Must Be Voted In
It’s a long process to become a member of the Hells Angels, and it often takes years. The reason is because you’re in for life when you join. Likewise, the whole group must welcome you once you receive an invitation.
Must Be Voted In
Becoming a Prospect
If you want to join the Hells Angels, you must become a “hang around” first. These bikers go to various events, which helps members determine if they’re good potentials. Though they wear the vest, “prospect” must be displayed on them.
Becoming a Prospect
Sacred Vests
Most people recognize Hells Angels by the insignia on the member vests. Full members will get the biker vest with the famous logo, and their name is also shown on the back. These are sacred, and you never want to be caught without yours.
Sacred Vests
The Dress Code
Each charter can change the rules for each member, but there’s typically a general dress code for everyone. In fact, you’re required to wear T-shirts, black jeans, and your vest at all times. Sometimes, you can’t wear shorts at all.
The Dress Code
The Riding Order
The Hells Angels usually have many members for runs, which might take up the whole street. However, you may not realize there’s an order they must maintain while riding. Usually, the charter president and road captain go first.
The Riding Order
Pulling Over
Because the riding order must always be maintained, all riders will stop if one person gets pulled over by the police. Sticking together will keep everyone in their place while also signifying unity and the brotherhood.
Pulling Over
Can’t Work for the Prison
Most people understand that Hells Angels members can’t work for prisons because they have a history with law enforcement. In fact, members can’t be police officers (or former ones) because that’s a conflict of interest.
Can’t Work for the Prison
No Sharing Information
One more reason that the Hells Angels can’t be in law enforcement is because the group has a strict discretionary policy. The members will get kicked out of the group if they tell on other members.
No Sharing Information
You’ll Always Be a Hells Angel
Once you’re a Hells Angel, you can’t back out. Members never retire; in fact, the only ways to leave the group are by dying or breaking the rules. Therefore, the charter is your second family.
You’ll Always Be a Hells Angel
Can’t Talk to Media Outlets
The group wants to maintain its secret activities, so the members can’t talk to the media. This enforces the no-snitching rule and protects everyone. That rule is required for security, and each person must follow it to the letter.
Can’t Talk to Media Outlets
The Harley-Davidson Association
If you decide to be in the Hells Angels, you have to be a specific type of biker. What does that mean? You have to drive a Harley Davidson. In fact, no other bikes are allowed on runs, so you better save up your money.
The Harley-Davidson Association
Covers Thousands of Miles
According to the official website for the Hells Angels, its members ride over 12,000 miles per year together. To be part of the group, you’ll have to be a true fanatic of motorcycles. In fact, your bike is your primary method of transportation.
Covers Thousands of Miles
Showing Up to Club Events
Once you’re a member, you have to show up to the meetings and hangouts; otherwise, the other members will think you’re not dedicated to the lifestyle. There’s a strict attendance code, and it’s disrespectful to miss an event.
Showing Up to Club Events
Family Members
The members who join the Hells Angels are with like-minded people who all love to ride bikes and do it proudly together. They are a unified family, and each member is connected because of the motorcycle club.
Family Members
No Conflict of Interest
Once you’re a Hells Angel, you can’t join another biker group. It’s a conflict of interest and is very much prohibited. In fact, the members have a deep bond, and it would be seen as disrespectful to join an opposing group.
No Conflict of Interest
Not a Sisterhood
The Hells Angels are a brotherhood, so you will only see male members. However, women are part of the group and play a huge role; they just aren’t allowed to become members. Still, the wives and daughters have their own place.
Not a Sisterhood
Starting a Charter
You can’t create a charter overnight. It could take decades to establish one, and it will only happen when a prospect group features riders who have been together for years. They must live in the same area and deal with other requirements, as well.
Starting a Charter
Breaking the Rules
If you break the rules as a Hells Angel, you’ll be in a bad position. The group is secretive, so it’s unknown what might be done if you betray their trust. Still, theories abound, and they don’t sound very nice.
Breaking the Rules
The Missing Apostrophe
Did you notice that something is wrong with the first word of the group name? It should be “Hell’s Angels,” not “Hells Angels.” No one knows why it happened, but the group probably doesn’t care much about grammar since they break the law and are seen as rebels.
The Missing Apostrophe
Purchasing Merchandise
If you’re not a Hells Angel, you may find that members will frown upon you wearing their merchandise. It does offer a few branded items that fans can wear in support, and there’s a shop for non-members who want to show appreciation.
