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The Missouri State Highway Police revealed that there were more than 154,839 motorcycles registered in the state, much lower than California, Florida, Arkansas, Ohio, and many others. With many more residents driving motor vehicles than motorbikes, there can be confusion over the laws riders must adhere to, especially after the state recently revised its statutes.
Personal injury attorneys at Powell Law Firm have extensive experience helping injured motorcyclists get the compensation they deserve. They have worked with many victims and understand the importance of mounting state-required lights on motorcycles to protect personal injury cases.
In this article, attorneys at Powell Law Firm will discuss the importance of lights on a motorcycle, the relevant motorcycle laws in Missouri, and the kind of lights required on a motorbike to drive legally in the state. They also have more information on child passenger motorcycle laws in Missouri.
Missouri Motorcycle Laws: What Kind of Lights Can Be on a Motorcycle in Missouri?
It's common to see motorcycles around Missouri with all sorts of lights. However, it is crucial to follow the state requirements for lights mounted on a motorbike before riders can legally ride in Missouri.
The following are the different types of lights the state requires that riders securely install on their motorcycles.
Headlamps/Headlights
Headlights are a critical safety feature for motorcycles to help motorcyclists see ahead in the dark and warn other motor vehicles of an oncoming motorcycle. Missouri has state laws that further expand on the headlight requirements for motorcyclists to follow.
Under the Missouri Revised Statutes Section 307.045, motorcyclists must equip their motorcycles with at least one approved headlamp and not more than two. It must be capable of emitting a white light visible from at least five hundred feet, and under Missouri Law, motorcycle riders must always have their headlights on when riding on a public roadway.
Motorcyclists must ensure that they mount a headlamp on the outside of the sidecar or any other attachment they have on their motorbike that is capable of throwing a white light to the front.
The Missouri Revised Statutes state that motorcyclists must properly install and secure the headlamps on their motorbikes in a way that illuminates the road ahead and help them see any potential hazards. Riders must ensure that the headlights do not shine directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers, as this could cause temporary blindness and increase the risk of an accident.
There are many different types of headlights Missouri riders can mount on their motorcycles, including halogen, LED, and HID (high-intensity discharge) lights. It is important to note that Missouri law does not specify what type of headlamps riders must install on their motorbikes. However, they must choose headlights that are compatible with their motorcycles and fulfills the visibility requirement.
Considering the brightness, beam pattern, and durability of the headlights are important. Riders should always ensure that the headlight is properly secured on their motorcycles, and they must test it out before hitting the road. Working headlights are great in allowing riders to see better and make them more visible to other road users, helping reduce the risk of accidents.
Taillights
Similar to headlights, taillights are also an essential part of motorcycle safety as they help increase the visibility of a motorbike to other drivers. The Missouri Revised Statutes Section 307.075 addresses the state's requirement for taillights for motorcycle riders operating their motorbikes on public roads.
Under Missouri law, motorcyclists must attach at least one approved red reflector at the rear of their motorcycle when riding on a highway. The red reflector can be part of the rear motorcycle lamp or a separate unit. Riders must equip their motorbikes with brake lights that turn on for five seconds or less upon applying brakes.
It is crucial for riders to ensure that they securely mount their taillights and regularly inspect them before riding their motorcycles on the road. Brighter and more visible taillights can help improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
In the case of a motor vehicle or motor-drawn vehicle, it should have two rear lamps that are between fifteen and seventy-two inches above the ground the vehicle stands on. It should exhibit a red light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred feet.
Either such rear lamp or a separate lamp should have a white light illuminating the rear registration marker, making it visible from a distance of fifty feet from the rear.
Lights and Reflectors
Under the Missouri Revised Statutes Section 307.095, motor vehicles and motorcyclists must have lights of different colors. Headlamps must emit white light, while auxiliary lamps must exhibit lights substantially white, yellow, or amber in color.
Motorcycles must have one red reflector, while cars and buses with a capacity of carrying more than six people must have at least two, one on each side of the vehicle.
Failure to comply with the light and reflector requirements will result in an infraction charge against the rider or driver.
Flashing Warning Signals
Section 307.100 states that motorcycles and motor vehicles should not have flashing warning signals unless they are indicating a left or right turn signal.
Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 307.120, a person who is convicted of using flashing warning signals on a public roadway in Missouri will be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Flashing warning signals are only allowed on school buses used for school purposes and on the following types of vehicles:
Motor vehicles used to transport US mail
Buses owned and operated by churches, mosques, and other houses of worship
Commercial passenger transport vehicles stopped to load or unload passengers
Railroad passenger cars stopped to load or unload passengers.
Color Restrictions
Whether it is auxiliary lamps, spotlights, or headlamps, they must exhibit substantially white lights. Motorcycles and other motor vehicles are not allowed to have headlights that emit red lights on streets or highways under the law.
School buses, while on school duty, or emergency vehicles may use red headlamps.
Is Decorative Lighting Allowed in Missouri?
The basic motorcycle lighting package, consisting of headlamps and taillights, may satisfy the state's safety requirements, but it does very little to make the motorcycle stand out. To give their motorcycles a unique look, motorcyclists like to customize their rides with underglow lights, wheel lighting, or other types of lights.
Equipping motorcycles with different types of lights not only improves their look but also increases visibility when riding at night. However, it is crucial to comply with the state's laws, as some states can be very restrictive on what riders can install on their rides.
In Missouri, motorcycles can have decorative lighting. However, red-colored lighting must only be limited to the motorcycle's rear. Motorcyclists must avoid installing flashing lights and have a white light that highlights their motorbike's license plate.
Are Bright Blue LED Headlights Legal in Missouri?
In recent years, news reporters have caught several motor vehicles and motorcycles with bright blue LED lights, raising questions about the legality of blue headlights in Missouri.
Under Missouri law, it is illegal to drive with a blue headlamp. Except for white light, motor vehicles and motorcycles cannot have blue, pink, orange, or any other colored headlight.
Most car manufacturers do not equip vehicles with blue LED bulbs, and those on the road with blue headlights are likely aftermarket add-ons by car or motorcycle owners.
According to local law enforcement, white headlights are easily recognized by other users and enhance the visibility of white and yellow lines on the road.
Ultra-bright headlamps can temporarily blind other drivers and road users, increasing the risk of accidents. Some automakers equip their vehicles with headlights with a slight blue tint, which is distinguishable from blue LED bulbs.
Are Neon Underglow Lights for Motorcycles Allowed in Missouri?
The state does not have restrictive laws on decorative lighting or neon underglow lights for motorcycles.
Riders can have as many neon underglow lights on their motorbikes without the risk of getting into trouble with law enforcement authorities. However, there are three conditions they must satisfy:
Red lights at the front of the motorcycle are strictly prohibited.
Motorcycles should not have flashing red neon lights.
A rear lamp or a different light must illuminate the license plate with white light.
It is best to avoid using red and blue neon underglow lights on a motorcycle, even though it is not prohibited in Missouri. This is because, in many other states, such colors are not permitted, as road users may mistake them for a police vehicle.
Are There Requirements for Running Lights During Daytime in Missouri?
Although Missouri law does not require using headlights during the daytime for motorcyclists, it can help increase visibility to other road users.
Regardless of whether or not the law requires daytime running lights for motorcycles in Missouri, it is a smart thing to do.
What Constitutes as "Street Legal" for a Motorcycle?
The bare minimum for a motorcycle to be "street legal" in Missouri consists of the following:
Running headlight
Operational taillight
Operational brake light
Turn signals
Horn
Front and rear brakes
Two mirrors
Although the above-mentioned requirements are the bare minimums that motorcyclists must comply with to ensure their ride is street legal, they are not enough to prevent motorcycle accidents on roads or highways.
Importance of Lights on a Motorcycle
Headlamps, reflectors, and taillights play a crucial role in the safety of the motorcycle rider. Without lights, it can be difficult for the motorcyclist to see in the dark, increasing the risk of accidents.
The headlights on a motorcycle allow the rider to see the road up ahead, identify any potential hazards, and take the necessary action to avoid them. It also allows incoming vehicles on the other side of the road to see the motorbike and remain cautious.
