How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride a Motorcycle in Colorado?
Colorado is a motorcycle hot spot, and for good reason. There’s no shortage of scenic landscapes to provide a beautiful backdrop for an afternoon ride. If you’re interested in getting a motorcycle license in Colorado, you may be wondering if Colorado motorcycle laws have established age restrictions for riders.
You must be at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle in Colorado. Riders under the age of 18 must also meet the following criteria:
- Their parent or guardian must sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship to be issued an instruction permit
- Riders must have a motorcycle instruction permit for 12 months and be 16 years old before adding the motorcycle endorsement to their driver’s license
- Riders who are 15-16 years old must complete a Motorcycle Operator Skills Training (MOST) program and show proof of completion before receiving their instruction permit
In addition, riders under the age of 18 who have their motorcycle instruction permit are allowed to operate a motorcycle under the immediate, proximate supervision of an adult over the age of 21 who holds a valid Colorado driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. Riders under age 18 must ride with either their MOST instructor or their parent/guardian, unless their parent or guardian gives them permission to ride with another adult who has a valid Colorado license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Can Children Ride on Motorcycles in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, there is no minimum age for passengers on a motorcycle. While children are allowed to ride on a motorcycle, they must adhere to the following safety regulations:
- All motorcycle passengers must sit behind the driver or in a sidecar. When sitting behind the driver, the passenger must use the footrests or pegs at all times. Therefore, any children that are too small to reach the footrests or pegs will not be able to ride on a motorcycle.
- All riders and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. If your child is too small to find an approved helmet that fits their head, they will not be able to ride as a passenger.
- Children must be able to follow basic safety instructions such as leaning in during turns or holding onto the driver in order to ride as a passenger.
While there are no specific height or age restrictions for child passengers, the criteria listed above may mean that children who are very young or small aren’t able to safely ride on a motorcycle.
Pushchak Law Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Due to the lack of protection provided by motorcycles, injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are often catastrophic in nature. If you or your child has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. At Pushchak Law, we’re here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Brian Pushchak has made motorcycle accident cases a primary focus of his practice. He knows the complex laws governing these cases, and he understands the ways in which motorcycle accident injuries can impact your life. This specialization will help him advocate on your behalf and accurately assess the total extent of your damages, giving you the edge you need when seeking to maximize the value of your compensation.
In addition, you’ll benefit from our exclusive Informed Decisions™ Approach focused on helping you receive the best possible outcome to your case. With this approach, you remain in control of the entire process. Mr. Pushchak will talk to you in detail about your goals for the outcome of your case and advise you of your legal rights and options. He’ll then recommend the best strategy to achieve your desired outcome and answer any questions you may have.
Ultimately, you will have the final say on how your case is handled. This collaborative process ensures Mr. Pushchak is aligned with your best interests throughout every stage of the process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Pushchak Law serves clients in Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
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