What Age Can a Child Ride on the Back of a Motorcycle?

Factors such as state laws and height restrictions can determine when a child may legally and safely ride on the back of a motorcycle. In the DC metropolitan area, regulations vary by jurisdiction. Washington, DC, requires a passenger seat and footpegs, but motorcycle passengers have no minimum age. Similarly, Maryland does not set a minimum age requirement, though the state cautions adults to consider the risks of children riding as passengers. There are no specific age restrictions in Virginia for child motorcycle passengers, but passengers must have their own seat and set of footpegs.

Understanding the legal age for a child motorcycle passenger and other safety guidelines and regulations concerning child motorcycle passengers in your state is vital. Obeying the law will help passengers stay safe. If your child has been injured on a motorcycle due to someone else’s negligence, we at Regan Zambri Long are prepared to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about legal options in your motorcycle accident case.

Motorcycle Safety Gear for Child Passengers

Laws in your state may dictate the types of safety gear a motorcycle passenger (particularly a minor) must wear. Check the relevant state law to find out what gear your state requires. Forms of gear and safety equipment to consider (whether the law requires it or not) include:

• DOT-approved motorcycle helmets
• DOT-approved safety goggles or face shields
• Safety harnesses (particularly for small children riding in front)
• Youth motorcycle safety attire that covers the entire body

Proper safety gear protects young motorcycle passengers from harm. It can also protect a motorcycle’s operator. If a passenger is wearing the right safety gear, they’ll be less likely to sustain injuries that can cause them to deprive an operator of control of the vehicle.

For example, perhaps a piece of debris flies up from the road and strikes a child passenger. If the child isn’t wearing safety gear, their reaction to the sudden pain they experience could interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle. This is less likely to happen when a child passenger is wearing protective gear. Learn more about the role protective clothing and gear can play in a motorcycle accident claim when discussing your case with our team.

Preparing to Ride with a Child Passenger

Taking certain steps before letting a child ride on the back of a motorcycle can improve safety. Steps to take include:

• Installing passenger foot pegs, which is a legal requirement in some jurisdictions
• Equipping a motorcycle with a passenger seat ideal for a child
• Performing general safety checks to confirm a motorcycle is road-ready and all safety gear is in good condition
• Confirming a child passenger’s feet can touch the foot pegs
• Confirming a child feels the passenger seat is the right size for them (and referencing laws, manufacturer instructions, and other relevant information when choosing a seat)
• Checking restraints to ensure a child is firmly secured in place
• Checking traffic reports to know whether there are areas you should avoid
• Planning routes thoroughly
• Charging devices, as they may be very useful in the case of a motorcycle accident
• Packing a first-aid kit in case you or your young motorcycle passengers sustain injuries requiring immediate attention

These are just examples of steps you can take to improve the safety of yourself and a motorcycle passenger of any age. Unfortunately, while you can prioritize motorcycle safety with a child passenger, you can’t control the decisions others make on the road. Contact our motorcycle accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident someone else caused that resulted in harm to a child.

Best Practices for Child Motorcycle Passengers

When riding a motorcycle with a child passenger, keeping the following motorcycle safety with child passenger tips in mind can help you guard against harm:

• Check weather reports to confirm conditions will be ideal before letting a child ride on a motorcycle.
• Discuss general safety with a child, ensuring they know to alert you when they believe a safety issue requires attention.
• Don’t immediately start driving on the highway with a child passenger. Help both you and the child get used to this type of riding by starting slowly in safe, easy-to-navigate areas.
• Try to avoid riding at night. Account for your experience level when deciding where and when to ride with a child passenger.
• Check the legal age for a child motorcycle passenger in all jurisdictions you plan on riding in. Additionally, check child motorcycle safety gear requirements.

It’s also vital to know your rights if someone else causes a motorcycle accident. Contact our team for more information.

Motorcycle Safety Equipment Essentials

Some motorcycle safety gear is mandatory. For example, motorcycle operators and passengers in DC, Maryland, and Virginia must wear helmets. It’s also important to protect everyone on a motorcycle with such gear as:

• Goggles or face shields
• Motorcycle jackets and trousers
• Motorcycle gloves
• Footwear with sufficient grip for the foot pegs

Using the right motorcycle safety equipment can significantly minimize the severity of injuries if a crash occurs. If you or a child you know was nevertheless hurt in a motorcycle wreck, be aware that compensation may be available. Get in touch with our team at Regan Zambri Long to learn more about your case with a free consultation.