N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 1251
Riding on motorcycles

(a)

A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, and such operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.

(b)

A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle, unless said person is seated in a sidecar affixed to said motorcycle.

(c)

No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle or other article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars.

(d)

No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.

Source: Section 1251 — Riding on motorcycles, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/VAT/1251 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 22, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 22, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 1251. Riding on motorcycles's source at nysenate​.gov

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