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HELL FOR LEATHER

What are the Hells Angels’ rules?

HELLS ANGELS are a well known biker club with ties all around the world.

But how much do we know about the infamous organization's rules? Read on to find out.

Hells Angels are a worldwide outlaw motorcycle club
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Hells Angels are a worldwide outlaw motorcycle clubCredit: Alamy

What are the Hells Angels' rules?

Although the notorious biker club has a history of violence and criminality, they still have rules to follow.

The organization has a strong military foundation which means Hells Angels live by a code.

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They try to exist with as few rules as possible but those they do have are crucial to the survival of the club.

Here are some of them:

  • Members have to be voted in - The club decides whether someone has the necessary loyalty and character to join, with the entire charter meeting to take a vote.
  • Patches and vests - These are part of a strict dress code in order to show commitment to the gang. They wear the insignia almost everywhere they go.
  • Brothers in arms - The Hells Angels know that other members will always be there for them when in trouble, no matter the danger.
  • Code of silence - Any sort of illegal activity is not talked about at club meetings even though the Hells Angels acknowledge some members may be involved in activities outside the law.
  • Riding in formation - The Hells Angels spend a lot of time on their bikes and often travel as a group. The established hierarchy is always respected with the chapter president riding in the front and the rest in formation behind.

When was Hells Angels founded?

Sonny Barger, who was the founding member of the worldwide outlaw motorcycle club, died on June 29, 2022, at the age of 83.

The first Hells Angels biker movement was launched in San Bernardino, California  in 1948.

Barger then went on to found the Oakland movement in 1957.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, charters emerged across the Golden State before they merged using variations of the iconic death head insignia.

They standardized under the patch nicknamed the Barger Larger.

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Criminal activities started to escalate within the Hells Angels in the 1960s and many authorities consider the group a “crime syndicate”.

The biker organization has since exploded across the US, The Americas and the world as it has a presence in dozens of countries.

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