What’s the Legal Age for Child to Ride on Back of Motorcycle
Are you a parent who loves to ride motorcycles and wants to share your passion with your child? While hitting the open road on a motorcycle can be exhilarating, knowing the rules and regulations for carrying children is important.
I’m a motorcycle enthusiast with over a decade of experience writing about bikes.
In this article, we’ll explore the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle and provide some essential tips to help keep your child safe.
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What is the Legal Age for a Child to Ride on the Back of a Motorcycle?
The legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle varies depending on the country or state.
Some states do not have specific laws on this issue in the United States, but it is generally recommended that children be at least five to eight years old.
They should also be tall enough to reach the footrests and must wear a properly fitting helmet and protective gear.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll be looking at the states in the US and their laws on riding with kids on the back of a motorcycle.
State-by-state Breakdown: How Old Does a Child Need to be to ride a Motorcycle?
So, at what age can a child ride on a motorcycle? Here’s a list of the states in America and their laws regarding how old kids need to be before they can ride on a bike:
- Alabama
In Alabama, no specific law sets a minimum age for a child to ride as a passenger on the back of a motorcycle.
However, the Alabama Department of Public Safety recommends that passengers be able to place their feet on the passenger footrests and reach around and grasp the driver’s waist securely.
- Alaska
In Alaska, no law states a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, it is recommended that children under the age of 16 do not ride on the back of a motorcycle, and if they do, they should be supervised by an adult.
- Arizona
Arizona has no set age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, state law mandates that any passenger riding on a motorcycle must be capable of reaching the footrests with their feet and holding onto the driver or motorcycle’s handholds securely.
Additionally, passengers who are under 18 have to wear a helmet.
- Arkansas
Although no specific law in Arkansas sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle, the state’s traffic laws mandate that all passengers must have separate seats and footrests.
- California
In California, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle as a passenger is eight. Additionally, the child must be able to reach the footrests while seated on the motorcycle.
- Colorado
In Colorado, no specific law sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, the Colorado Department of Transportation recommends that children under eight should not ride as a passenger on a motorcycle.
- Connecticut
In Connecticut, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is eight.
The child must also be able to reach the footrests and wear a helmet that meets the minimum safety standards set by the state.
- Delaware
In Delaware, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is eight years old.
Delaware law requires that any passenger under the age of 16 must wear a helmet and that the helmet must meet or exceed the standards set by the United States Department of Transportation.
- Florida
In Florida, there is no specific age limit for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, according to Florida law, all motorcycle riders must wear a helmet and eye protection, and the motorcycle must have a seat and footrests for passengers.
- Georgia
In Georgia, no specific law sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle. However, Georgia law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet.
- Hawaii
In Hawaii, no specific law states a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, the Hawaii Department of Transportation recommends that Children under the age of 7 should not ride on the back of a motorcycle.
- Idaho
In Idaho, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is five years old. However, the child must be able to reach the footrests and be seated in a secured position behind the driver.
- Illinois
According to Illinois state law, any passenger under the age of eight is not allowed to ride on a motorcycle, even if the child is wearing a helmet and is accompanied by an adult.
- Indiana
No specific law sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle in Indiana. However, Indiana law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets, regardless of age.
- Iowa
While there’s no law on the minimum age for a child to ride as a passenger on the back of a bike, the Iowa Department of Transportation recommends that all passengers, including children, should be able to place both feet on the footpegs of the motorcycle and be able to reach around the driver’s waist securely with both hands.
- Kansas
In Kansas, there is no specific legal age requirement for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, according to Kansas state law, all passengers on a motorcycle must be able to reach the footrests and have a proper seat.
- Kentucky
In Kentucky, no law states a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a bike.
However, Kentucky Revised Statute 189.285 requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets while the motorcycle is in motion.
- Louisiana
In Louisiana, there is no specific law that states a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, Louisiana law requires that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear helmets, regardless of age.
- Maine
In Maine, there is no specific legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, the state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles recommends that children under the age of 5 not be passengers on a motorcycle.
- Maryland
In Maryland, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is eight.
