It is important to know what laws are in effect when you travel outside your normal riding area.

Today’s tip is when traveling outside your normal area, make sure you research the laws that are in effect for the places you will be visiting.

It’s not just the helmet laws, although those are good to know. You can check them out at www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/laws/helmetuse/mapmotorcyclehelmets  But you should also look at concealed carry, knife, and rider requirement laws. There are some states that have some different laws than you are used to and even if you are not from that state, you are required to follow those laws when riding in that state.

For example, in Illinois, you are required to wear eye protection unless you have a windshield. Do you have neon lights? If so, you can run neon lighting on your bike (under tank) as long as it is shining down, not strobing/flashing, and not the colors of red or blue. In Florida, you have to have proof of medical insurance in order to ride without a helmet.

There are many other laws that may affect you if you are traveling outside your normal area. So, make sure you are prepared before you travel and do your research.  Here is a link to a good site for laws by state. It is no means all the laws but a good quick reference: https://www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/state-by-state-guide-to-motorcycle-laws/