Law Group is here for you. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review.
Lane Splitting: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Kansas?
Of all motorcycle-related laws, those surrounding lane splitting might just be the most controversial. The term “lane splitting” refers to the practice of riding between two lanes of moving traffic.
Proponents believe it reduces traffic congestion and can even reduce the risk of motorcyclists being hit in rear-end collisions. However, lane splitting can also increase your chances of being in a sideswipe collision. Drivers often have trouble seeing motorcycles as it is. When a rider is weaving between two lanes of fast-moving traffic, a driver could very easily hit them while changing lanes.
Despite the ongoing arguments surrounding lane splitting, the practice is outlawed in most states. Kansas is no exception — state law explicitly bans lane splitting. It also prohibits lane filtering, which is when a motorcyclist rides between rows of stopped traffic.
It’s important to note that while both lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal in Kansas, it’s perfectly legal for two motorcyclists to ride next to one another in the same lane of traffic.
How Can I Avoid Having a Motorcycle Crash?
While wearing a motorcycle helmet is one of the best ways to protect yourself as a motorcyclist, there are additional ways to help prevent physical harm or damage. For instance, protective clothing can also help prevent road rash or other damaging effects of rapidly meeting pavement during a crash. Thick clothing can also protect you when driving through hazardous weather.
It should be noted that having a passenger on your bike takes more skill than riding alone. If you’re unsure of your ability to drive with a passenger, you can take motorcycle safety courses that will allow you to practice in a safe environment.
How Palmer Law Can Help
The Committed Legal Advocacy You Need
In most motorcycle accidents, the driver of the passenger vehicle is at fault. Despite this fact, persistent bias against motorcyclists often prevents injured riders from getting the compensation they deserve. If you want to maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement, you need a lawyer who understands the motorcycle laws.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, Palmer Law Group can help. As experienced Topeka motorcycle accident attorneys, we’ve practiced law in Kansas since 1980 and know the ins and outs of motorcycle and motorist law. Contact us today for a free consultation.