A Complete Guide to Utah Helmet Law

Utah motorcycle laws are in place to protect motorists and pedestrians. Following these laws is essential to the safety of anyone planning on riding a motorcycle. But they’re also important for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to know—after all, you’ll all be sharing the road.

If you’re a licensed driver in the state, you may think you already know the traffic laws. But motorcycle and vehicle laws differ in many ways. Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about Utah helmet laws regarding motorcycles. 

Have you been in a motorcycle accident? Speak with an attorney from Ipson Law, and we can help you determine your rights and responsibilities.

Is There a Helmet Law in Utah for Motorcycles?

Utah is a partial-law state, meaning that motorcyclists and their passengers must wear a helmet if under the age of 21. The helmet must meet or exceed the DOT standards for helmets. Those who do not comply with this law will be charged with a traffic infraction and may be fined.

Though Utah’s helmet laws only apply to those under the age of 21, it is still best for motorcyclists of any age to always wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet minimizes the chances of death in a motorcycle crash by an astounding 37%, and helmets are 69% effective in the prevention of head injuries in motorcycle accidents.

Do I Need a Motorcycle License in Utah?

If you’re shopping around for a motorcycle, you may be wondering whether you need a motorcycle license in Utah? Absolutely. It is illegal to operate a motorcycle without a special license. Having a motorcycle license proves you have the minimum level of skills and competency to ride it on the open road safely.

There are two routes for obtaining a motorcycle license, each with its own set of requirements and restrictions. First, you can follow all of the steps for obtaining a motorcycle permit, then take a skills test. Or you can avoid taking the skills test by instead completing a Utah motorcycle riding course. (You will still be required to take a written exam to test your competency at the end of the course.)

Utah Motorcycle Licensing Requirements

So how do you go about getting a Utah motorcycle license? To be eligible, you must:

• Be 16 or older.
• Have a Utah driver’s license.
• Show proof of residency.
• Complete a medical form.
• Complete and pass a written test.
• Complete and pass a vision test.
• Earn your motorcycle permit.
• Pass the motorcycle skills exam.
• Pay licensing fees.

Once you have your motorcycle permit, it’s important to remember that there are certain limitations on your ability to operate the motorcycle. Within the first two months of earning your permit, it is illegal to take any passengers, ride after 10 p.m., or ride before 6 a.m. You also may not ride on any roads with speed limits of 60 MPH or more. However, there are no restrictions after the third month of obtaining your permit.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Motorcycle License in Utah?

Once you’ve purchased a motorcycle and secured your permit, you’re probably eager to get on the road. But how long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Utah?

The overall time period depends on which route you take to get your license. The skills test may only take an hour to complete, but the motorcycle skills course is a 15-hour course, with 10 hours spent riding your motorcycle.

After having their permit for six months, motorcyclists can then take the written test to obtain their license. After you pass the written licensing exam and driving skills test, your license will arrive in the mail within 6-8 weeks.

What Is Considered a Motorcycle in Utah?

Utah defines a motorcycle as any motor vehicle (other than a tractor) that has a seat for riding and has no more than three wheels on the ground. In contrast, a motor-driven cycle is defined as a motorcycle, moped, motorized scooter, or other motorbike with less than 150 cubic centimeters of displacement and produces no more than 5 horsepower.

Utah Traffic Laws

Now you know that there are specific laws for motorcycles. But that doesn’t make motorcyclists exempt from driving laws—it’s still vital to follow all of Utah’s traffic laws while on the road. This includes laws such as:

• Adhering to speed limits
• Stopping before turning on a red light
• Making a full stop at all stop signs
• Yielding the right-of-way to emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights
• Carrying proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license with authorization to operate a motorcycle

Other Utah traffic laws specific to motorcyclists include:

• A motorcycle must change lanes before passing a vehicle.
• No more than two motorcycles can ride side-by-side in a single lane.
• Motorcyclists must keep both hands on the handlebars (no carrying anything that prevents this).
• Motorcycles may use the full lane.
• Motorcyclists must use signals at least two seconds before turning.
• Motorcyclists may not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is intended for use by more than one person.
• Motorcyclists may not carry packages that inhibit driving safety.

And what does a motorcycle need to be street legal in Utah? Here are a few requirements:

• Title
• Registration
• Rearview mirror on left side
• Handlebars cannot be higher than shoulders
• Motorcycle must have passenger footrest and handholds if riding with passengers
• Turn signals (if originally installed)
• Odometer
• Horn
• One headlamp, tail lamp, and stop lamp
• A braking system
• A muffler and emission control feature that complies with Utah state laws

Lane Filtering in Utah

As of May 2019, Utah passed a new law that makes lane filtering legal. This means motorcyclists are allowed to ride in between two lanes in order to overtake and pass another vehicle that is stopped and moving in the same direction. However, there are some important restrictions to note:

• Lane filtering is prohibited on freeways.
• Lane filtering is prohibited on streets where the speed limit is more than 45 MPH.
• Filtering speed must not exceed 15 MPH.
• The road needs to have two or more traffic lanes going in the same direction.
• The other vehicles must be stopped.
• Filtering must be done safely.

Utah Motorcycle Insurance

The state of Utah requires Motorcycle insurance is required in the state of Utah. Proof of insurance is necessary to register the motorcycle, and those caught riding without motorcycle insurance in Utah may be subject to fines or even get their motorcycle license suspended. Uninsured motorcyclists who get in an accident will have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills or vehicle repairs.

Motorcyclists may choose between liability, collision, or comprehensive insurance. They may also enhance their coverage with roadside assistance, an OEM endorsement, and more.

Call a Professional Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today at Ipson Law

Though Utah helmet laws require only those under the age of 21 to wear a helmet, it’s always safest for motorcyclists of any age to wear one.  Failing to wear a helmet increases the chances of severe injury in a collision and could even cost you your life.

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s wise to seek help from an experienced motorcycle attorney. Hiring the right attorney from Ipson Law could make an enormous difference in the amount you recover from your claim. We’re experts in personal injury law and are eager to help you get the just treatment you deserve. Don’t take our word for it and check out our reviews to hear from our clients. Contact us today to learn more about our motorcycle accident services.