You can say that the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has a pretty tough reputation. We can see why some people think they look the part with their big bikes, tattoos, and leather vests. Cops also claim that the members have links to illegal activity and crime, which does nothing to improve their rep. Many people also think that they are outlaws who want to stake a claim on the road. There are plenty of misconceptions about these guys, however. If you have ever thought about joining the exclusive motorcycle club, you should be a very disciplined person. After all, they follow strict rules that not just everyone can obey. Do you think you can do all of these things?
Do Not Even Think About Joining Hells Angels If You Can’t Follow These Rules.
Do Not Ask Them How To Join
If you are interested in joining the club, you should not ask them how to get a membership. This is laid out in the FAQ section of the official website. Hells Angels say, “If you have to ask, you probably will not understand the answer.” It might sound confusing, but we are here to shed some light on the matter.
Do Not Ask Them How To Join
It Starts With Hanging Around
The first part of the process is called a hang around. This name should already give you an idea of what happens during this phase. Prospects are invited to pass the time with the members. This is a way to check out how well the prospective member will get along with the rest of the charter.
It Starts With Hanging Around
You Have To Show Up At The Events
Have you accepted an invitation to hang around? You should make sure to follow up on that if you do. They will not be pleased if you flake on them. It is important to make good on your promises and show up when you tell them you would. Anyone flaky is not going to be taken seriously.
You Have To Show Up At The Events
Even Members Do Not Get A Pass
As a matter of fact, members should be punctual and active as well. Hells Angels are, before anything else, a brotherhood. This is why they consider it a sign of disrespect if you skip out on their meetings and gatherings. Attendance is a must. The rule applies to both old and new members of the club.
Even Members Do Not Get A Pass
Do Not Wear Hells Angels Merch Just Yet
It can be tempting to put on their vest or shirts with the logo of the club. After all, they really do look cool. However, wearing them prematurely is not going to get you any points with the members. It might even bring down your application. The club follows a no-impersonation policy so that they will take this personally. They do not have any problems handing out punishments either.
Do Not Wear Hells Angels Merch Just Yet
Only Members Can Wear Official Gear
Only the members are supposed to wear the official gear of the club. You should at least wait before you sew on the patch or try on the vest of a different member. As a prospect, it is important to impress them instead of offending them in this way. A little patience is going to come a long way.
Only Members Can Wear Official Gear
Do Not Talk About Missing Brothers With Anyone
You do not even have to be a member to figure out just how strong the bonds are between the members of Hell’s Angels. It is not easy to explain just how much they value their brotherhood. This is reflected in the way that they refuse to discuss anything about the missing members with anyone.
Do Not Talk About Missing Brothers With Anyone
To Maintain Privacy And Keep Everyone Safe
There is a good reason they do not talk about such members with people outside of the gang. This is done to ensure that their brothers would retain their privacy. On top of that, it is a good way to ensure the safety of one another. People who tend to blab will probably not get inducted. It is of the utmost importance to keep your lips sealed for the sake of your brothers.
To Maintain Privacy And Keep Everyone Safe
The Charters Mark Their Own Territory
Respect is another thing that they value in the motorcycle club. This also goes both for people inside and outside their charter. One must have a lot of respect for one fellow motorcyclist. You can also see this in the territory claimed by a specific charter. Other groups need to respect boundaries like that.
The Charters Mark Their Own Territory
All The Others Have To Respect It
It is a way to delineate where charters are allowed to hang out. There is a little leeway here since club members can pass by the territory of a different charter. However, they should be careful not to overstay their welcome. Members from the charter had already claimed the territory, after all.
All The Others Have To Respect It
The Fight With Other Gangs Over Territory
While members of the gang respect one another, there are other motorcycle gangs out there. It is inevitable for there to be disputes over territory. Gang members are not very eager to share their spaces with riders who have a different affiliation from theirs. This naturally leads to conflict with other clubs.
The Fight With Other Gangs Over Territory
Only One Club Can Control An Area
There is an unspoken rule that exists between different motorcycle clubs. Hells Angels might have to coexist with the Bandidos, the Outlaws, and more. Only a single club is allowed to control an area. When someone else disrespects this, conflict occurs. This can be something as trivial as a biker from a different club going to “your” location. It is possible that such an act can lead to tension among the groups.
Only One Club Can Control An Area
You Need To Give Back And Pay It, Forward
It is not a secret that members of Hell’s Angels are tough guys. However, they care more about simply riding their bikes and staking their claims on their turf. They also want their members to be good people. This extends further than their brothers. After all, members have to perform charity work as well.
