Motorcycle Patches To Avoid: Violent Symbols And Dangerous Signs
Motorcycle patches are an integral part of biker culture, often worn to represent club membership, personal beliefs, or affiliations. However, some patches carry unintended risks that could lead to conflict, misunderstandings, and even legal issues.
In this guide, we look at designs that are associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs), violent imagery, law enforcement, and more. Read on to understand the meaning behind different patches and learn which motorcycle patches to avoid to stay out of trouble.
Key Takeaways
- Some biker patches can carry strong associations with motorcycle clubs and outlaw groups, and wearing the wrong patch could lead to conflict with MC members.
- Some designs promote violence or illegal activity, so it is dangerous to wear them in public.
- Understand the cultural significance of patches to stay safe. Independent riders should wear neutral patches to avoid misunderstandings.
- We supply high-quality custom patches in a range of styles and materials for motorcycle riders to wear on their apparel safely.
Table of contents
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Motorcycle Patches To Avoid
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Why Should You Avoid Certain Biker Patches?
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What Patches Should A Lone Rider Avoid?
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Etiquette For Wearing Motorcycle Patches
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What Are Some Specific Biker Patches That Should Be Avoided?
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How Biker Patch Placement Can Lead To Conflict
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Biker Patches That Can Get You Mistaken For Law Enforcement
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Why Should You Avoid Patches That Promote Violence?
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Are Political Patches A Bad Idea For Bikers?
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What Legal Issues Are Associated With Biker Patches?
Motorcycle Patches To Avoid
Not all motorcycle patches have equal meaning. Some are simply fun embellishments, but there are many that have deep cultural and territorial significance. Biker patches to avoid generally have associations with motorcycle clubs, law enforcement, or violent imagery. There are clubs who take their patches very seriously, so wearing those designs without being a member could lead to conflict.
The biker world has a number of unwritten rules. If you break them, even unknowingly by wearing the wrong patch, it could be perceived as a challenge. There are also many patches that have hidden meanings that an outsider may not understand.
Whether you’re an independent rider or part of a casual riding group, avoid these patches to steer clear of unnecessary drama. Our online service lets you create custom patches for jackets and other biker apparel, but make sure your personalized designs are safe.
Why Should You Avoid Certain Biker Patches?
Wearing certain biker patches is considered illegal in MC culture and it can be dangerous, even if they are not prohibited by law. Motorcycle clubs, particularly the dominant ones in a given region, treat their patches with reverence and respect. Thus, MC patches to avoid include anything that resembles a club’s insignia, three-piece patches, or colors associated with specific groups.
Here are the specific reasons to avoid these biker patches:
- Conflict risk: Wearing an MC’s colors or a similar design might be perceived as a direct challenge.
- Cultural significance: MC patches are symbolic of loyalty and brotherhood. Outsiders are not welcome to wear them for any reason.
- Historical weight: Some patches have a deep and rich history, often tied to violent disputes between clubs.
If you’re not a member of a motorcycle club, biker patches to avoid are any that suggest allegiance to one. Regardless of patch size, just stay away from symbols that could cause problems.
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What Patches Should A Lone Rider Avoid?
Lone riders, or any who are not part of a structured club, should be especially cautious about motorcycle patches to avoid. The safest choice is to only wear patches that are personal, humorous, or related to motorcycle brands rather than clubs. If you carry an insulated travel mug, for instance, you should even avoid those same designs on these.
Patches to avoid include:
- Three-piece patches: These are exclusive to MCs and should never be worn by a non-member.
- Top rockers with location names: These patches indicate territorial claims and are specifically reserved for clubs.
- MC or 1%er patches: These are associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs and signify an outlaw lifestyle.
Lone riders are advised to opt for patches that express their love for riding, freedom, or custom designs that are not related to club insignias in any way.
Etiquette For Wearing Motorcycle Patches
The motorcycle community has an unspoken code about patches, particularly where they should be placed on your apparel. There are also rules about who should and should not wear certain types of patches.
Understand patch etiquette to avoid offending clubs or putting yourself in harm’s way. Here are the basic rules for patch placement:
- Top rockers: These are reserved for MCs and outlaw clubs. They go on the back of a vest or jacket, at the top, but should never be worn by non-members.
- Bottom rockers: These often indicate the region a club controls and go at the bottom of the rear of a vest or jacket. Again, non-members should avoid them.
- MC patches: These symbolize membership and can go on the back, chest, or sleeve of a jacket. But they should never be imitated.
Following etiquette helps avoid confrontation with club members, prevent misunderstandings with law enforcement, and respect traditions of motorcycle culture. If you want to create safe and stylish options, our online store lets you create custom motorcycle patches based on your personalized designs.
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When you work with us, you can create custom vest patches made to your own specifications, so you can wear any design you want and ride in style.
Create yours todayWhat Are Some Specific Biker Patches That Should Be Avoided?
The meanings of certain patches are not immediately obvious. Certain biker patches illegal in the MC world may not be against the law to wear, but they could cause trouble if you wear them:
- The 1%er patch: Worn exclusively by outlaw bikers to show they reject mainstream motorcycle culture.
- Three-piece patches: Another MC patch, these indicate club membership and territorial claims.
- Top rockers with location names: These signify an MC’s control over a specific area.
