Guide to Laws Regarding Riding a Motorcycle at Night in NJ
Operating a motorcycle at night presents unique challenges and risks for riders. Thus, New Jersey has specific rules for riding your motorcycle at night.
Riding a motorcycle at night in New Jersey requires adherence to many safety precautions. By understanding and following these regulations, riders can enhance their safety and minimize the risk of accidents. Still, it is possible to be injured even when all safety is taken. When that happens, you have the right to recover compensation from the person responsible.
For a free case assessment with an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney, call Jerry Friedman today at 1-800-529-4464.
What Are the Best Practices for Riding a Motorcycle at Night in New Jersey?
Riding a motorcycle at night can be more dangerous than during the day because of reduced visibility and potential hazards. Therefore, New Jersey imposes specific rules and regulations that motorcyclists must follow when riding at night to ensure their safety.
Not complying with these rules could result in charges or, even worse, severe accidents. If you have faced legal issues while riding at night, our Marlton, NJ motorcycle accident attorneys can provide you with the necessary assistance to protect your rights. We understand that most accidents involving motorcycles at night occur because of the negligence of other drivers who fail to notice the motorcyclist.
At night, the limited visibility makes it challenging to see the condition of the road or anything on it, especially with only one headlight. Additionally, the headlights and taillights of motorcycles can be challenging for other motorists to distinguish from the brighter lights of other vehicles. To ensure safety while riding at night, here are some tips that can be helpful:
Use Your High Beam
It’s important to use the high beam while driving if you’re not behind or approaching another vehicle. This will help you see the road ahead better and anticipate any obstacles that might be in your way.
It is crucial to ensure that your motorcycle’s lighting system is in excellent working condition. You should regularly check your headlights, taillights, and turn signals to make sure they’re all functioning correctly. These lights are essential for visibility and signaling your intentions to other road users, which can help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road.
Taillights and Reflectors
New Jersey requires that motorcycles operating within the state must have at least one functional taillight that emits a bright red light, which should be visible from as far as 500 feet away.
Additionally, motorcycles must be equipped with specific types and colors of reflectors, which should be present on the rear, front, and sides of the vehicle to ensure maximum visibility and safety on the road.
Reduce Your Speed
When driving, it can be challenging to spot obstacles in the road ahead unless they are relatively close. When you’re moving too quickly, it becomes even more difficult to avoid hazards on the road. This is why it is important to reduce your speed when driving at night, especially if you are on unfamiliar roads. By doing so, you’ll be able to see and react to any obstacles ahead of you, keeping yourself and others safe on the road.
Use the Vehicle Ahead as a Marker
When riding a motorcycle, it is helpful to take advantage of any vehicle ahead of you as their lights can provide a clearer view of the road ahead. Unlike a motorcycle light, a vehicle’s taillights can clearly indicate any potential hazards on the road, such as bumps or rough pavement, by bouncing up and down. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the lead of any vehicle ahead of you, keeping a safe distance and using their lights as an additional source of information about the road conditions.
Increase Your Distance
Driving at night can be challenging, especially when it comes to accurately judging distances. To compensate for this, it is important to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. When riding alongside other vehicles, it is best to give yourself plenty of room on either side to avoid any potential collisions. Additionally, be sure to allow enough distance when passing another vehicle to ensure a safe and successful maneuver.
Other Laws You Should Be Aware of When Riding a Motorcycle in New Jersey
If you want to ensure your safety while riding in New Jersey, it’s essential to be aware of the state’s other important laws. By following these laws, you can reduce the risk of severe injuries in case of an accident. Moreover, it can also help you avoid getting a traffic ticket or facing any liability issues following a crash.
Motorcycle License and Endorsement
In New Jersey, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your existing New Jersey basic license or obtain a motorcycle license. The process of getting a license or endorsement involves taking an approved New Jersey Motorcycle Safety Education Program (MSEP) Basic Rider Course (BRC).
This course not only teaches you how to ride safely and responsibly but also qualifies you to potentially waive the knowledge test and riding exam. Alternatively, you can choose to undergo the test and exam to earn your license or endorsement. However, it is mandatory by law to have a license or endorsement in order to ride a motorcycle on New Jersey roads.
Helmets Are Mandatory
In the state of New Jersey, it is mandatory for both riders and passengers of a motorcycle to wear helmets while riding. Research has shown that riding without a helmet significantly raises the risk of death in case of an accident by more than 40%.
Additionally, riders without helmets are three times more likely to suffer from a traumatic brain injury in the event of a crash. It is clear that wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is considerably safer than riding without one.
Eye Protection is Mandatory
When you ride your bike, it is important to ensure your safety by using an approved windscreen. If your bike does not have one, wear goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from any debris or bugs that might come your way while driving at high speeds.
Goggles serve the important purpose of keeping your vision clear and free from any obstructions that can lead to temporary blindness, which could ultimately cause you to lose control of your bike and put yourself in danger. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your safety while riding a bike.
Our New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help if You Were Injured While Riding at Night
Call Cherry Hill, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman today at 1-800-529-4464 for a free case review.