According to Maryland law, any passenger under the age of 16 must wear a helmet, and it is recommended that they be seated in a secure, properly installed passenger seat or a sidecar.
- Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, there is no specific law that sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, according to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), any passenger on a motorcycle must be able to reach the footrests and be able to hold onto the motorcycle’s waist or hand grips securely.
- Michigan
In Michigan, there is no specific law that sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, the Michigan Department of State recommends that children be at least five years old and able to reach the foot pegs with their feet while seated behind the driver.
- Minnesota
In Minnesota, there is no specific law that sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
But the state’s Department of Public Safety strongly recommends that children under the age of eight not ride on motorcycles at all.
- Mississippi
Mississippi does not have a specific law that sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety recommends that children should be at least eight old and able to reach the foot pegs on the motorcycle with their feet.
- Missouri
In Missouri, no specific law states a minimum age for a child to ride as a passenger on the back of a motorcycle.
However, the Missouri Department of Revenue recommends that children under eight not ride on a motorcycle.
- Montana
According to Montana state law, there is no specific age at which a child can ride on the back of a motorcycle.
However, the law requires that all motorcycle riders wear a helmet, regardless of age.
- Nebraska
In Nebraska, no specific law states the minimum age at which a child can ride on the back of a motorcycle. However, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recommends that children be at least eight, reach the footrests, and securely hold onto the driver’s or motorcycle’s handgrips.
- Nevada
Nevada does not have a specific law that sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle as a passenger.
However, children must be able to place their feet on the footrests and wear a properly-fitting helmet.
- New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, there isn’t a specific age requirement for a child to ride on a motorcycle.
However, the New Hampshire Department of Safety recommends that children be at least five years old and tall enough to reach the footpegs.
- New Jersey
In New Jersey, the minimum age for a child to ride on a motorcycle is eight.
This is stated in New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 39:4-10.11, which requires that a child be at least eight and reach the motorcycle’s footpegs to ride as a passenger.
- New Mexico
New Mexico does not have a specific age mentioned in the state law that addresses the minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle. However, it is recommended that children should be at least eight old to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle.
- New York
In New York, the minimum age for a child to be a motorcycle passenger is four years old. According to New York State law, a child younger than four years old is not allowed to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle.
- North Carolina
In North Carolina, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is five years old. However, the child must be able to reach the footrests of the motorcycle and must wear a helmet that meets the safety standards set by the state.
- North Dakota
In North Dakota, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is not specified in terms of a specific age.
However, the North Dakota Department of Transportation recommends that children should only be passengers on motorcycles once they can reach the footrests and have a helmet that fits them properly.
- Ohio
In Ohio, there is no specific age at which a child is legally allowed to ride on the back of a motorcycle. However, the Ohio Revised Code requires anyone riding a motorcycle to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
- Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there is no specific age at which a child is legally allowed to ride on the back of a motorcycle. However, Oklahoma law requires that anyone operating or riding a motorcycle wear a helmet that meets certain safety standards, regardless of age.
- Oregon
According to Oregon law, a child under eight or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches tall must be properly secured on the back of the motorcycle in a sidecar, a trailer towed by the motorcycle or a passenger seat designed for a child. If the child is eight or older and is taller than 4 feet 9 inches, they can ride on the back of the motorcycle as a passenger, but they must wear proper riding gear.
- Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle also depends on certain requirements. According to Pennsylvania law, a child under the age of eight must be properly secured on the back of the motorcycle in a sidecar, a trailer towed by the motorcycle, or a passenger seat designed for a child. If the child is between the ages of eight and 18, they can ride on the back of the motorcycle as a passenger, but they must wear proper gear.
- Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, it is illegal for a child under the age of 7 to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, regardless of whether or not they are wearing a helmet.
- South Carolina
In South Carolina, Children younger than 5 aren’t allowed to ride on a motorcycle as a passenger, even if they are wearing a helmet.
- South Dakota
In South Dakota, there is no specific age requirement for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle. However, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety recommends that children wear protective gear when riding on a motorcycle, including a helmet, gloves, boots, and protective clothing.
- Tennessee
In Tennessee, the law requires that any passenger on a motorcycle be able to reach the footrests and sit behind the driver on a permanent seat designed for two people. There is no specific age requirement for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle.
