The freedom of the open road calls to you as you prepare for another riding season. Whether you're sailing down I-65 or cruising the streets of Indianapolis, understanding Indiana's motorcycle laws protects you from tickets and devastating accidents.
At Keller & Keller, our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers have helped countless riders recover compensation after crashes. We've noticed that many accidents could have been prevented with better knowledge of Indiana's motorcycle regulations. Before you fire up your engine, let's explore the essential laws every Hoosier motorcyclist needs to know.
Helmet Laws: Your Choice, Your Risk
Indiana does not require adult motorcyclists aged 18 or older to wear helmets. However, drivers and passengers under age 18 must wear DOT-approved helmets.
This freedom comes with significant risks, which you should carefully consider. While Indiana law gives adult riders the choice, helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths. They also reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent in crashes where riders survive.
Insurance companies often consider helmet use when evaluating injury claims. Choosing not to wear one could affect your compensation if you suffer head injuries in a crash. Adjusters may argue that your injuries would have been less severe with proper head protection.
Licensing Requirements: Get Legal Before You Ride
Operating a motorcycle in Indiana requires specific credentials beyond a standard driver's license. You have two options, each with distinct requirements:
Motorcycle Learner's Permit
- Must pass the written knowledge test
- Cannot carry passengers
- No riding after dark
- No interstate highway use
- Valid for one year
Motorcycle Endorsement
- Must pass the written test and the riding skills test
- No restrictions on passengers or highways
- Required for full riding privileges
- Safety course may waive skills test
Riding without proper licensing can affect your ability to recover compensation after an accident. Insurance companies scrutinize licensing status when evaluating claims. It’s harder to prove fault if you were riding illegally when another driver hit you.
Required Equipment: What Your Bike Must Have
Indiana law mandates specific equipment for motorcycles on public roads. Missing or modified equipment can result in citations and affect your accident claim.
Lighting Requirements
- Headlight. At least one, visible from 500 feet, and always on
- Taillight. One red light visible from 500 feet
- License plate light. White light illuminating rear plate
- Turn signals. Required on motorcycles made after 1977
Other Essential Equipment
- Mirrors. At least one rearview mirror
- Muffler. Required and must be in good working condition
- Brakes. Must have front and rear brakes
- Horn: Must be audible from 200 feet
Regular maintenance of this equipment isn't just good practice—it's essential for meeting legal requirements and protecting yourself on the road.
Lane Splitting Is Illegal in Indiana
Indiana law explicitly prohibits lane splitting, which is riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. This differs from states like California, where it's legal under certain conditions.
Many riders confuse lane splitting with lane sharing, which involves two motorcycles riding side-by-side in the same lane. Indiana permits lane sharing when both riders agree to the arrangement. However, motorcycles cannot share lanes with cars, trucks, or other four-wheeled vehicles. This distinction matters because what seems like efficient use of road space could result in citations and liability issues.
Riders caught lane splitting face traffic citations and may find themselves liable for any resulting accidents. Insurance companies will use your illegal maneuver to shift blame, even if another driver primarily caused the crash.
Right-of-Way Rules: Know Your Rights
Motorcycles have the same right-of-way privileges as any other vehicle on Indiana roads. However, many drivers fail to respect these rights, leading to preventable accidents. Critical right-of-way situations include:
- Left turns. Oncoming traffic must yield to straight-traveling motorcycles.
- Four-way stops. The first to arrive goes first. In a tie, the vehicle on the right goes first.
- Lane usage. Motorcycles are entitled to the full lane width.
- Dead red law. Drivers can proceed through a malfunctioning red light after two cycles.
Left-turn accidents remain the most common motorcycle crash scenario. Drivers frequently misjudge motorcycle speed or fail to see riders, turning directly into their path.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident
Even when you follow every traffic law, other drivers' negligence can change your life in seconds. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need experienced legal representation to pursue fair compensation.
At Keller & Keller, we've spent decades fighting for injured motorcyclists throughout Indiana. We understand the challenges riders face, from bias against motorcyclists to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers know how to counter insurance company tactics and build strong cases that maximize your compensation. Don't let another driver's negligence leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and pain without proper compensation.
