(a) Rules for Operation of Motorcycles.
(1) Riding:
A. No person operating a motorcycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat or saddle attached thereto, or carry any other person upon such motorcycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle thereon, and no person shall ride upon a motorcycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle.
B. No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a saddle other than while sitting astride the saddle, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
C. No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a seat other than while sitting upon the seat.
(2) Number of Passengers: No motorcycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
(3) "Low-Rider" Handlebars Prohibited: No motorcycle shall be operated on a street or other street or other roadway when the handlebars rise higher than the shoulders of the operator when the operator is seated in the operator's seat or saddle.
(4) Safety Glasses: No person shall operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device that conforms to the rules prescribed by the Ohio Director of Public Safety. This division (a)(4) does not apply to a person operating an autocycle or cab-enclosed motorcycle when the occupant compartment top is in place enclosing the occupants.
(5) Helmets:
A. Except as provided in division (a)(5)C. of this section, no person who is under the age of eighteen (18) years, or who holds a motorcycle operator's endorsement or license bearing a "novice" designation that is currently in effect, as provided in ORC 4507.13, shall operate a motorcycle on a street or roadway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a United States Department of Transportation-approved protective helmet on the person's head, and no other person shall be a passenger on a motorcycle operated by such a person unless similarly wearing a protective helmet. The helmet shall conform to the rules prescribed and promulgated by the Ohio Director of Public Safety. The provisions of this paragraph or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action.
B. No person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles pursuant to ORC 4507.05 unless the person, at the time of such operation, is wearing on the person's head a protective helmet that has been approved by the United States Department of Transportation and that conforms to the rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety.
C. Division (a)(5)A. of this section do not apply to a person operating an autocycle or cab-enclosed motorcycle when the occupant compartment top is in place enclosing the occupants.
(6) Temporary Instruction Permits: No person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles pursuant to ORC 4507.05 in any of the following circumstances:
A. At any time when lighted lights are required by ORC 4513.03;
B. While carrying a passenger; or
C. On any limited access highway or heavily congested roadway.
(b) Penalties. Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pled guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pled guilty to two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.53)