When Do Motorcycle Headlights Need To Be Illuminated?

As an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney, I have to ask, how many of you know that Georgia Law requires that your headlamps be illuminated at all times while you are riding on the roads of Georgia?

It is a moving violation if you don’t have them on, and, more particularly, it could be used against you if you’re found to not have a properly operating headlamp at the time of a motorcycle accident. There could be an argument that somehow kept the driver from seeing you and therefore put some fault on you.

What Does the Federal Code Say About Head Lamps?

At the end of the day, make sure your headlamp is working at all times similar to a running daylight lamp. Currently, these come standard, but you just want to make sure that they’re working. That’s all that the Georgia Code says. The Federal Code actually goes further and allows modulating headlamps. Many riders like these modulated headlamps because they pulsate and go from 20% illumination up to a 100% back and forth every few seconds.

The theory is that these lights give more conspicuity to other drivers to see you during the day, similar to an ordinary daytime running lamp. I’ve heard from a number of motorcyclists that they’ve actually had the general public either stop them or see them and say, “Hey, why are your lights flashing? How is that not a violation of Georgia Law? It seems to be a distraction…”

My understanding is that as long as the Federal Code allows it, then it should be fine here in Georgia.

Again, the Georgia Law is very simple in the fact that it says, “You just have to have a working headlamp on at all times.” So, it is safe to assume that the oscillating lamps should be allowed.

Theodore Spaulding

When you become our client at Spaulding Injury Law, you’ll be represented by a thoroughly experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney like Theodore A. Spaulding. For over 15 years, Mr. Spaulding has helped victims of negligence across the state of Georgia resolve personal injury cases, and he’s received a remarkable number of awards and honors from the legal community recognizing his commitment to clients and to the metro-Atlanta area.

 Mr. Spaulding has been named one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers for six successive years.
He is honored as a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum ® by the Top Trial Lawyers in America ®.
Charter Member of the Distinguished Justice Advocates.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association.