- Texas
In Texas, there is no specific age requirement for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle. The Texas Department of Public Safety recommends that children be at least five years old and able to reach the footrests and hold onto the driver or passenger handholds securely.
- Utah
In Utah, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is eight. According to Utah Code § 41-6a-1508, a person operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle shall not carry any passenger under eight except in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
- Vermont
In Vermont, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is also eight.
According to Vermont Statutes Title 23 § 1256, no person shall operate a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on any public highway or right-of-way while carrying a passenger under the age of eight, except in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
- Virginia
In Virginia, no specific law sets a minimum age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle. However, Virginia Code § 46.2-910 requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear standard helmets.
- Washington
In Washington state, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle is five years old. According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 46.61.687, a person operating a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle shall not carry any passenger under five, except in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
- West Virginia
Like Washington, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle in West Virginia is also five.
- Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle depends on whether the motorcycle has a passenger seat and footrest. If the motorcycle has a passenger seat and footrests, the child must be at least five years old to ride as a passenger. Carrying a passenger of any age is illegal if the motorcycle does not them.
- Wyoming
In Wyoming, the legal age for a child to ride on the back of a motorcycle also depends on whether the motorcycle has a passenger seat and footrest. If the motorcycle has a passenger seat and footrests, the child must be at least eight years old to ride as a passenger. Carrying a passenger of any age is illegal if the motorcycle does not have them.
How to Avoid Accidents with a Child as a Passenger?
Riding a motorcycle with a child as a passenger is a serious responsibility that requires careful attention to safety. Here are some tips on how to avoid accidents with a child as a passenger on a motorcycle:
Invest in safety gear.
Both you and your child should wear appropriate safety gear when riding a motorcycle. This includes a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, sturdy boots, and protective clothing. Your child should wear a properly-fitting helmet designed specifically for motorcycle use. You should also invest in a child-sized motorcycle jacket and pants that provide adequate protection against road rash and other injuries.
Practice safe riding habits.
One of the best ways to avoid accidents with a child as a passenger on a motorcycle is to practice safe riding habits. This includes obeying traffic laws and signals, riding safely, and keeping a safe following distance from other vehicles. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and to anticipate potential hazards such as sudden stops, obstacles, and uneven road surfaces.
Communicate with your child.
Communicating with your child is key to keeping them safe on a motorcycle. Before each ride, explain the rules and expectations for behavior while riding. Ensure your kid understands how to hold on to you, where to put their feet, and how to sit properly on the motorcycle seat. Kids can be forgetful, so be sure to remind them to keep their hands and feet away from the moving parts of the motorcycle.
Plan your route
Planning your route can also help you avoid potentially dangerous situations. Choose routes that are well-lit, well-maintained, and free from heavy traffic. Avoid routes with many curves or steep inclines, as these can be difficult to navigate with a passenger. It is also important to be aware of potential road hazards, such as potholes or loose gravel, and to adjust your speed accordingly.
FAQ
Can a child ride in front of the driver on a motorcycle?
No, it is unsafe for a child to ride on a motorcycle in front of the driver. The child could be hit by debris, suffer from windburn, or be thrown off the motorcycle in the event of a collision or sudden stop.
Who is exempt from the children’s safety motorcycle Act?
Exemptions from the Children’s Safety Motorcycle Act or similar laws may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific provisions of the law. In some places, children may be exempt from the law if they ride on private property or participate in a sanctioned racing event.
How many passengers are allowed on a motorcycle?
In the United States, many states allow only one passenger on a motorcycle, while others allow two. However, even in states that allow two passengers, the motorcycle must be designed to carry two people, with a separate seat and footrests for the passenger.
Final Thoughts
The legal age for a child to be a motorcycle passenger depends on the state or country. Parents or guardians must check their local laws and regulations to ensure they are not breaking any rules when riding with a child.
But regardless of the legal age, your child should be properly equipped with appropriate safety gear if they’re going to ride with you. This includes helmets and protective clothing. They should also be securely fastened to the motorcycle to prevent accidents or injuries.
