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Indiana's motorcycle laws

Indiana Motorcycle Laws & Helmet Requirements

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Indiana's current motorcycle laws:

IC 9-19-7

Chapter 7. Motorcycle Equipment

IC 9-19-7-1
Minors; protective headgear and face shields
Sec. 1. An individual less than eighteen (18) years of age who is operating or riding on a motorcycle on the streets or highways shall do the following:
(1) Wear protective headgear meeting the minimum standards set by the bureau.
(2) Wear protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7.

IC 9-19-7-2
Handlebars; brakes; footrests; lamps and reflectors
Sec. 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a motorcycle operated on the streets or highways by a resident of Indiana must meet the following requirements:
(1) Be equipped with handlebars that rise not more than fifteen (15) inches above the level of the driver's seat or saddle, when occupied.
(2) Be equipped with brakes in good working order on both front and rear wheels.
(3) Be equipped with footrests or pegs for both operator and passenger.
(4) Be equipped with lamps and reflectors meeting the standards of the United States Department of Transportation.
(b) A motorcycle manufactured before January 1, 1956, is not required to be equipped with lamps and other illuminating devices under subsection (a) if the motorcycle is not operated at the times when lighted head lamps and other illuminating devices are required under IC 9-21-7-2.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.1-1992, SEC.49; P.L.63-1994, SEC.1.

IC 9-19-7-2.5
Rear view mirrors; speedometers; turn signals
Sec. 2.5. A motorcycle manufactured before January 1, 1956, is not required to be equipped with the following devices:
(1) A rear view mirror.
(2) A speedometer.
(3) Mechanical or electric turn signals.
As added by P.L.63-1994, SEC.5.

Fast Fred Ruddock with a Helmet Ticket in Polk County North Carolina

About Fast Fred

My life has been a dedicated blend of open road adventure and relentless advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights. I'm "Fast Fred" Ruddock, and my journey on two wheels began as a teenager. Over the years, I’ve owned 13 Harleys and several other motorcycles, machines that were far more than just transportation. They represented a freedom that I have fought to protect. Recognizing the power of information, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, skills I immediately put to use for the movement.

My commitment to advocacy led me to a complete immersion in ABATE of South Carolina (ABATE of SC). I quickly moved through the ranks, starting by developing the ABATE of SC website in 2001 and serving as the Berkeley/Dorchester Chapter Coordinator. This progressed to serving as Lowcountry Area Coordinator, where I successfully shifted our local focus decisively toward rights and rapidly increased membership. From 2003 to 2007, I served as the State Coordinator, where I helped coordinate several key legislative victories, including the passage of the Purple Heart license tag bill and the successful repeal of unnecessary handlebar height restrictions. My primary strategic goal was always to achieve widespread political influence by organizing a chapter in every single county.

On the national front, I extended my influence by serving as the State Representative on the board of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) for several years during the 2000s. This role ensured that the concerns of South Carolina riders were directly represented in critical federal legislative discussions. Crucially, I also worked to shape public opinion: I wrote articles related to motorcycle rights for various magazines and had a small column in Easyriders magazine for several years, using media to educate riders nationwide on the issues impacting their freedom.

My activism was not only about lobbying but also direct action and constitutional challenges. I participated in the Myrtle Beach civil disobedience against local helmet laws, contributing to the legal groundwork for the eventual overturning of that restrictive law through a landmark SC Supreme Court case. I also challenged helmet laws personally, fighting three tickets in court as an act of civil disobedience in several states. I lobbied in multiple state capitols with me friends across the country. My dedication continued after my ABATE leadership, as I served as the Director of Bikers Of Less Tolerance (BOLT) of South Carolina.

Today, while I also enjoy working as a river guide and sharing my travel adventures, my legacy remains rooted in the fight for motorcycle freedom. I have spent decades on the front lines, utilizing both political strategy, legal challenges, and national media to protect the rights of every person on two wheels.

My Other Adventures

I'm a professional whitewater guide and kayak instructor. I grew up rafting, sailing, and surfing, and I spend my North American summers guiding on world-class whitewater. I have spent much of my adult life riding motorcycles and paddling kayaks.

Raft with me: Check out Fast Fred Rafts for details.

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