Handlebar height is regulated by O.C.G.A. §40-6-314(b) which states:
No person shall operate any motorcycle with handlebars more than 25 inches in height above that portion of the seat occupied by the operator…
Some confusion may exist which could lead to questions of where to begin measuring the “portion of the seat occupied by the operator.” Because many seats are curved, would a proper measurement begin at the lowest point, the highest point, or the average of the two on the seat where the operator sits? Furthermore, would the handlebar height be measured by the end of the grip, the highest point on the bars (regardless of hand or grip position), or an average of the two? More specific guidelines for measurement are not outlined in the statute, nor has there been a Georgia case where a court has interpreted the measuring standards.
Depending upon how the areas of measurement are interpreted, it is even possible that some modern factory original production motorcycles may actually violate Georgia’s handlebar height law.
The Georgia Legislature passed a bill in 2015 which attempted to remove the handlebar height restriction from the law as part of the “Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act”. This act was later vetoed by Governor Nathan Deal and never became law.
In 2016, the Georgia Legislature modified the height to 25 inches and it was signed by the governor and passed into law. It was previously restricted to 15 inches.