Arizona Motorcycle Laws

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

  • A helmet is required for all riders under the age of 18.
  • There are no helmet speaker restrictions.
  • Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
  • A tail light is mandatory and only red tail light covers are allowed.
  • A left mirror and right mirror are required.
  • Turn signals are not required.
  • A muffler is required and may not have a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
  • 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.
  • A passenger seat and passenger footrest is required if you are carrying a passenger.
  • There are no radar detector restrictions.

Tests and Licenses

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

Vehicle Operations

  • 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.
  • A motorcycle may not pass or overtake another vehicle in the same lane that the vehicle is driving in.
  • A person may not operate a motorcycle between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.
  • Daytime use of headlights is mandatory; modulating headlights are permitted.
  • There are no passenger age restrictions.
  • Arizona motorcycle law requires that all motorcyclists carry liability insurance.

Arizona Off-Road Motorcycle Laws

Equipment & Helmets

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

Tests and Licenses

  • A motorcycle operator license is not required.
  • Motorcycle registration is not required.
  • A vehicle title is required.
  • There are no restrictions on minimum operator age.
  • Off-road motorcycle rider education certification is voluntary.
  • 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.