Reflectors act as a passive safety feature. They are often mounted on the back of the motorcycle, reflecting light from other vehicles and alerting them to the presence of the motorbike.
A taillight is also essential for the rider's safety as it lets the other road users know of the motorcycle's presence. They alert drivers of the motorcycle's speed, direction, and any sudden stops, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions.
How to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents in Missouri?
The first step to preventing a motorcycle accident in Missouri is to follow the state's minimum requirements to ensure that the motorbike is street-legal.
Having headlights, taillights, and brake lights can help improve the visibility of the motorcyclist to other road users, reducing the risk of motorcycle accidents.
However, simply following the state's bare minimum requirements is not enough. It is important for all motorcyclists to practice defensive driving to avoid any collisions with other road users. The following are some safety tips riders should follow:
Use Proper Safety Equipment
Wearing proper safety equipment is essential for motorcyclists to protect themselves from serious injuries or death. It's important to wear a helmet, which can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident.
Protective clothing, such as jackets, gloves, long pants, and boots, can help prevent road rash and other injuries. Choosing high-quality safety equipment and wearing it whenever riding a motorcycle can mean the difference between life and death.
Don't Drink and Ride
Drinking and riding a motorcycle is a deadly combination. Alcohol can impair a rider's judgment, reaction time, and coordination, which can lead to serious accidents.
It's crucial for motorcyclists to be sober and avoid drinking alcohol before or during their ride. If they plan to drink on a night out, finding an alternative way to get home, such as a designated driver, public transportation, or ride-sharing service, is essential.
Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is an essential skill for motorcyclists to help avoid accidents caused by other drivers or road hazards. By staying alert and focused on the road, anticipating potential hazards, and taking proactive measures, motorcyclists can reduce the risk of accidents.
Riders should always use turn signals, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and follow traffic laws to minimize the risk of accidents.
Avoid Blind Spots
Motorcycles can be difficult for other drivers to see. It's important for riders to know their position on the road and avoid lingering in blind spots.
Motorcyclists should position themselves where other drivers can see them, and they should use their headlights to increase visibility. Avoiding blind spots can help prevent accidents caused by other drivers merging lanes or making turns.
Stay Cautious of Turning Cars
Motorcycles are more vulnerable to accidents caused by turning cars, especially when making left-hand turns. Riders should always be cautious of turning cars and anticipate their movements. Staying visible, slowing down, and using the horn or lights can help alert other drivers of their presence.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the road is crucial for motorcycle riders. It gives them more time to react to potential hazards and can help prevent accidents caused by sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
Riders must maintain a following distance of at least two seconds which they should increase during adverse weather conditions.
Avoid Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, as it reduces the rider's reaction time and makes it more difficult to control their motorbike.
It's important for motorcyclists to obey posted speed limits and adjust their speed based on road and weather conditions. Excessive speed can also lead to legal consequences for the riders, such as fines or even losing their motorcycle license.
Properly Maintain Your Motorcycle
Proper maintenance of a motorcycle is essential for both the rider's safety and the longevity of their bike. The following are some of the regular maintenance tasks motorcyclists should carry out before heading out on the road:
Checking tire pressure and tread.
Inspecting brakes and lights.
Changing the oil and filter.
A well-maintained motorcycle is less likely to experience mechanical failure, which can be dangerous while riding.
What Should an Injured Victim Do Following a Motorcycle Accident in Missouri?
Motorcycles are small vehicles, which can make them less visible to drivers, especially if motorcyclists are riding in blind spots.
Despite following Missouri's laws and lighting requirements, riders can suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident due to another driver's negligence. If this happens, injured victims must immediately seek medical help and consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about their legal options.
In cases where the rider did not follow the laws and lighting requirements leading up to the accident, it is crucial that they reach out to a skilled motorcycle accident attorney.
Missouri follows the comparative negligence rule, which compensates the injured victim even if they are partially responsible for their injuries. However, under the state's law, their degree of fault will affect the compensation they receive.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
Those suffering injuries from a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, Missouri, must contact (314) 293-3777 for a free consultation to discuss their case with an experienced personal injury attorney. A skilled attorney from Powell Law Firm can help determine the liable parties and protect the injured victim's rights by aggressively pursuing compensation.
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