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Riding in Georgia with a Passenger on Your Bike


With everything going on lately, riding a motorcycle has been a good way to practice social distancing. Many of you have been exploring the back roads with someone special on the back, so here are the rules regarding riding with a passenger.

GA Code 40-6-311(a) states: A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached. Another person may not ride on a motorcycle unless designed to carry more than one person. The seat must either be designed for two people, or another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.

State law prohibits a passenger riding in front of the operator or in any position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.

Motorcycles carrying passengers are also required to have footrests for the passengers as outlined in 40-6-314(a), unless equipped with a sidecar or enclosed cab.

Backrests are not required by law for passengers; however, certain backrests or “sissy bars” are prohibited as specified in 40-6-314(b): No person shall operate any motorcycle… with a backrest more commonly known as a sissy bar that is designed in such a way as to create a sharp point at its apex. See examples.

#Georgia Motorcycle Law