Are Slingshots Street Legal in New Jersey?

The Polaris Slingshot has become a popular vehicle for those looking to ride in style. However, you might wonder if these vehicles are street legal in New Jersey.

Fortunately, it is legal to operate Slingshots on the roads of New Jersey. While they look like a blend of a motorcycle and a car, they are classified as an “autocycle.” There are several requirements you must meet before you can take your Slingshot on the road, but many of them are the same needed to drive a car. You will need a driver’s license and insurance, but you will not need to get an endorsement for motorcycles.

For a free evaluation of your case with a skilled New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer, call Jerry Friedman today at 1-800-529-4464.

Are Polaris Slingshots Street Legal in New Jersey?

The Polaris Slingshot is categorized as an “autocycle” under N.J.S.A. § 39:3-10.34. An autocycle is a three-wheeled motorcycle that is controlled by a steering wheel and pedals that has an enclosed seating area with safety seat belts for the driver and passenger. It must also have a roll cage or roll hoops and anti-lock brakes.

As long as the Polaris Slingshot conforms to government-approved specifications, it is legal to drive on New Jersey streets. It is important to consult with Jerry and his New Jersey Slingshot accident lawyers if there are any uncertainties regarding the legality of the vehicle. Keep in mind that modifications might render your Slingshot non-street-legal, even if they are made by a professional. It is important to check the law to ensure compliance if you plan on modifying your Slingshot.

What Driver’s License Is Required to Operate a Polaris Slingshot in New Jersey?

To operate an autocycle, a valid basic driver’s license is required, but a motorcycle license or endorsement is not necessary. Previously, Polaris Slingshots were considered motorcycles under New Jersey law, necessitating a Class M license to operate one. Now, though, a basic vehicle driver’s license is all that is needed to operate a Slingshot.

According to New Jersey law, a Class D driver’s license is the appropriate license for vehicles with three wheels in the front, one wheel in the back, a steering wheel, seat belts, and seating that does not require you to straddle the vehicle. The Polaris Slingshot closely fits this description, and the laws were designed to ensure that such vehicles are covered under a standard Class D driver’s license.

In New Jersey, Class D licenses are the basic everyday driver’s licenses, and other license types include the same privileges as a Class D license. Therefore, if you have a Class C, B, or A license, your Slingshot should be covered. A Class M license also specifically covers the three-wheeled vehicle description, meaning that a motorcycle license can also be used to operate a Slingshot, but it is not mandatory.

Are There Seat Belt and Helmet Requirements for Polaris Slingshot in New Jersey?

Autocycles must have seat belts for the operator and passenger. However, children who are required to be in child restraint systems, like a car seat, are not permitted as passengers on a Slingshot.

New Jersey law also requires helmets for the operator and all passengers unless the autocycle is fully enclosed. A Slingshot rider’s helmet must be reflectorized on both sides and be equipped with a neck or chin strap. Goggles and a face shield are also required for a driver and any passengers unless the Slingshot has a windscreen meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards.

Can You File a Lawsuit for a Polaris Slingshot Accident in New Jersey?

Individuals who have been involved in auto accidents might have concerns that they will encounter difficulties when seeking compensation if they were on a Slingshot. While it is true that victims riding smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles are more likely to sustain serious injuries during a collision, this does not automatically mean that they are unable to file a lawsuit.

In New Jersey, riders or passengers in a Slingshot are entitled to file a lawsuit after an auto accident. However, no-fault insurance rules impose limitations on lawsuits for car accident cases in New Jersey. Nevertheless, motorcycles, including Slingshots, are exempt from these no-fault rules and lawsuit restrictions. In a typical car accident case, it is usually required to establish that one has “serious injuries” before filing a lawsuit, but in the case of a Polaris Slingshot accident, individuals can sue even if they have minor or moderate injuries.

However, many victims might end up with more serious injuries, and as a result, they should treat their cases with utmost seriousness. Many drivers might attempt to blame motorcyclists, scooter riders, moped riders, and Slingshot riders because their vehicles are smaller and less visible and perhaps considered less safe. However, the law allows these vehicles on the road, and it is the responsibility of every driver to watch out for other riders on the road. A crash should not be considered “your fault” just because you were operating a Slingshot.

What If I Partially Caused My Polaris Slingshot Accident in New Jersey?

In a lawsuit, the driver at fault will likely attempt to evade liability by arguing that the plaintiff contributed significantly to the accident or their injuries, such that they should not be held accountable. They might suggest that the plaintiff made driving errors or engaged in unlawful activities such as lane splitting. Additionally, the defendant could argue that the plaintiff’s choice to ride a Slingshot instead of a car or not wear a helmet or protective gear exacerbated their injuries. However, New Jersey law does not prevent victims from filing a lawsuit even if they are not wearing a helmet. So, any assertions that the plaintiff is solely responsible for their injuries due to lack of protective gear or choosing to ride a motorcycle should be dismissed.

If the driver at fault can validly argue that you had a part in your own injuries by breaking traffic laws or not wearing a helmet, this could negatively impact your ability to recover compensation. However, the jury is expected to assign a proportion of fault to each driver involved, and if your share of the blame is 50% or less, you should still be eligible for compensation under New Jersey’s modified comparative fault laws. While your damages might be diminished to reflect your contribution to the accident, you should still be able to obtain compensation from the other party for their role in causing the accident.

Our New Jersey Slingshot Accident Lawyers Can Help

Call dedicated Camden motorcycle accident attorney Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 today for a free case review.