Where Are Wheelies Legal

A driver who behaves dangerously on the road may be held civilly liable if he causes injury and other damage, and he may also have restrictions when it comes to obtaining compensation for personal losses. A driver who causes an accident by hitting a wheelie or engaging in other reckless actions would likely have no legal recourse to obtain compensation for their own injuries and economic losses. Such an event would also likely result in higher insurance premiums, leaving the driver on the hook for medical expenses and other losses. Most people, including many drivers, subscribe to the “stupid and dangerous characterization” of the maneuver, so don`t be surprised if a successfully completed wheelie ends with a speeding ticket or is taken away by a handcuffed police officer. A closer look at wheelies, including the physics and dangers involved, may shed light on why wheelies are illegal in the United States, but videos of pilots performing wheelies are all over the internet. Some states also refer to wheelies as “stunting.” While a motorcyclist may insist that it is completely safe to ride a wheelie, a large portion of the driving public may disagree. At least it distracts other drivers tremendously and doesn`t let the rider brake or avoid road hazards. Even if blowing up a wheelie results in a fine or, in some cases, spending time in a cell at the local jail, you may have a hard time finding a specific mention of wheelies in your state`s traffic or penal code. The vast majority of states enforce their reckless driving laws instead of having a law that specifically deals with lifting the front wheel of a moving motorcycle. We`ll take a closer look at state laws later in this article. Drivers need to know how to report unsafe behaviour on the road. If you see a motorcycle slamming a wheelie or another biker engaging in careless behavior on the road, reporting the problem to the police can help prevent the dangerous driver from hurting others. Write down the make, model, colour and direction of travel of the vehicle, then stop in a safe place and call the police to pass this information.

This can potentially stop a serious accident before it happens. I looked up the most recent case law on wheelies – all are accidents, except this one, which ends up quoting a really cool trial judge: Another consideration on wheelies is the dreaded point of no return. Yes, motorcycles tend to be well balanced, allowing the rider to lean into a turn or long turn and recover in an upright position without falling to the ground. However, there is a point where you can lean a motorcycle too far and not recover. This is the point where there is no turning back. Few states have specific laws against wheelies on motorcycles. However, that doesn`t mean hitting a wheelie is legal in states without laws that explicitly prohibit the maneuver. In Florida, a wheelie could result in a $1,000 fine. Florida law does not specifically prohibit wheelies, but it does require all motor vehicle drivers to keep their wheels on the sidewalk. But when it comes to official regulations banning wheelies, few states currently have laws on their books. But laws are constantly changing.

Illinois passed a law banning wheelies on January 1, 2013. The first offence is a small fine of $100; The second and third offences carry much higher sentences ($1,500 and $2,500) plus up to six months and one year in jail, respectively. Illinois law also prohibits other stunts, such as standing on the motorcycle, sitting in a place other than the seat, and hands-free. Maine is another state that has an anti-wheelie law on its books. It is difficult to make an exhaustive list of laws because the language varies from state to state. However, in most of the remaining states, it`s not explicitly illegal to perform a wheelie, although that doesn`t mean it`s legal. If a police officer sees a cyclist lift his front wheel off the ground, he has the discretion to stop him for negligent or reckless driving, as if he were driving recklessly in a car. In addition to criminal penalties for violating state laws on reckless driving, a motorcyclist who hits a wheelie could face additional legal penalties if the act results in an accident and injures other riders. It is important for all motorcyclists to remember that they have much less protection in the event of an accident than a driver in a closed car. Motorcycles do not have seat belts, airbags, or other safety features found in cars.

They also offer very little protection against impact forces, so drivers usually move away when they come into contact with an object or other vehicle. Stay safe by following the law and avoiding unsafe behavior when riding a motorcycle. If you`re thinking about blowing up a wheelie, check out some of the videos on the internet of motorcyclists whose wheelies didn`t end as well as they would have liked. When you tilt a motorcycle back to perform a wheelie, your position on the bike or too much throttle force can cause it to move backwards until you fall. Learning to hit a wheelie on a bicycle is a right of way for many American children, but attempting the same stunt on a motorcycle is much more difficult and much more dangerous. Recently, a Florida man died after throwing a wheelie on his motorcycle. Another rider hit him because the rider could not see the motorcycle`s headlights when the wheelie was pointing in the air. The driver sustained minor injuries, but the 36-year-old motorcyclist died from his injuries at a nearby hospital. Each rider must understand the dangers and possible legal penalties for attempting wheelies on their motorcycles.

It`s always a good idea to check motorcycle laws regarding equipment and licensing requirements before traveling to another state to ride your motorcycle. You should also check the rules regarding wheelies and reckless driving to make sure you`re not intentionally or accidentally violating them. Had anyone met law enforcement on wheelies? What is the law? What was the result? In general, it is best to avoid waterfalls such as wheelies on public roads, whether the waterfall in question is specifically prohibited by law or not.