What are Georgia's Motorcycle Laws?

Mar 29, 2025

Did you know Georgia has over 217,000 registered motorcycles? With so many bikes on the road, knowing the state's motorcycle laws can help you avoid fines and ride with confidence. If you're new to riding in Georgia or just visiting, you might be wondering: what are the motorcycle laws in Georgia? Some rules are the same as in other states, but a few might surprise you. In this blog, we’ll go over the main laws every rider should know before heading out.

Age Requirement to Ride a Motorcycle in Georgia

In Georgia, you have to be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle license. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course before getting licensed.

For adults 18 and older, a motorcycle license or an endorsement can be added to a regular driver’s license after passing a written test and a skills test. Taking a safety course isn’t required for adults, but it can make the process easier since passing the course lets you skip the skills test at the DMV.

More on Georgia’s Motorcycle Licensing and Endorsements

Georgia offers two ways to legally ride a motorcycle: a Class M license or a motorcycle endorsement. Both options require passing a written knowledge test and a road skills test, unless you complete a Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) course. If you take the course, you’ll get a waiver for the skills test, making the process a little easier.

For those under 18, completing a state-approved motorcycle safety course is mandatory. Riders must also have a parent or guardian sign their application before getting licensed. Georgia doesn’t offer a temporary motorcycle permit for riders over 18, but those under 18 can apply for a Class MP instructional permit. This permit allows practice riding under certain restrictions, including no passengers and no riding at night.

Motorcycle Helmet and Safety Gear Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, everyone on a motorcycle has to wear a helmet, no matter their age. It has to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, which means it’s built for impact protection and has a DOT sticker showing it’s approved.

There’s also an eye protection rule, but it depends on your bike:

• If your motorcycle has a windshield, you’re good to go without extra eye protection.
• If it doesn’t, you’ll need goggles, a visor, or other protective eyewear to help block wind, debris, and bugs while riding.

Georgia doesn’t have any laws about specific riding gear beyond helmets and eye protection, but wearing the right gear can help protect you in a crash. Many riders choose gloves, jackets, long pants, and sturdy boots to stay safer on the road.

Passenger Laws and Restrictions for Motorcycles

If you’re riding with a passenger in Georgia, your motorcycle has to be designed for two people. That means it needs a passenger seat and footrests—riding with someone on the back of a single-seat bike isn’t allowed. There’s no minimum age for passengers, but they have to be able to reach the footrests while seated. Just like riders, passengers have to wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times.

Do you need motorcycle insurance in GA?

Yes, Georgia requires motorcycle insurance to ride legally. Just like with cars, you need to carry liability coverage to cover injuries or damage if you’re at fault in an accident. The state’s minimum coverage requirements are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

These limits meet the legal requirement, but many riders choose higher coverage to avoid paying out of pocket after an accident. Georgia doesn’t require comprehensive or collision insurance, but if you finance your bike, your lender might.

Compare Motorcycle Insurance Quotes on Riders Share

Finding motorcycle insurance in Georgia is easier with Riders Share’s partnership with RideSafe Insurance Agency and Comparion. Instead of searching through different providers on your own, you can fill out one form to compare quotes from some of the most trusted insurance companies in the state. Once you submit your information, an agent will follow up to learn more about what you need and help you find coverage that works for your budget and riding style. This partnership gives riders a simple way to explore affordable insurance options all in one place.

Does Georgia Have a Dead Red Law for Motorcycles?

No, Georgia does not have a dead red law for motorcycles. In 2015, the Georgia legislature passed a bill that would have allowed motorcycles to legally proceed through a red light if the signal didn’t change after a reasonable amount of time. However, then-Governor Nathan Deal vetoed the law, meaning the rule never went into effect.

Because of this, motorcycles have to wait for the light to turn green, even if the sensor doesn’t detect the bike. If you get stuck at a red light that won’t change, your best option is to move slightly to allow another vehicle to trigger the sensor or make a legal right turn if possible.

Lane Splitting and Riding Between Cars in Georgia

Lane splitting, where a motorcycle moves between lanes to pass cars, is not legal in Georgia. Even if traffic is barely moving, riders have to stay in their lane just like any other vehicle on the road. Some states allow this to help motorcycles get through traffic more easily, but Georgia isn’t one of them. Lane filtering, which lets motorcycles move to the front of traffic at a stoplight, is also not allowed. While a few states have made it legal, Georgia treats motorcycles the same as cars when it comes to lane use.

One thing that is allowed is riding side by side with another motorcycle. Georgia law lets two riders share a lane, but anything more than that is not legal.

Stay Safe When Renting a Motorcycle with Riders Share in Georgia

If you're looking to rent a motorcycle in Georgia, Riders Share makes it easy to find the right bike for your ride. With the biggest selection of motorcycle rentals in the state, you’ll have access to hundreds of models from over 25 different brands. Whether you need a cruiser for a laid-back ride or a sportbike for something more high-powered, you can find a rental that fits your style. Plus, with options all across Georgia, it’s easy to pick up a bike and get on the road. Riders Share has motorcycle rentals in Atlanta, Savannah, and more! Take a look at what’s available and find the perfect ride for you.

Browse Rentals with Protective Gear

Many owners on Riders Share offer helmets, jackets, and other protective gear along with their rentals, making it easier to get everything you need in one place. Instead of searching for gear separately, you can use the filters in the listings section to find rentals that include it. This way, you can pick up your bike knowing you have the right gear to ride safely.