You Need To Give Back And Pay It, Forward
They Like To Help The Community
Members of Hell Angels like to give back to their communities. If there is a charter in your area, you must have seen them going to restaurants and bars in the area. Aside from supporting local businesses, they like to launch charities and help out kids and adults in need as well! Isn’t that nice of them?
They Like To Help The Community
The Members Obey The Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is another big thing in Hell’s Angels. It only says that you should do unto others what you would have them do unto you. This is a simple rule that already encapsulates the motto that the club lives by. Members follow this principle when it comes to the way they lead their lives.
The Members Obey The Golden Rule
They Make Up A Warm And Welcoming Crew
The club’s code says that you should treat other people with respect as long as they treat you the same way. Journalists have wanted to learn more about Hells Angels and described the members as welcoming and warm people. Their neighbors have said that this was also true for them. It is nice to hear that this is the case. However, you should be careful not to mess with any of the riders…
They Make Up A Warm And Welcoming Crew
Protecting The Brand No Matter What
We already talked about how only inducted members get the privilege of donning the logo of Hell’s angels. The bike club takes this branding seriously. This is not only true for people who want to join the club. After all, it informs the way they react to the media portrayals of them as well.
Protecting The Brand No Matter What
Their Public Image Is Very Important
In reality, the members of Hells Angels want to do everything to keep their public image safe. They are even willing to fight with big companies that present them in a skewed light. The club has even filed a lawsuit against Disney for Wild Hogs, a flick that focuses on bikers.
Their Public Image Is Very Important
Get Ready To Ride Your Bike A Lot
It is not easy to be a member of Hell’s Angels. After all, members receive a ton of responsibilities that they need to uphold. There is one rule that they probably do not mind as much. Members are expected to ride with their brothers no matter how far the trip might take them. Beware if you are a lazy rider!
Get Ready To Ride Your Bike A Lot
How Much They Ride In A Year
On the official website of Hells Angels, it is said that charters cruise over 12,000 miles together each year. If you compute that number, it will add up to about 33 miles per day. The gang does not ride all the way from Monday to Sunday. However, members are expected to give everything up to go on a lengthy ride now and then. Besides, you should not think of signing up if you do not like to ride!
How Much They Ride In A Year
Nearly All Members Ride A Harley
It is important to get yourself the right motorcycle before you think of joining Hell’s Angels. In case you did not know, members are supposed to provide their own vehicles. There is a particular brand that members seem to favor. Can you guess which one it is? We are talking about Harley-Davidson bikes.
Nearly All Members Ride A Harley
You Must Invest In The Right Bike
Any random bike will not cut it if you are really interested in becoming a member of the Hells Angels. While there are other good models from different brands, this also plays a factor in their brotherhood. If you ask us, it makes plenty of sense that they want to ride the same types of bike.
You Must Invest In The Right Bike
It Is Not Easy, But You Can Start Your Own Charter
It is not going to be simple to begin your won charter of Hells Angels. You will find more information about this on their official website. They say, “Motorcycle clubs consist of people who have ridden together for years, live in the same area, are known by the community, have runs and parties, and are a brotherhood.” It is hard to come up with the same bond in a short period of time.
It Is Not Easy, But You Can Start Your Own Charter
Riding Together For Years On End
In general, a motorcycle community only has a shot at becoming an official part of Hells Angels after riding together for years on end. They have to do this of their own accord. The website does not give out directions on how to make it official. Once you are established enough, you are simply a part of the club.
Riding Together For Years On End
Do Not Question The Missing Apostrophe
Are you passionate about grammar? If this is the case, you might have been bothered by the missing apostrophe in the name. Hell’s Angels imply that the members belong to hell. There should be an apostrophe there to make this even clearer. However, you will not get any brownie points if you point this out to the members. They only acknowledge a single spelling of the name, after all.
Do Not Question The Missing Apostrophe
They Have Their Own Rules To Follow
The truth is that Hell’s Angels follow their own set of rules. This is also true for grammatical ones! Many people must have inquired about this, that they made it clear on the website that they do not care. They say, “Yes, we know there is an apostrophe missing, but it is you who miss it. We don’t.” The members are already aware of it, so it is best not to bring it up with anyone.
They Have Their Own Rules To Follow
The Dress Code Of Hells Angels
One of the best perks of becoming an inducted member of the club would be the vest with the logo and name of the club on the back. This is a good way to show everyone that you are an official part of Hell’s Angels. It allows people to identify you as members, but this is not the only dress code they have.
