Penalties of Breaking the Law on Your Motorcycle

Motorcycles are vehicles. Therefore, their riders must follow local traffic law. Should a biker break the law, they can expect penalties to follow. What are some of the issues you can expect if you break the law while on your bike? What can you do to prevent such problems in the first place? 

Traffic Violations Have Multiple Penalties 
When you go for a ride, other drivers and the authorities expect you to behave appropriately. If you use your bike on public roads, inappropriate action might render you a safety nuisance. As a result, the police could stop you, and penalize you for your actions. 

In cases of broken traffic laws, the following penalties might result. 

• Tickets might lead to court dates and fines. Your infraction might go on your driving record for some years, or even permanently.
• Because you have a poor driving record, your motorcycle insurer might view you as more of a risk to cover. Your insurance rates might rise. In other cases, insurance companies might cancel your coverage altogether. 
•  You might have to get an SR-22 penalty. The SR-22 is a certificate that proves to the state DMV that you have active insurance. SR-22 also show the insurer that you have higher driving risks. Increased premiums or policy cancellations might again result.
• Repeat or habitual offenders might receive a suspension of their driving privileges. In other cases, they might even face jail time or probation. 

Motorcyclists should familiarize themselves with the operating laws of their local area. It’s also a good idea to have a general knowledge of the penalties you might incur while riding. Therefore, you might be better able to police yourself. 

How to Avoid Breaking Motorcycle Law 
Motorcycles operate differently from standard cars. Therefore, their riders often have to take special precautions when riding. Always adhere to general traffic law, and also to specialized motorcycle regulations. 

• If your state requires you to wear a helmet or other gear, wear it at all times. Not only that, it’s a good idea to wear a helmet regardless of what local law says. Always buy sturdy, effective equipment. 
• Carry with you proof of insurance, registration and licensing to operate the bike.
• Familiarize yourself with special practices, such as hand signals, to keep other drivers aware of your intentions on the road. 

With these precautions in mind, don’t do anything you wouldn’t do behind the wheel of a car. Don’t speed, drink and drive, or make risky maneuvers. If you can keep yourself and your bike out of trouble, you’ll avoid potential penalties that could cause a lot of headaches.