A few days back, I was asked by a mother on social media who is known to me that; What is the Pennsylvania Minimum Age for Passengers on Motorcycles? Then she explained the reason for asking the question.
Her child’s father often carries her 4 years old baby as a passenger on a motorcycle and rides. She thinks it is unsafe and dangerous, but she couldn’t stop him from doing this. That’s why she wanted to know if there is any law regarding the minimum age for passenger motorcycles.
I didn’t know the answer to the question that time and asked a lawyer who explained the entire thing with simple words. Finally, I’m here with the answer. Hopefully, those who are interested in knowing about it will be benefitted.
Pennsylvania Minimum Age For Passengers On Motorcycle
Different states have different laws regarding the minimum age for passengers on motorcycles. For instance, if you want to ride on a road in Arkansas, you are not allowed to carry passengers who are under 8.
On the other hand, the minimum allowed age for passengers in Hawaii is 7, whereas Georgia has no age restriction for passengers on Motorcycles.
However, on par with Georgia, there is no minimum age for passengers on motorcycles in Pennsylvania. I don’t know if it is a matter of discontentment or felicity for the residents there, but it is a matter of concern for the child’s mother for sure.
But, a rider has to ensure before carrying a passenger that there is a passenger seat, and footrest available. Besides, a rider must complete an approved rider safety course.
I would like to tell you one thing, there are 50 states in America, and the maximum states have no law regarding the minimum age for passengers on motorcycles.
Only Arkansas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Texas, and Washington have age restrictions for passengers on motorcycles.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Passenger Laws
It has already been mentioned that there is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers in Pennsylvania, but to drive motorcycles with passengers who are under 21, they must wear motorcycle helmets that are DOT Approved.
In addition, to carry a passenger, your motorcycle must be designed with special equipment that ensures security, and comfort to the passengers. This equipment includes a passenger seat, footrest, and handholds.
The passenger’s seat must be fixed to the sides or the rear of the motorcycle, and must have space between the driver seat, and passenger seat; so that, the passenger can extend his legs on both sides.
Moreover, as there are no age restrictions, you have to contemplate other things as well to make sure people of all ages can ride with you safely. In that case, your motorcycle must have footrests, and passengers must be able to read and plant their feet on the footrests.
As children can’t reach the footrest, it is best to stop carrying them. However, there are a number of points that you must consider if you want to carry someone as a passenger.
- Make Sure That Passenger Can Reach the Footrests
- Passengers Must Wear DOT Approved Helmet
- Don’t Allow Passenger To Carry Any Packages
Age Limit for Passengers in the Different States
There are 50 states in America, and only 5 states have minimum age laws for motorcycle passengers. In the table below, I have listed the States’ names that have an age limit, and that’s no limit.
| States | No Age Limit | Age Limit | Minimum Age for Passengers |
| Alabama | ✓ | ||
| Alaska | ✓ | ||
| Arizona | ✓ | ||
| Arkansas | ❌ | ✓ | 8 Years of Age |
| California | ✓ | ||
| Colorado | ✓ | ||
| Connecticut | ✓ | ||
| Delaware | ✓ | ||
| District of Columbia | ✓ | ||
| Florida | ✓ | ||
| Georgia | ✓ | ||
| Hawaii | ❌ | ✓ | 7 Years of Age |
| Idaho | ✓ | ||
| Illinois | ✓ | ||
| Indiana | ✓ | ||
| Iowa | ✓ | ||
| Kansas | ✓ | ||
| Kentucky | ✓ | ||
| Louisiana | ❌ | ✓ | 5 years of Age |
| Maine | ✓ | ||
| Maryland | ✓ | ||
| Massachusetts | ✓ | ||
| Michigan | ✓ | ||
| Minnesota | ✓ | ||
| Mississippi | ✓ | ||
| Missouri | ✓ | ||
| Montana | ✓ | ||
| Nebraska | ✓ | ||
| Nevada | ✓ | ||
| New Hampshire | ✓ | ||
| New Jersey | ✓ | ||
| New Mexico | ✓ | ||
| New York | ✓ | ||
| North Carolina | ✓ | ||
| North Dakota | ✓ | ||
| Ohio | ✓ | ||
| Oklahoma | ✓ | ||
| Oregon | ✓ | ||
| Pennsylvania | ✓ | ||
| Rhode Island | ✓ | ||
| South Carolina | ✓ | ||
| South Dakota | ✓ | ||
| Tennessee | ✓ | ||
| Texas | ❌ | ✓ | 5 Years of Age |
| Utah | ✓ | ||
| Vermont | ✓ | ||
| Virginia | ✓ | ||
| Washington | ❌ | ✓ | 5 Years of Age |
| West Virginia | ✓ | ||
| Wisconsin | ✓ | ||
| Wyoming | ✓ |
Requirements To Get a Pennsylvania Motorcycle License
You may know that Pennsylvania is a motorcycle only state, which means, no license endorsement program in Pennsylvania. If riders already own a “Class C” regular driver’s license, they will be required to get a “Class M” learner’s permit and then a Class M license that allows riders to operate a motorcycle on a public road in Pennsylvania.
Here is how to earn the Class M motorcycle license in Pennsylvania, and what documents you have to show.
- It is required to be a minimum of 16 years old.
- Have to own a Class M Learner’s Permit First.
- Confer Proof of Residence & Identity.
- You must pass the on-cycle skills test at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Driving License Centers.
- Pay License Fee Finally.
How To Prepare Child Before Riding on Motorcycle?
It is not recommended to ride a bike carrying children as passengers if they are not a minimum of 10 years old. Even then, if you want to ride a bike with your children, you have to prepare your child before riding on a motorcycle. Here is how to get started.
- Take a Helmet First That Fits Appropriately.
- Make Sure That Your Child Has Weared Boots & Protective Eyewear.
- Correctly Position the Child on the Seat.
- Show The Child How To Hold You While Riding.
- Tell Your Child To Inform You If he/she Faces Any Discomfortability.
- Remind The Child To Strongly Hold You.
Final Thought
There is no age limit for passengers on motorcycles in Pennsylvania. But to carry a passenger, it is required to have an affixed seat, and footrests. Besides that, if passengers are under 21, they must wear a helmet and other safety equipment.
If you are used to carrying your child as a passenger on your motorcycle who is under 10, I will suggest not doing it anymore, because accidents can happen anytime. If you have to for any reason, then make sure you have ensured your child’s safety first before starting riding.
However, no matter whom you carry as a passenger, or if there is a law or not regarding the age limit, make sure that your passenger has at least a helmet and eye protectors. And also make sure you have placed the passenger on the seat properly, and comfortably and ensure the passenger’s legs touch the footrests.