The Dress Code Of Hells Angels
Certain Charters Have Their Own Dress Code
Various charters of Hells Angels have a dress code of their own. Certain arms of the club forbid members from wearing shorts. On the other hand, others prohibit their members from wearing anything but black. Some do not allow members to wear camouflage and denim. These different rules can come in handy because it allows neighboring charters to recognize each other when they are on the road.
Certain Charters Have Their Own Dress Code
They Do Not Just Ride In Random Order
Have you ever witnessed a charter of Hells Angels making their way down the highway? If so, you must know that they like to go on rides together. More often than not, they would even take over the entire span of the road. There are so many bikes out there, so it might like pretty chaotic from where you are.
They Do Not Just Ride In Random Order
Their Position Means Something
The truth is that they follow a system when it comes to this. The captain and the president of the charter tend to lead the entire pack. As they lead the way, everyone else follows. Their order depends on their seniority level and personal ranking. New members and prospects are always at the end.
Their Position Means Something
Not Allowed To Join A Different Club
You should have already figured out that one must put a lot of consideration before they make a bid to join Hell’s Angels. This is an organization that prides itself on the bonds between its members and the brotherhood that comes as a result of this. It is why they are not allowed to join other bike clubs.
Not Allowed To Join A Different Club
They Need To Avoid Other Clubs And Groups
In fact, Hells Angels make it clear that one must not join other exclusive clubs and groups. The website talks about the topic in this manner: “Never combine your support to Hells Angels with other clubs, street gangs or others if you are unaware of the relationship between those others and the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.” All in all, it is a good idea to stick with what you already know simply.
They Need To Avoid Other Clubs And Groups
Members Do Not Talk To The Press
Perhaps you have always seen Hell’s Angels as a mysterious organization. To be fair, members do try to keep it this way. For one thing, the brothers do not habitually share their schedules and plans with outsiders. The only way to know that they have a planned ride is to catch them out on the roads.
Members Do Not Talk To The Press
It Is A Simple Policy Of Theirs
You can basically pin down their secrecy and mystery to their internal policy, which is not to speak to the press. This is a good way to keep themselves safe. You generally do not know what goes on inside the club unless you are a part of the charter in question. If you are a member, you better stay mum.
It Is A Simple Policy Of Theirs
The Vest Is Important To Them
It is important to know just how much Hells Angels members value the vest that they get upon their induction to the motorcycle club. This garment has a special status among all the bikers who have become official members of the gang. It is why they make sure to treat it with the greatest care possible.
The Vest Is Important To Them
How Much It Means To The Members
There is a good chance that you have a particular item of clothing that you especially love. We are sure that your devotion to it does not hold a candle to how much they revere the vest. In fact, certain members have even refused medics who wanted to cut out their vests in emergencies. Whoa.
How Much It Means To The Members
If You Are Determined To Join The Club
You need to be a hundred percent about your intent to join the club before you even get started on the process. It can take several years for a prospect to become a proper member of the gang. On top of that, it is not the easiest thing to accomplish either. You have to be willing to do it all to join Hell’s Angels.
If You Are Determined To Join The Club
It Concludes With A Democratic Vote
Once you have gone through all the tests and rituals, the initiation ends with a vote among the charter members. It is a clear sign that Hell’s Angels values brotherhood above everything else. You are in if the group has taken a liking to you. If most of them do not like you, it is time to abandon this quest.
It Concludes With A Democratic Vote
You Will First Be A Prospect
It is not rare for fraternities to haze people who want to join their ranks. This is also the case for Hell’s Angels. For one thing, prospects have to do the chores that the rest do not like to do. It might include setting up a charter meeting before they arrive. No one wants to get up early to do that!
You Will First Be A Prospect
Hazing Is Not Uncommon In The Beginning
This is a rather benign example of the hazing that they make their prospects go through, to be honest with you. Some people say that things can take a violent turn. If this happens, prospects are not allowed to fight back against and lash out at senior members. They can consider their membership over if they ever pull off a stunt like that.
Hazing Is Not Uncommon In The Beginning
Do Not Link To Their Website Unless They Let You
It should be clear that the Hells Angels would make for a formidable enemy. You should not try to mess with them no matter what! You might not plan to get on their bad side, but you might offend them without meaning to. Outsides, for one thing, are not allowed to link to their website in general.
