§ 47-12-609. Motorcycles - Required equipment.  


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  • A.  In addition to other requirements prescribed by this chapter, by federal law or by local ordinance, all motorcycles, except when operated on actual trail rides conducted outside of public roads and highways, shall be equipped with:

    1.  Two rearview mirrors, containing a reflection surface of not less than three (3) inches in diameter, mounted one on each side of the motorcycle and positioned so as to enable the operator to clearly view the roadway to the rear of the vehicle;

    2.  A windshield of sufficient quality, size and thickness to protect the operator from foreign objects, except that in lieu of such windshield, the operator shall wear goggles or other protective eyewear which meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z87.1 and provides positive retention, or a face shield of material and design to protect the operator from foreign objects;

    3.  A properly operating speedometer capable of registering at least the maximum legal speed limit for that motorcycle;

    4.  A fender over each wheel.  All fenders shall be of the type provided by the manufacturer;

    5.  A horn which shall comply with the requirements of Section 12-401 of this title; and

    6.  A muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system which shall comply with the requirements of Section 12-402 of this title.

    B.  No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall operate or ride upon any motorcycle unless such person is properly wearing a crash helmet of a type which complies with standards established by 49 C.F.R., Section 571.218.

    C.  Handlebars on motorcycles shall not be higher than eye level of the operator.

Added by Laws 1967, c. 140, § 3.  Amended by Laws 1969, c. 131, § 1, emerg. eff. April 7, 1969; Laws 1975, c. 288, § 1; Laws 1976, c. 81, § 1, emerg. eff. May 3, 1976; Laws 2000, c. 228, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000.  Amended by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 83, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.  Renumbered from Title 47, § 40-105 by Laws 2003, c. 411, § 85, eff. Nov. 1, 2003.