Motorcycle Handlebars Height Laws by State

Excessively tall motorcycle handlebars can restrict the rider’s vision and make handling and turning corners difficult. In most U.S. states, there is a restriction that handlebars should not be over 15 inches above seat height when the rider is seated.

However, this law can differ between states. This article discusses the motorcycle handlebars height laws by state.

The motorcycle handlebars height law was implemented in most states during the late 1950s. Most motorcycle riders believed the handlebars’ size requirement was to regulate 1%ers and outlaw motorcyclists to stop them from customizing their motorbikes with extremely tall handlebars and ensure safer motorcycle riding.

Motorcycle riders argued they needed to install handlebars more than 15 inches above seat height when the rider is seated to improve comfort when riding their motorcycles.

Also, the 15-inch height limit may not be suited for all riders with different heights.

According to the motorcycle training manual by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the position of the handles must be below shoulder level to ensure safer motorcycle riding.

The major concerns regarding excessively tall motorcycle handlebars are:

• Can restrict vision and increase the risk of crashing.
• Sitting in a posture where the rider’s arms and hands are above shoulder height can cause fatigue and back and shoulder pain.
• Can make handling and steering more difficult.

The most common handlebars height law applicable in most states restricts riders from installing motorcycle handlebars that are 15 inches above seat height while the rider is seated. This law is enforced in the following states:

• West Virginia
• Alabama
• Vermont
• Alaska
• Florida
• Connecticut
• Texas
• District of Columbia
• Rhode Island
• Ohio
• Missouri
• Michigan
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Indiana

Georgia had previously restricted riders from using motorcycle handlebars that are 15 inches above seat height. However, in 2016, Georgia’s motorcycle handlebars height law was amended that forbid riders from using handlebars that are 25 inches above seat height.

There are 10 states where the motorcycle handlebars height law states that the handles must be below shoulder height. These states include:

• Arizona
• Wyoming
• South Dakota
• New York
• Illinois
• New Jersey
• Maine
• Louisiana
• New Hampshire
• Nevada
• Utah
• North Dakota
• Massachusetts

In Nebraska, riders are not allowed to install handlebars that are 15 inches above their mounting position.

In Mississippi, riders are only allowed to install handlebars that are 10 inches above their mounting position.

There are two states where riders are not allowed to install handlebars that are 30 inches above seat height. These states include:

• Wisconsin
• Washington

In Oklahoma, riders are not allowed to install motorcycle handlebars that are above eye level.

In California, the rider’s hands when holding the grips cannot be over six inches above shoulder height when seated.

There are several U.S. states that have no restrictions on motorcycle handlebar height. These states include:

• Virginia
• Arkansas
• Iowa
• Minnesota
• Pennsylvania
• Montana
• South Carolina
• Kansas
• Colorado
• North Carolina
• Idaho
• New Mexico
• Kentucky
• Oregon

The basis for the motorcycle handlebars height law is to ensure safe riding. As mentioned in the motorcycle training manual, it is difficult to steer a motorcycle with handlebars above shoulder height. The handlebars should be within comfortable reach of the rider so that he/she can turn corners, make U-turns, and ride through traffic.

Excessively tall motorcycle handlebars can be difficult to reach while riding. The rider is forced to sit in an awkward position to reach the handlebars’ grips. Also, motorcycles with excessively tall handlebars are difficult to balance and control, especially while turning corners. Excessively tall handlebars can also restrict the rider’s vision.

According to Statute 8-1597, a rider can be fined $75 for violating the motorcycle handlebars height law.

The motorcycle handlebars height law is intended to ensure safe riding. Excessively tall motorcycle handlebars can make it difficult for riders to have a clear line of sight.

They can also make steering, handling, and turning corners on a motorcycle difficult.

If you are looking for handlebars that suit your preferences and riding style, you can choose from flat drag-style handlebars, mini-ape, and ape hangers handlebars. Viking Bags has several aftermarket handlebars to customize your motorcycle. You can also find other aftermarket parts, including sissy bars, crash bars, and fairings. There are also different luggage options available at Viking Bags, including sissy bar bags, touring packs, and saddlebags for improved storage capacity.