Riding a motorcycle can give you a sense of freedom as you travel, but there are laws specifically for motorcyclists that must be followed. You may wonder, “Does Virginia require you to wear a motorcycle helmet?”
Virginia does require several types of safety gear when riding a motorcycle. Failure to wear the appropriate equipment could result in sanctions. It could also make riding a motorcycle more dangerous if you are involved in an accident.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Even when you follow appropriate motorcycle safety precautions, you could still be involved in a motorcycle crash due to the careless or reckless actions of another motorist. Motorcyclists are often unjustly labeled as dangerous drivers, making it more difficult to seek compensation.
When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer from Brooks & Baez, you gain an advocate who understands Virginia’s motorcycle accident laws and how they could affect your accident claim. We can work tirelessly to pursue full compensation for your damages.
Motorcycle Accidents in Virginia
Motorcycle accidents have the potential to cause life-altering injuries. Being vigilant while riding cannot always prevent an accident caused by another driver. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 2,006 motorcycle crashes in 2025.
Of these crashes, 104 caused at least one fatality, 1,687 caused injuries, and 215 caused only property damage. Motorcycle crashes accounted for 1.7% of all traffic crashes in 2025.
Virginia roadways are dangerous for motorcycles for many reasons. Roads with heavy commercial vehicle traffic can create wind turbulence, and they have an increased number of blind spots, making motorcyclists harder to see.
Heavily congested roads and those with high rates of speed can contribute to motorcycle accidents when motorists drive aggressively or become distracted. Mountainous roads are also dangerous, as they often have gravel washouts, sharp turns, and unexpected elevation changes.
Some of the most dangerous roads for motorcyclists include:
- The Blue Ridge Parkway
- Interstates 64, 81, and 95
- U.S. Routes 460 and 58
- The Richmond Highway
Motorcycle Safety
With limited exceptions, Virginia requires several types of safety gear when riding a motorcycle. Under Code of Virginia Section 46.2-910(A), any person who operates a motorcycle is required to wear a safety helmet with a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles.
The same safety gear is required of passengers. The only exception is when the motorcycle is equipped with safety glass or a windshield. In these instances, the motorcycle rider is not required to wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles.
Although it is not the law, Virginia also recommends that motorcycle riders wear appropriate jackets, trousers, gloves, and footwear when riding. These items can lessen injuries during accidents.
Motorcycle accidents, even at low speeds, can cause devastating injuries. Some of the most common injuries seen in motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
Choosing not to wear appropriate safety gear can do more than just increase your chances of sustaining a serious injury. Under Virginia’s strict contributory negligence law, if you contribute to the accident, you could be barred from seeking damages.
FAQs
Is Virginia a No-Chase Motorcycle State?
Virginia is not a no-chase state for motorcycle riders. There is no official law in Virginia that prohibits law enforcement officers from chasing someone on a motorcycle if they are in violation of the law.
There are police department policies unique to each department that give officers directions on how to handle motorcycle pursuits. In most cases, unless the suspect is suspected of committing a violent felony or represents a major threat, officers are discouraged from pursuing.
How Much Does a No-Helmet Ticket Cost in Virginia?
A no-helmet ticket in Virginia is considered a Class 4 misdemeanor and carries a potential fine of no more than $250. The actual cost of the ticket is often much less if it is paid prior to your court date.
If you decide to contest the ticket in court, the judge has the authority to increase the initial fine to $250 if you lose your case. The fine is increased if you have a prior similar ticket.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Virginia?
There is usually no upfront cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Virginia, as motorcycle accident lawyers generally work on a contingency fee basis. With a contingency fee, you are only required to pay if your claim results in compensation.
The amount you pay is a set percentage of your total compensation that is paid directly to your Virginia motorcycle accident attorney. The percentage is lower for cases handled through negotiations compared with those that go to trial.
How Much Can I Get for a Motorcycle Accident in Virginia?
The amount you could get for a motorcycle accident in Virginia depends on the actual damages suffered from the incident. A fair settlement offer should take into consideration both economic and non-economic damages sustained from the accident.
Economic damages cover expenses such as current and future medical needs, lost wages, and the costs associated with your damaged property. Non-economic damages cover intangible suffering, such as emotional distress and the loss of life enjoyment.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Virginia?
Generally, if you suffer a personal injury due to a motorcycle accident in Virginia, you have two years after the cause of action accrues to file a claim in court. However, you are more likely to achieve a favorable outcome in court if you file as soon after the accident as possible.
When you wait too long to file, you risk losing evidence. You only have a small window of opportunity to document the damage caused by the accident.
Contact Brooks & Baez
Our team understands how overwhelming it can be to handle claim negotiations while also trying to recover from injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident. You should have the time needed to heal without the added stress of dealing with the insurance company.
At Brooks & Baez, we have a bilingual team ready to help both English- and Spanish-speaking clients throughout Virginia. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
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