What are Arizona's Motorcycle Laws?

The laws for motorcyclists differ from state to state. In Arizona there is one set of laws for motorcycles operating on-road and a different set for those riding off-road.

Arizona On-Road Motorcycle Laws

Equipment & Helmets

1. A helmet is required for all riders under the age of 18.
2. There are no helmet speaker restrictions.
3. Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
4. A tail light is mandatory and only red tail light covers are allowed.
5. A left mirror and right mirror are required.
6. Turn signals are not required.
7. A muffler is required and may not have a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
8. The handlebar height should not exceed the operator's shoulder height when the operator is sitting in the seat and his or her hands are on the handlebar grips.
9. A passenger seat and passenger footrest is required if you are carrying a passenger.
10. There are no radar detector restrictions.



Tests and Licenses

11.  A skill and knowledge test is required.
12.  Arizona accepts motorcycle endorsements from other states.
13.  Arizona accepts a Rider Ed completion card from other states.
14.  State-funded rider education programs are available for all applicants.
15.  A periodic safety inspection is required and annual emissions testing is required in some areas.



Vehicle Operations

16. Two motorcycle riders may ride abreast in the same lane, but no other vehicle may be driven so as to deprive a motorcycle of the full use of a lane.
17. A motorcycle may not pass or overtake another vehicle in the same lane that the vehicle is driving in.
18.  A person may not operate a motorcycle between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.
19.  Daytime use of headlights is mandatory; modulating headlights are permitted.
20. There are no passenger age restrictions.
21.  Arizona motorcycle law requires that all motorcyclists carry liability insurance.

Arizona Off-Road Motorcycle Laws

Equipment & Helmets

1. A helmet is required for all riders under the age of 18.
2. Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
3. A taillight is not required under Arizona motorcycle law.
4. A headlight is not required.
5. A muffler is not required and there is no maximum sound level for off-road motorcycles.
6. A spark arrestor IS required on state and federal lands.



Tests and Licenses

7. A motorcycle operator license is not required.
8. Motorcycle registration is not required.
9. A vehicle title is required.
10. There are no restrictions on minimum operator age.
11. Off-road motorcycle rider education certification is voluntary.
12. Trails programs are available.

If you have been involved in an on-road or off-road motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury attorney at the Phoenix law office of Solomon & Relihan. Our lawyers will make home and hospital visits are available for your convenience. We also handle wrongful death claims involving motorcycle accidents.