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Rules of the Road for Georgia Motorcyclists

Most of the Georgia laws specifically applicable to motorcycle riders can be found in Title 40, Chapter 6, Article 13, Part 2 of the Georgia Codes. Those laws can be divided, broadly, into two categories: those addressing motorcycle safety equipment, and those addressing traffic laws applicable to motorcycle operators.


1. Safety Equipment.

  • Footrests: Footrests for passengers are required. See O.C.G.A. § 40-6-314(a).

  • Handlebars: Handlebars cannot be more than 25 inches in height above that portion of the seat occupied by the operator. See O.C.G.A. § 40-6-314(b).

  • Windshields: Windshields are required unless the operator is wearing approved protective eyewear. See O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315(b).

  • Mufflers: Mufflers are required, and they must be in proper working condition. Georgia does not, however, impose any specific noise restrictions on mufflers, unless a local ordinance in a Georgia county or city has set limits. Note, however, that Georgia law does prohibit the sale of “any muffler which causes excessive or unusual noise or annoying smoke.” O.C.G.A. § 40-8-71.

  • Helmets: Helmets are required by law. See O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315(b).

  • Footwear: Operating a motorcycle in socks is prohibited; some footwear “in addition to or other than socks” is required. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-311(e).


2. Traffic Laws

Motorcycle riders are subject to the same Rules of the Road as other Georgia drivers. See O.C.G.A. § 40-6-310. They are also subject to certain Rules specific to the operation of motorcycles on Georgia roads. See O.C.G.A. §§ 40-6-310 – 40-6-316. For example:

  • A motorcycle rider must ride on his or her seat, facing forward, with one leg on either side of the motorcycle. See O.C.G.A. § 40-6-311(a) & (b).

  • Passengers are prohibited unless a motorcycle “is designed to carry more than one person.” O.C.G.A. § 40-6-311(a).

  • Motorcycles headlights and taillights must be illuminated “at all times.” O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312(e).

  • Motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane. See O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312(a).

  • Motorcycles may be operated “two abreast in a single lane,” but lane-splitting is prohibited. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312(c)-(d).

  • Similarly, motorcycles are prohibited from overtaking and passing vehicles occupying the same lane. See Ga. Code Ann. § 40-6-312(b).

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