Is a Can-Am Ryker Street Legal in NJ?
As new vehicles become more and more popular in New Jersey, like Can-Am Rykers, those interested in purchasing these vehicles should learn whether or not they are street legal.
Can-Am Rykers are a type of motorized tricycle. These three-wheeled bikes are street legal in New Jersey, provided they are titled, registered, and insured. On top of making sure your Can-Am Ryker is street legal, you should also purchase a DOT-approved helmet to wear when operating your trike so that you follow current New Jersey motorcycle helmet laws. You must also take the steps to get the proper license or endorsement on your driver’s license. Can-Am Rykers are treated as motorcycles when it comes to injury claims, meaning your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance may not cover your damages, leading you to file a lawsuit.
For help with your case from New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, call 1-800-529-4464 today.
Are Can-Am Rykers Street Legal in New Jersey?
Can-Am Rykers are considered a subset of motorcycles, meaning they are street legal so long as the operators and owners follow the proper registering a titling laws in New Jersey.
In order for your Can-Am Ryker to be street legal, you must register and title it, just as you would a motorcycle. To do this, you must get your Can-Am Ryker insured and provide the necessary information to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
Once this process is complete, you will be issued a license plate to affix to the back of your Can-Am Ryker. Without the owner completing these steps, the bike will not be considered street legal in New Jersey.
Motorcycles and tricycles do not need regular inspections in New Jersey. Rather, it is the responsibility of the owner and operator to ensure a vehicle is in good working condition before taking it out on the road.
If your Can-Am Ryker was not street legal at the time of your accident, that does not mean you will necessarily be barred from recovery. That said, you might face certain hurdles throughout your claim. Because of that, you should not operate any vehicle that is not properly registered or titled in New Jersey, regardless of whether the vehicle is a motorcycle, tricycle, or passenger car.
Do You Need a Motorcycle License to Operate a Can-Am Ryker Legally in New Jersey?
In addition to registering, titling, and insuring your Can-Am Ryker, you must also get the proper license or endorsement to operate your vehicle legally in New Jersey.
All New Jersey trike riders need a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses or specific motorcycle licenses. To get this, you can either enroll in the Basic Rider Course, which is required for all persons under 18, or apply by taking certain tests, such as a vision and eye test, a practice ride, and a road test.
If you do not have a driver’s license, you can get a motorcycle license to ride your Can-Am Ryker by enrolling in the Basic Riding Course and completing a motorcycle road test.
Anyone without the proper endorsement or license is not permitted to operate a Can-Am Ryker or any other trike or motorcycle in New Jersey.
Is it Legal to Ride a Can-Am Ryker without a Helmet in New Jersey?
You must wear a helmet whenever you are riding your Can-Am Ryker in New Jersey. This is required in order to operate your trike legally.
According to N.J.S.A. § 39:3-76.7, all motorcyclists, including anyone riding a Can-Am Ryker, must wear a DOT-approved helmet complete with a chin strap. Not only is wearing a helmet important because it is required by law, but also because doing so can prevent you from sustaining head injuries if struck by another vehicle. Head injuries in motorcycle accidents or other similar incidents can be severe, as victims might be thrown from their vehicles and come in contact with the road. Traumatic brain injuries might alter the quality of a victim’s life for some time and require various tests and treatment, which can be expensive.
If you do not wear a helmet, you might be ticketed by law enforcement for the violation, even if you were injured in an accident in New Jersey.
Legal Considerations for Can-Am Ryker Accident Victims in New Jersey
Generally, Can-Am Rykers and other trikes are treated the same as motorcycles, legally speaking. Because of this, we can refer to current New Jersey laws regarding motorcycles and accidents when evaluating certain aspects of your injury claim.
If you were injured while riding your Can-Am Ryker in New Jersey, it would be important for you to know that your personal injury protection insurance will likely not cover your damages. This is because PIP does not extend to motorcycle accidents, including trike accidents. Because of this, your main method of recovery may be to file a claim against the negligent party who caused your injuries. You will have two years from the date of your accident to do this, according to N.J.S.A. § 2A:14-2(a).
Additionally, those injured in Can-Am Ryker accidents should familiarize themselves with New Jersey’s modified comparative fault laws as dictated by N.J.S.A. § 2A:15-5.1. Because of the stereotypes surrounding motorcyclists, it might be assumed that you acted negligently when operating your Can-Am Ryker, contributing to your injuries. Should the defendant be successful in arguing this, your damages might be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. Preventing this from happening will be crucial, which is why Atlantic City motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman will work to collect evidence that meets the burden of proof and shows that the defendant’s negligence was the sole cause of your injuries. When successful on this front, you can recover compensation for all damages related to your Can-Am Ryker Accident injuries.
Call Jerry About Your Accident in New Jersey
Call Trenton, NJ motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman at 1-800-529-4464 to schedule a free case review today.
