What You Need to Know About the New York Motorcycle Laws
The Definitive NYC Guide for Riders
From the New York City Motorcycle Injury Lawyers at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Riding a motorcycle in New York City, from Manhattan’s grid to Brooklyn’s waterfront, Queens’ boulevards, the Bronx’s expressways, and Staten Island’s winding roadways, is a freedom unlike anything else. But NYC is also one of the most dangerous urban environments for motorcyclists in the United States. Crashes here often result in severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and complicated insurance battles.
I would like you to understand New York motorcycle laws. These laws affect:
- Your ability to legally ride a motorcycle in NYC
- What safety equipment must you use
- Whether insurance will cover your injuries
- How fault, liability, and compensation work after a collision
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC motorcycle accident lawyers represent riders across all five boroughs. We know New York motorcycle laws inside and out-and we know how insurers try to blame riders after a crash unfairly.
NYC Motorcycle Licensing & Registration Requirements
In New York State, motorcyclists must have the correct license to ride legally.
Required NYC Motorcycle Licenses
- Class M license – standard motorcycle operator
- Class MJ license – junior motorcycle operator
Steps to Get a New York Motorcycle License
- Obtain a motorcycle learner permit
- Pass the written motorcycle knowledge test
- Complete a motorcycle road test or NYS Motorcycle Safety Program
- Pay applicable DMV fees
Permit holders face restrictions:
- No night riding
- No passengers
- No riding on expressways or limited-access highways
NYC Motorcycle Registration Requirements
Every motorcycle in NYC must:
- Be registered with the NYS DMV
- Be insured with the required motorcycle liability coverage
- Undergo an annual motorcycle inspection
Important: All motorcycle registrations expire on April 30, regardless of the registration date.
NYC Motorcycle Helmet & Eye Protection Laws
New York has one of the strongest universal helmet laws in the country.
Helmet Law in New York City
Under NY VTL § 381, ALL riders, including passengers, must wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet.
A compliant helmet must:
- Meet FMVSS 218
- Have a DOT label
- Include a secure chin strap
- Fit snugly and correctly
Riding without a helmet significantly increases the risk of death or traumatic brain injury and may reduce your compensation after a motorcycle accident.
Eye Protection is Mandatory
NYC motorcyclists must wear:
- Goggles
- A face shield
- DOT-approved protective eyewear
Windshields do not replace the requirement for protective eyewear. Dust, debris, and sudden vision disruption cause many NYC motorcycle crashes.
Required Motorcycle Equipment in New York City
To legally ride in NYC, your motorcycle must have:
- Headlight (must be on at all times, day and night)
- Tail light and brake light
- Turn signals (for motorcycles 1985+)
- Brakes on both wheels
- At least one rearview mirror
- Horn or audible warning device
- Red rear reflector
- License plate lamp
- Muffler (no cut-outs or removable baffles)
- Handlebars no higher than shoulder level
- Passenger seat and passenger foot pegs (if carrying passengers)
Failure to comply can result in NYC traffic violations-and can weaken your insurance claim after a crash.
NYC Lane Splitting & Lane Use Laws
Lane Splitting is Illegal in New York City
You cannot:
- Ride between lanes
- Ride between stopped vehicles
- Weave through Manhattan traffic during gridlock
Despite NYC congestion, lane splitting is prohibited and may lead to tickets, and insurance companies often use it to blame riders.
Lane Sharing Rules
Motorcyclists may:
- Use the full lane
- Ride two abreast with another motorcycle
Motorcycles may NOT share a lane with cars, trucks, or buses.
NYC Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
New York requires at least:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 property damage
Riding without insurance in NYC can result in fines, license suspension, and criminal penalties.
Recommended Additional Coverage for NYC Riders
Given how severe motorcycle injuries are, every NYC rider should strongly consider:
- UM (Uninsured Motorist) coverage
- UIM (Underinsured Motorist) coverage
- Collision & comprehensive insurance
Many NYC drivers only carry minimum insurance, far too low to cover motorcycle accident injuries.
Critical: NYC Motorcyclists Are Excluded From No-Fault Insurance
This is one of the most essential laws of motorcycles in NYC.
Motorcyclists do NOT receive New York no-fault (PIP) benefits.
That means:
- No automatic payment of medical bills
- No immediate wage-replacement benefits
- You must file a fault-based claim against the driver who injured you
- You do NOT need to meet the “serious injury threshold” to sue
NYC motorcyclists may recover:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages
This makes NYC motorcycle injury claims complex and high-value, requiring skilled legal representation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in NYC
Negligent drivers, not riders, cause most motorcycle crashes.
Common NYC Driver Violations Include:
- Failure to yield (especially left turns across a rider’s path)
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS, apps)
- Tailgating
- Unsafe lane changes
- Dooring on city streets
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Crowding motorcyclists out of their lanes
Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle-an excuse that does not reduce their liability.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries in New York City
NYC motorcycle collisions often result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Facial trauma
- Rib and chest injuries
- Long-term mobility and nerve damage
These injuries frequently require:
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation
- Long-term medical care
And therefore, justify significant compensation.
Compensation Available to NYC Motorcycle Accident Victims
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgeries and hospitalization
- Physical therapy & rehabilitation
- Long-term medical care
- Medications and medical devices
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages
For surviving families:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of household income
- Loss of guidance, support, and companionship
Our attorneys work with medical experts, economists, rehabilitation specialists, and accident reconstruction professionals to document the full scope of your loss.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in New York City
If you are involved in an NYC motorcycle crash:
- Call 911 immediately
- Get medical attention-even if injuries seem minor
- Request a police accident report
- Photograph:
- All vehicles
- Damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals
- Injuries
- Get witness names and phone numbers
- Do not admit fault
- Speak to no insurance company before consulting a lawyer
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP immediately
Evidence in NYC traffic accidents disappears fast: video footage, debris, skid marks, and witnesses may be lost within hours.
FAQ: NYC Motorcycle Laws & Accident Claims
Do I need a motorcycle license to ride in NYC?
Yes. Class M or MJ is required.
Is lane splitting legal in NYC?
No. It is illegal statewide.
Do I have to wear a helmet in New York City?
Yes, DOT-approved helmets are mandatory for all riders and passengers.
Does no-fault cover NYC motorcyclists?
No. Riders are excluded and must bring claims against the at-fault party.
Can children ride as passengers?
Yes, if the bike has a proper passenger seat and foot pegs, and the child wears a helmet.
Can two motorcycles ride side-by-side in NYC?
Yes, New York law permits two motorcycles in one lane.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle injury lawsuit?
Usually, three years, but claims against the City of New York may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in NYC? Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Can Help.
Motorcyclists often face bias from police, insurance companies, and even witnesses. Our job is to level the playing field.
Why New York Riders Choose Us:
- Local Harlem office & 7 convenient NYC-area locations
- Top-rated NYC motorcycle accident lawyers
- No fee unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual legal services
- Hundreds of 5-star reviews
- Personalized, aggressive representation
- We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
Call Now for a Free Case Evaluation
1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
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