Motorcycle Related Traffic Laws and Vehicle Registration

Motorcycles are accident-prone as they are not easily seen by other vehicles in traffic. They are at higher risk as they are smaller and lighter in weight than a motor vehicle or truck. In an accident against a motor vehicle, or a heavy commercial vehicle, the motorcyclist is likely to receive serious injuries. More motorcycles are coming on roads worldwide, and the possibility of accidents is also rising. It only makes sense for riders to learn about road safety regulations, to stay protected from accidents. It is important to learn about the safe operation of a motorcycle by learning the traffic laws that apply to one and maintaining a valid license.

Proper motorcycle licensing, registration and safety inspection all fall under the jurisdiction of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The process in Massachusetts continues despite the elimination of the law enforcement section within the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles years ago. One of the best ways to gather information is to read quality books on this subject. Books like Never Forget the History of The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Inspector – 1907-1992 by James Tzitzon who provides detailed information on the history of the Registry Inspector and their role in enforcing these laws.

Implications of traffic laws against negligence

As with all types of vehicles and traffic, operators of motorcycles are required to abide by traffic and road safety laws. Operators of a motorcycle are equally liable to exercise care for their safety and others on the road. All parties operating any vehicle must be aware of traffic laws as they apply within their state. Negligence in operation ranges from trespassing on private property to crossing through an intersection

against a red-light signal. Similarly, the penalty of each offense is different depending on the type of offense committed. In case of an accident, the police will investigate and examine the circumstances of the accident along with the observed evidence. The result might be a suspension of one’s license or a simple traffic citation.

In instances, where a motorcycle driver operates too fast and recklessly without realizing the dangers of their action, who is negligent when an accident occurs? Is it the driver in another lane, or the motorcycle operator? It is important to learn about the legal implications of the accident and how the case could proceed. Police officers would present the evidence in court. A lawyer would blame the other party to protect their client naturally, but knowing the law related to a road accident, negligence will always come into play. The guilty party would be the one who violated the law and who will pay. The evidence of speeding will always be there even if the driver states otherwise. Speeding through a sharp turn and crossing over into another lane divided by a yellow marked lane, the motorcyclist would be guilty, and the burden of proving that he didn’t cause the accident is on him.

When a motorcycle rider ends up in a road accident against a car, the chances of serious injury or death to the rider of the motorcycle will always be greater. The car occupants being in a more protected vehicle would likely survive. In the court of law, the driver’s lawyers might raise questions to prove the innocence of their client, and vice versa. Both might blame each other for reckless driving and a careless attitude, but the evidence that is presented will help the judge or jury in their decision making.

The cyclist, if found guilty of reckless driving, would not be able to lay a claim for damages. In addition, charges against the driver may be dropped

About the Author

Never Forget the History of The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Inspector – 1907-1992 by James Tzitzon, retired Massachusetts State Trooper, who served as a Massachusetts Registry Motor Vehicle Inspector with others, until the law enforcement section of that agency was eliminated. During that service, he and others became experts on motor vehicle law through their hard work and devotion to the job. His book is a great read for readers as it provides detailed accounts of events that he and others experienced during their service as a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle inspector.