Purchasing Merchandise
Being Clean
Most people think Hells Angels are tough and rowdy bikers, so you wouldn’t think they’d worry about illegal substances. However, the group has strict rules on using drugs; you must be clean to become and stay a member.
Being Clean
The Website
Though anyone can visit the Hells Angels website, the group is highly secretive. Therefore, you cannot link to it if you don’t get consent in writing. If you want to post something, you need permission first, and it’s right there on the site!
The Website
The Prospect’s Rules
When you become a prospect to join the Hells Angels, you must follow a specific rule. This details that you cannot retaliate against the hazing you will likely get. It’s essential because things could get violent.
The Prospect’s Rules
Official Merchandise
As previously mentioned, supporters of the Hells Angels can wear the supporter merchandise. However, members are the only ones allowed to wear official merchandise. This rule is serious and shown on the website.
Official Merchandise
Sacred Patches
Members receive patches when they rise through the ranks or grow with the group. They’re sacred symbols that reiterate the Hells Angels and what it stands for. Therefore, they must be treated with respect and care.
Sacred Patches
Consent Is Required
The members of Hells Angels must show restraint and respect in everything they do, and that includes dealings with women. Therefore, the member has to get consent from a woman before interacting with her.
Consent Is Required
Missing Members
The Hells Angels want to be seen as respectful, but they are highly secretive and protective about the members. If anyone associated with the motorcycle club goes missing, everyone will search for them until they’re brought home.
Missing Members
Non-Harleys
Members are required to ride Harley Davidson motorcycles, but there’s one instance where that rule won’t apply. Sometimes, charters will let members ride other bikes, but they have to be made in America.
Non-Harleys
Top Priority
You’re a member of the family when you join the Hells Angels. Therefore, the group and members should always come first, even if you have things going on in your life. Each member values the elements that make up the club when they sign on.
Top Priority
Cultural Inclusivity
The club focuses mostly on history and rules, but the group is starting to expand on those so that they can include a mixture of members. While most are Caucasian, some members have Hispanic heritage.
Cultural Inclusivity
Strict Rules for Meetings
Club members also have to follow the rules when they show up at meetings. These guidelines are called “Robert’s Rules of Order.” Initially, they were designed more for business meetings and were incorporated into all of them.
Strict Rules for Meetings
The Dirty Work
As previously mentioned, you must hang around the other members and be a prospect before you’re allowed to join the Hells Angels. Prospects must do all the dirty work that others don’t wish to complete, such as setting up the meetings.
The Dirty Work
One Group Per Area
The Hells Angels all have specific areas that are considered “theirs.” Once they claim it, no other motorcycle gangs can hang around that spot. However, they’re allowed to drive through claimed areas if they don’t stop.
One Group Per Area
A Charitable Organization
Dangerous and scary are two words that come to mind when describing the Hells Angels. However, this group avoids stigma by running different charities. For example, the group does Toys for Tots, which is a special toy drive, and non-members are allowed to ride, too.
A Charitable Organization
Respected Both Ways
The Hells Angels members live by a code of respect, which is pretty strict. Therefore, you shouldn’t be scared to talk to them because they’ll treat you well if you do the same. In fact, the members are often welcoming and inviting.
Respected Both Ways
Concert Security
Some people have seen Hells Angels members at concerts. Though that might make you nervous, it’s generally a good thing because venue owners often hire them for security. George Harrison was the first one to hire a Hells Angel member in 1961.
Concert Security
Deaths of the Members
Since the Hells Angels focus on motorcycle riding, there are bound to be deaths, especially since members join for life. Everyone works hard to keep each fallen person’s memory alive, so there are often posters in the club.
Deaths of the Members
Community Involvement
Many Hells Angels members participate in local events and charities because community involvement is crucial. You might see them at bars and shows in their neighborhoods, but they don’t operate separately.
Community Involvement
Protecting the Brand
The Hells Angels brand is very important to the members, so they work hard to protect the image. If anyone taints it, they’re in a bad position because they’ve disrespected the organization and will likely face severe consequences.
Protecting the Brand
Their Own Rules
Overall, Hells Angels members must follow the rules made by the captains and presidents. They shouldn’t care about society’s rules. In fact, you live by what the Hells Angels decree when you join.
Their Own Rules
