Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road — Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1301 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
§ 21–1301LinkCopy Citation
Every person operating a motorcycle has all the rights granted to and is subject to all the duties required of the driver of any other vehicle under this title, except:
(1)
As otherwise provided in this title; and
(2)
For those provisions of this title that by their very nature cannot apply.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1302 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
§ 21–1302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The operator of a motorcycle may ride the motorcycle only on the permanent and regular seat attached to it.
(b)
The operator of a motorcycle may not carry any other person unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride on the permanent and regular seat, if designed for two persons, or on another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.
(c)
(1)
A person other than the operator of a motorcycle may not ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride on the permanent and regular seat, if designed for two persons, or on another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.
(2)
(i)
Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a passenger may not ride on a motorcycle on a seat at the rear of the operator unless the passenger is able to position the passenger’s feet firmly on the footrests while seated.
(ii)
Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not apply to a passenger on a motorcycle who is unable to position the passenger’s feet firmly on the footrests due to a permanent physical disability.
(d)
A person may ride on a motorcycle operated under a Class M driver’s license only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
(e)
A person may not operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article that prevents the person from keeping both hands on the steering mechanism.
(f)
The operator of a motorcycle may not carry any person in a position that interferes with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
(g)
A person other than the operator of a motorcycle may not ride in a position that interferes with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1303 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
§ 21–1303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
On any roadway that is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic, the following rules, in addition to any others consistent with them apply.
(2)
Subsections (c) and (d) of this section do not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.
(b)
(1)
This subsection does not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.
(2)
Every motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane, and a motor vehicle may not be driven in any manner that deprives any motorcycle of the full use of a lane.
(c)
The operator of a motorcycle may not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
(d)
A person may not operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
(e)
Motorcycles may not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1303.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
§ 21–1303.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, a person may not operate a motorcycle that has a motor with a rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less, or a capacity of less than 70 cubic centimeters piston displacement:
(1)
On a roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour; or
(2)
On any expressway or other controlled access highway.
(b)
(1)
Prior to the sale of such vehicle, any dealer or agent or employee of a dealer, any vehicle salesman, or other person who sells a motorcycle as defined in this subsection shall inform the buyer of the operating restrictions imposed by this section.
(2)
The Administration may provide a warning of the operating restrictions imposed by this subsection.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1304 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
§ 21–1304LinkCopy Citation
A person riding on any motorcycle may not attach it or himself to any other vehicle on a roadway.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1305 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
§ 21–1305LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If any motorcycle carries a passenger other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab, the motorcycle shall be equipped with footrests for the passenger.
(b)
A person may not operate any motorcycle with handlebars more than 20 inches in height above the part of the seat occupied by the operator.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1306 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
§ 21–1306LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to any person riding in an enclosed cab.
(b)
An individual may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless the individual is wearing protective headgear that meets the standards established by the Administrator.
(c)
A person may not operate a motorcycle unless:
(1)
He is wearing an eye-protective device of a type approved by the Administrator; or
(2)
The motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
(d)
The Administrator:
(1)
May approve or disapprove protective headgear and eye-protective devices required by this section;
(2)
May adopt and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval of protective headgear and eye-protective devices; and
(3)
Shall publish lists of all protective headgear and eye-protective devices that he approves, by name and type.
(e)
(1)
The failure of an individual to wear protective headgear required under subsection (b) of this section may not:
(i)
Be considered evidence of negligence;
(ii)
Be considered evidence of contributory negligence;
(iii)
Limit liability of a party or an insurer; or
(iv)
Diminish recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation of a motorcycle.
(2)
Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, a party, witness, or counsel may not make reference to protective headgear during a trial of a civil action that involves property damage, personal injury, or death if the damage, injury, or death is not related to the design, manufacture, supplying, or repair of protective headgear.
(3)
(i)
Nothing contained in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the right of a person to institute a civil action for damages against a dealer, manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or other appropriate entity or person arising out of an incident that involves protective headgear alleged to be defectively designed, manufactured, or repaired.
(ii)
In a civil action described under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph in which 2 or more parties are named as joint tort-feasors, interpleaded as defendants, or impleaded as defendants, and at least 1 of the joint tort-feasors or defendants is not involved in the design, manufacture, supplying, or repair of protective headgear, a court shall order on a motion of any party separate trials to accomplish the ends of justice.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1306.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles
§ 21–1306.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to any individual riding in an enclosed cab.
(b)
An individual may not operate or ride on a moped or motor scooter unless the individual is wearing protective headgear that meets the standards provided under 49 C.F.R. § 571.218.
(c)
An individual may not operate a moped or motor scooter unless:
(1)
The individual is wearing an eye–protective device of a type approved by the Administrator; or
(2)
The moped or motor scooter is equipped with a windscreen.
(d)
The Administrator:
(1)
May approve or disapprove protective headgear and eye–protective devices required by this section;
(2)
May adopt and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval of protective headgear and eye–protective devices; and
(3)
Shall publish lists of all protective headgear and eye–protective devices that the Administrator approves, by name and type.
(e)
(1)
The failure of an individual to wear protective headgear required under subsection (b) of this section may not:
(i)
Be considered evidence of negligence;
(ii)
Be considered evidence of contributory negligence;
(iii)
Limit liability of a party or an insurer; or
(iv)
Diminish recovery for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or operation of a moped or motor scooter.
(2)
Subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of this subsection, a party, witness, or counsel may not make reference to protective headgear during a trial of a civil action that involves property damage, personal injury, or death if the damage, injury, or death is not related to the design, manufacture, supplying, or repair of protective headgear.
(3)
(i)
Nothing contained in this subsection may be construed to prohibit the right of a person to institute a civil action for damages against a dealer, manufacturer, distributor, factory branch, or other appropriate entity or person arising out of an incident that involves protective headgear alleged to be defectively designed, manufactured, or repaired.
(ii)
In a civil action described under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph in which two or more parties are named as joint tort–feasors, interpleaded as defendants, or impleaded as defendants, and at least one of the joint tort–feasors or defendants is not involved in the design, manufacture, supplying, or repair of protective headgear, a court shall order on a motion of any party separate trials to accomplish the ends of justice.