Do Not Link To Their Website Unless They Let You
You Need Their Written Consent First
“You may not establish and/or operate links to this website without the prior written consent of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club,” they say on the official website. Keep in mind that you are not forever in the clear, even if they permit you. They can always withdraw it anytime and anywhere!
You Need Their Written Consent First
Not Much Time For Anything Else
When you become a part of a charter, the brothers will expect you to make the organization your top priority. There are a bunch of benefits that come with being a member. Among other things, you can finally vote at meetings. This is something that one must honor by prioritizing Hell’s Angels.
Not Much Time For Anything Else
It Is A Big Commitment
You can probably see why so many members of Hells Angels make this their sole hobby. After all, it would be hard to juggle their club responsibilities and go to bowling leagues and cooking classes. As a matter of fact, their partners need to accept that their priority lies in the club before anything else.
It Is A Big Commitment
You Can’t Join If You Are A Law Enforcer
Did you think that a police officer would be a good fit in the club? You are extremely wrong if that is the case. They follow a strict policy about this. Hells Angels do not allow cops to join their ranks! This also applies to correctional officers. Anyone who has experience in the field of law enforcement is not considered.
You Can’t Join If You Are A Law Enforcer
The Police Force And Hells Angels
You see, Hell’s Angels and the police do not have the smoothest relationship out there. There are claims that certain charters are involved in crime and illegal activity. At any rate, club members value their own freedom and obey their own rules. As you can imagine, a cop in any charter will make this impossible.
The Police Force And Hells Angels
It Is Taboo To Interrupt A Meeting
What comes to mind when you think of a Hells Angels meeting? You might assume that it will be wild and rowdy since they like to rev their engines on the road. This can’t be further from the truth! They need to follow specific rules about how to behave at gatherings. They follow Robert’s Rules of Order, an 1876 text written to ensure that business assemblies will always be civilized and orderly.
It Is Taboo To Interrupt A Meeting
They Follow Robert’s Rules Of Order
Robert’s Rules of Order is a guide that instructs a firm or club on how to hold a meeting. This involves respecting a written agenda and forbidding anyone from interrupting unless it is of the utmost importance. Members have to ask their questions before the beginning of the proceedings as well. It is said that anyone who breaks a rule will need to pay $100! We are sure that this rule has proven to be quite effective.
They Follow Robert’s Rules Of Order
Do Not Rat Out One Of Your Brothers
We are sure that not every single member of Hells Angels lives a straight and narrow life. Some of them might be involved in illicit dealings that put them on the radar of the police. What are members meant to do when the authorities start to sniff around? The general rule is to stay quiet simply.
Do Not Rat Out One Of Your Brothers
Stay Quiet No Matter What Happens
Members have to stay quiet even if a brother is involved in criminal activity. After all, they do not want to incriminate one of their own! On top of that, blabbing to the cops might even incriminate the whole charter. As you can imagine, it is a good idea to zip your mouth simply.
Stay Quiet No Matter What Happens
They Do Not Tolerate Substance Abuse
It would be far too easy to assume that the club members are involved in drugs because of the way the media portray them. The truth is that the organization does not allow the use of or contact with illegal substances! The Toronto charter even prohibits needle use in general for this reason.
They Do Not Tolerate Substance Abuse
It Can Harm The Club
They know that substance abuse can have a huge impact on the reputation of their members and the charter. This is the reason Hells Angels came up with the rule. The organization likewise has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to sexual assault. People who break these rules are kicked out for good.
It Can Harm The Club
They All Pull Over If One Of Them Is Pulled Over
All members of Hell’s Angels are bound to the rules of the land that they are on. This is the reason cops can still pull over a rider that is not following the law. Still, the authorities should be ready for what would happen after that. The other members of the charter have certain rules to follow in such instances.
They All Pull Over If One Of Them Is Pulled Over
Show Of Solidarity And An Intimidation Measure
But what goes on when a cop pulls over a member? The brothers will instantly follow suit and stay on the side by showing solidarity with their brother. This is done to show support, but there is more to it than that. It can also work as a way to scare off the police officer in question.
Show Of Solidarity And An Intimidation Measure
You Cannot Just Retire From It
You have to put in a lot of work before you become a member of the club. However, you are working towards a lifetime membership, so it makes sense that it is so extensive. Once you are in, you are a member for life! You can’t just retire from Hells Angels. The only way to get out of it is to be kicked out.
