You know you can keep your child safe on your motorcycle, and you want to give them the experience of riding. Legally, there are situations where your child can ride on your motorcycle with you, and it is critical that you know when this is and what rules to follow before doing so.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer is happy to help you navigate any challenges with motorcycle laws you face and help you get compensation if your child is hurt in a motorcycle accident.
The South Carolina Motorcycle Laws You Need to Know
You need to follow several rules if you want your child to ride on your motorcycle with you. You may be asking questions such as, “What age can a child ride on a motorcycle?” or “Can a child ride in front of the driver on a motorcycle?”
Also important is that your child cannot interfere with your ability to control the motorcycle in any way, and they cannot obstruct the view of the road for you, and that means, ultimately, that your child cannot ride in front of you on a motorcycle. The goal is always to ensure that both you and the child are safe on the road. At the same time, the laws are meant to protect other people on the road with you from accidents you may cause due to distraction or visual limitations, and a personal injury lawyer can help if you were in a crash.
Here are some key South Carolina motorcycle laws you should know about children riding on motorcycles, including when it is and is not allowable.
- Helmets: A child under the age of 21 who is riding on a motorcycle with a parent must be wearing an approved helmet to do so.
- Footrests: The motorcycle must have footrests in place for the passenger to use. More so, the child’s feet must be able to reach the footrests.
- Location: The child must ride on the passenger seat of the motorcycle, in the sidecar, or in an enclosed cab on the bike.
Is There an Age Limit for Motorcycle Passengers in South Carolina?
There is no age limit for a motorcycle passenger under South Carolina law. The laws do not specify a minimum age requirement as many other states do. That means a child under the age of 18 is able to ride without restrictions other than those already listed here.
Can a Child Ride on a Motorcycle?
The South Carolina laws do not outright state that a child cannot ride a motorcycle. There is no legal minimum age required to allow for motorcycle use. For that reason, it is up to you, as a parent, to determine if your child is ready for this.
Keep in mind that if a child rides a motorcycle (with you or with someone else) and that child causes an accident with someone else, you may be responsible for the financial damages that the other party incurs. This can make it critical that you take steps to ensure your child has the proper education and experience before they get on a motorcycle. That can be critical to protecting you and others.
If you are in an accident with another vehicle as the driver, and the other driver is at fault for the accident, that driver may be responsible for covering all of your losses as well. It is critical that you take such claims seriously since the other driver may try to blame your child for the accident. Working with a motorcycle accident attorney may help you alleviate these concerns and understand the damages you can recover in a motorcycle accident claim.
Safety and Children on Motorcycles
It is ultimately up to a parent to determine if a child will be safe when riding on a motorcycle, but there are several things to consider before you allow this to occur. If you wish to transport your child on a motorcycle, you will need to use the seat right behind you as the driver of the motorcycle. In addition to this, several specific factors must be in place to ensure safety:
- The child must be wearing an approved helmet and the necessary protective gear (the helmet should be specifically DOT-approved for the child, as found in the Motorcycle Manual).
- The child needs to remain in an upright position and facing forward while they are riding on the motorcycle. If, for any reason, the child cannot hold their position upright like this, that can create the risk of an injury if they slip out of place.
- Ensure your child’s feet can reach the footrests with ease and ensure that they can hold onto the driver of the motorcycle properly throughout the duration of the trip.
In situations where your child is not safe, it may impact your ability to safely maneuver your bike and pose a risk of an accident. You may also cause injuries to other people or property damage in these situations. For many people, it is all about ensuring your child is properly positioned and properly secured before you take on the opportunity to explore the world on the back of a bike.
What Happens if You Are in a Motorcycle Accident with Another Vehicle?
While you may not want to think about this type of risk, it can occur. If you want to ensure that your child is fully protected even in these difficult situations, make sure you take the ride slowly, lean into the curves, and operate your bike in a way that is far safer than you may do for yourself alone. That can help to give you confidence and protect your child on the back of the bike.
Let Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help You With Any Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be life-threatening, and if someone else causes you or your child to suffer in one, you should hold them accountable. At The Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we take pride in working to protect our clients from the intense limitations they face in such situations. Contact us now to set up a free consultation to discuss your accident with a team that cares.
