Owning and riding a motorcycle comes with many responsibilities. There are federal laws the are the same throughout the country, but individual states may also have specific laws to keep their riders, as well as residents safe. Before you head out on the road, it's good to educate yourself on the laws that govern your travels.

Some states, such as Montana have a law that requires you to have a seat belt for your passenger. Additionally, if your passenger is under eighteen, he needs a helmet. Older riders can choose whether or not to wear protective headgear.

Florida does not require you to wear a helmet but expects you to have a health insurance policy up to $10,000 just in case something happens. They have no restrictions on how old you have to be in order to drive a motorcycle.

Nevada, on the other hand, has many laws that you need to follow in order to drive on state roads. You had to have your lights on at all times, take a state funded education course prior to licensing, and protective eyewear and helmets are required at all times.

Some states do not have a law that prevents you from riding on the center line, but Washington does. They say it cause accidents for both the car and motorcycle operators.

Overall, one of the most consistent laws throughout the country has to do with wearing helmets. The helmet is not a big deal, but it sure does save a lot of lives. In minor accidents, the helmet can prevent head injuries that otherwise result in major trauma.