Motorcycles are subject to many of the same traffic laws that cars are, and motorcycle riders must abide by the same laws they would in a car. But certain laws may vary based on locale.

In some states, motorcycle riders and passengers may be required to wear certain protective gear such as shatterproof eye gear or helmets. Some states also require headlights be turned on during the day to aid with visibility.

Lane splitting is a controversial issue in the United States and, at the time of writing, only explicitly made legal in California. California defines lane splitting as driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided or undivided streets, roads or highways. The legality of lane splitting is defined on a local level, so riders should always verify that it is legal before engaging in the practice.