- MC or MF patch: Stands for “Motorcycle Club” or “Mother F****er”, worn by hardcore bikers.
- LEO patches: This stands for Law Enforcement Officer, and could create tension with actual police officers.
We recommend avoiding these symbols even if you are not a biker. For example, don't get a car flag with them on, even if you are a fan of motorcycle culture.
What Symbols On Biker Patches Have Controversial Meanings?
There are some symbols that have historical or controversial meanings that could cause offence if you wear them:
- Lightning bolts: This is the SS symbol, associated with Nazi Germany, and it is highly controversial.
- Skulls and crossbones: This symbol is often linked to outlaw biker clubs and aggressive messaging.
- Iron cross: While originally a military decoration, it has since been used by extremist groups.
- Numbers (13, 81, 88, etc): Some numbers have meanings tied to clubs or gangs, so be careful.
Motorcycle gangs frequently co-offend and are tied to countless violent acts, so avoid associating yourself with them at all costs. When choosing patches, stick with symbols that celebrate riding culture without controversy.
How Biker Patch Placement Can Lead To Conflict
The placement of biker patches is often as important as the design of the patch itself. Wearing patches in the wrong configuration, even if by accident, can send the wrong message. It is therefore important to understand motorcycle vest patch placement, particularly if you are part of a motorcycle club.
Let’s take a quick look at motorcycle patch placement etiquette:
- Top rockers: These go on the back of your vest or jacket, placed at the top of the section.
- Bottom rockers: These also go on the back, and are worn at the bottom section.
- Three-piece patches: These consist of the top rocker, bottom rocker, and the central emblem patch that is placed in between them.
It is important to remember that all of these patches are reserved for motorcycle clubs. There are also patches that are intended for the chest, shoulders, and sleeves. Independent riders should be careful not to mimic MC patch layouts. Instead, choose a single-piece patch or a humorous design to avoid misunderstandings.
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Biker Patches That Can Get You Mistaken For Law Enforcement
Law enforcement patches are another thing that can be problematic in motorcycle culture. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, and they are extremely wary of law enforcement. Meanwhile, imitation of an officer of the law can be an offence if discovered by the police.
Wearing a badge-like design could lead to accusations of impersonation or misunderstanding with motorcycle clubs. With this in mind, we recommend that bikers avoid the following patch designs:
- Faux police badges
- FBI, DEA, or ATF symbols
- Thin blue line patches (unless you are a police officer)
Even if you wear them with good intentions, biker patches to avoid include any that could confuse or offend law enforcement individuals or those who consider them to be enemies.
Why Should You Avoid Patches That Promote Violence?
Patches that contain violent imagery may seem cool and edgy, and you may wear them purely for their aesthetic style. But it is a risky choice that could draw some unwanted attention in motorcycle culture.
Some outlaw clubs use violent patches to signify their reputation. If you wear a similar symbol as an outsider, it could have the following consequences:
- Attracting negative encounters with rival motorcycle clubs.
- Leading to allegations of impersonation from the MC who wears the patch.
If you have any patches that promote violence, we recommend that you explore how to remove patches from jackets and cease wearing them. Instead of aggressive patches, work with us to create designs that focus on freedom, adventure, and motorcycle culture. Promoting controversial imagery and messages can be unnecessarily risky.
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Explore optionsAre Political Patches A Bad Idea For Bikers?
Political patches and motorcycles can be popular choices, particularly for bikers who like to promote anti-establishment beliefs or show solidarity with certain causes. They are a popular choice for custom punk patches, sharing beliefs and messages in aesthetically-pleasing, rebellious ways. In most cases, this is fine, but politics and motorcycles don’t always go well together.
Many independent bikers proudly wear patches with political messages, but they can create tension in group settings. A politically charged patch may spark debates at rallies or events, and could even lead to hostility and conflict.
Neutral patches are a safer choice for maintaining camaraderie in biker culture. Popular choices for this include
- Patches that celebrate riding
- Designs that relate to mechanics
- Imagery that reflects personal interests
You can use our online service to create custom patch designs that capture these safer types of imagery and messaging.
What Legal Issues Are Associated With Biker Patches?
The vast majority of patch designs are not against the law to wear, thanks to fundamental beliefs about freedom of speech and expression. However, wearing certain patches could land you in trouble if they imply gang affiliation or impersonation of law enforcement.
Let’s look at a few key questions to ask about certain patch designs, and what the general answers are:
- Is it illegal to wear an MC patch without membership? No, but it can be dangerous. Members of the MC may react with hostility, and law enforcement may confuse you with MC members.
- Can wearing a patch lead to arrest? Only if the patch design suggests illegal activity or impersonation. Even then, the patch alone is unlikely to be grounds for arrest.
- What patches are completely safe to wear? Custom patches with no relation to MCs, gangs, or law enforcement are safe and make great gifts for motorcycle riders.
If you are designing your own custom patches, we recommend that you stay away from biker patches to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Patches To Avoid
What Motorcycle Patches To Avoid?
It is advised that you stay away from patches linked to MCs, law enforcement, or violent imagery.
Why Should You Avoid Patches That Promote Direct Violence?
They can send the wrong message and attract negative attention, so it is best to steer clear of these patch designs.
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