You Cannot Just Retire From It
Certain Perks Come With It
Certain membership benefits come with being a part of Hells Angels. For one thing, the members will treat you like family. This is a thing that each one of them takes seriously. They consider each other brothers all the way to the end, which is why they give fallen bikers proper send-offs.
Certain Perks Come With It
Serious Consequences If You Break The Rules
It is not hard to see that Hell’s Angels did not come up with rules for no good reason. We can see just how serious they take the whole thing. Respect is fundamental in the club, so you should follow the rules they have in place. You are in for a lot of trouble if you do not obey.
Serious Consequences If You Break The Rules
Horror Stories By Those Who Don’t Obey
Various people have done their research on the club. There have been reports of disobedient members whose tattoos were burned off for their failure to follow the code. This sounds very painful, but the worst consequence is to be kicked out of the club. This is considered the biggest dishonor you can earn.
Horror Stories By Those Who Don’t Obey
Women Are Not Allowed To Join
You are totally mistaken if you think there is a relationship between Hell’s Angels and Charlie’s Angels. They have nothing in common apart from the second word of their names! On top of that, women do not get to join the club. This is why all charters are made up of male riders, no matter what.
Women Are Not Allowed To Join
Their Wives And Partners Get Involved
In a way, women still get to play a part in the club. After all, many of the members have girlfriends and wives in their lives. These ladies are expected to understand what membership in the club entails. A dutiful partner of a member will learn more about the club and try to obey the rules.
Their Wives And Partners Get Involved
Aside From Hells Angels
Those were some pretty intense rules, but other exclusive clubs are just as strict. For example, the Freemasons have been infamously secretive for an organization that has been formed centuries ago. The members have to follow intriguing rules as well! This covers everything from sobriety to politics to religion. Get ready to hear some of the most interesting dos and don’ts they follow.
Aside From Hells Angels
Do Not Sit East
You might recall how certain people get to sit at certain spots in the cafeteria back in high school. You might be surprised to hear that this is also customary in the Freemason lodges. A person called the “Master,” and he is the only one who gets to occupy the eastern part of the room. The rest of the organization is not allowed to go there unless they receive a direct invitation.
Do Not Sit East
One Needs To Believe In A God
It is only natural for an organization like this to be selective when it comes to new members. Members of the Freemasons are not an exception to the rule. However, there is one requirement that we find particularly fascinating. The Ranker website claims that a person must believe in a “monotheistic god” if they want to be a member. If you are an atheist, this is not the right organization for you.
One Needs To Believe In A God
Do Not Talk Without Permission
We are sure that you find it hard to hold your tongue at all times. This can be even more challenging when you are with people you already know. In the Freemason lodges, members need to stay quiet as they discuss “degrees.” The Masonic Lodge of Education website says that people only get to talk in these instances when the Master permits them. Even whispering is not allowed.
Do Not Talk Without Permission
Greeting Rituals Can Be Very Specific
There is a lot of mystery that surrounds the rules and rituals of the Freemasons. However, people have always talked about their alleged secret handshakes. The truth is that the rumor is kind of inaccurate. Ranker says that various lodges teach members certain greetings. This means that the organization does not have a specific password or handshake known to every member.
Greeting Rituals Can Be Very Specific
Do Not Turn Your Back On The Master
The name of the Master is pretty telling in and of itself. This person serves as the de-facto leader of the lodge. Members need to be careful of the way they behave around this person. This is true in meetings. In such instances, they need to face him before they address the rest of the room. You are not allowed to turn your back on the Master either.
Do Not Turn Your Back On The Master
Not Allowed To Talk About Politics
Do you like conspiracy theories? If this is the case, you might have heard that politicians devise motions inside the Freemason lodges. This is not actually true. Members can talk about politics, but they should not do it in the lodges. It is a topic considered off-limits. We are sorry if you thought otherwise.
Not Allowed To Talk About Politics
Outside Disputes Must Stay At Home
It is impossible to get along with every single person that you meet. If two Freemasons have a conflict, they are not allowed to let it show in the lodge. Ranker says that members need to leave all ill feelings at the door. This sounds like a pretty good rule to follow to us.
Outside Disputes Must Stay At Home
You Have To Vote When Needed
As a Freemason, you have to value voting. This is a good way to ensure that the lodges tick over. If you do not make use of this opportunity, you must be ready to be frowned upon. “A brother who does not vote is discourteous because he skews the ballot. He becomes the weak link in a strong chain,” says the Masonic Lodge of Education.
You Have To Vote When Needed