Are Get Back Whips Legal? Everything You Should Know

Ever spotted a braided leather tassel fluttering from someone’s clutch lever and wondered, “Is that even legal?” This eye-catching accessory, commonly called a get-back whip, might say vintage rebel, but could also flag you for legal trouble. So, are motorcycle get-back whip legal? Or is that a biker gets back whip a ticket magnet waiting to happen?

There’s no simple answer; state laws vary, phrasing is vague, and enforcement is often selective. But here’s what experts and countless riders agree on: nearly all U.S. states ban detachable whips with metal tips, treating them as illegal weapons or slungshots. As one legal analyst put it, "quick‑disconnect hardware is the issue." 

A Brief History

Get back whips trace back to the 1970s, when biker gangs braided leather strips, often in colors representing their clubs, around clutch or brake levers. These straps could be detached quickly and, in some cases, swung as weapons. Over time, their function shifted: modern riders attach them for flair, visibility, or tribute, with fewer intending to wield them in fights.

Still, law enforcement remains uneasy. Detachable whips with metal clips or weights can land you a weapon charge, even if you’re only “riding cool.” 

Is It Legal in Your State?

Understanding legality often requires context. States break down broadly into:

 Illegal (Detachable Whips)

• California: Deemed slungshots, prosecutors are charging riders with felonies for get-back whips.
  
  

• Other states: Many follow similar logic; Reddit riders report bans on detachable whips.
  
  

 Potentially Legal (Permanently Attached, No Metal)

• If braided leather is permanently fixed to levers, without clips or weights, it may pass legal muster
  
  

 Jurisdictional gray areas

• No law specifically lists "get back whips", use laws depend on whether it can/be used as a weapon, not just how it's marketed

Get Back Whip vs. Slungshot: The Legal Fine Line

A slungshot is legally defined in many U.S. jurisdictions as “a weight attached to a strap” and is often illegal. If your get-back whip has metal hardware or quick-detach mechanisms, it could easily be reclassified.

California Biker Lawyer Norman Fernandez explained that while leather braids on bars are OK, “quick‑disconnect hardware” is the central problem.

Practical Safety Check: What Riders Reported

Reddit users and forums offer real-world advice from the road:

Get-backs are illegal in most states and incredibly stupid in all states. Illegal = weapon (length and any weights at the tip).
One rider added that some customers simply permanently tied whips to bars to avoid fines.

Should You Ride With One?

Consider this quick chart:

Tips for Low-Risk Whip Use

1. Skip metal clips or balls; they raise red flags.
   
   

2. Braid it permanently around your lever; no quick-release.
   
   

3. Keep it short, 12–24 inches max, to avoid tangling or scraping.
   
   

4. Stay decorative, no brandishing or weapon use.
   
   

5. Check your local laws, state and municipal codes vary greatly.
   

Check the Law Before You Ride with a Whip

Before adding that whip, check your local traffic codes. Reach out to community groups or legal advisors if you’re unsure. Some states and towns may already have unwritten policies or ongoing court cases.

Because in the world of biker gear, a smooth ride shouldn’t lead to a smooth jail sentence.

Ride safe, ride free, and if you choose a whip, choose wisely.

Final Take: 

So, is getting back whips legal? The answer is: it depends. Detached versions with metal or quick-release elements are widely treated as illegal weapons. Meanwhile, permanent leather braids without metal are far less likely to land you in trouble, though you’re still navigating a gray area that demands caution.

If your goal is vintage style, visibility, or personal flair, the safest bet is a permanently-braided leather whip, under 24 inches, without metal add-ons. Want to keep it legal, look sharp, and ride risk-free? That’s your best move.