The Hells Angels are synonymous with leather jackets, Harley Davidson motorcycles, and a negative image they try to shake off. It’s an exclusive group with rules enforced by the senior members. And it’s not easy to get in.
Keep reading for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the leather-clad Angels. They’re not exactly bad people, just misunderstood. Though note everyone will like tattoos and loud bikes but that’s okay. It’s not like these guys care anyway.
1. Law enforcement people cannot join
The group tends to flirt with the limitations of the law, so a person who works or worked for law enforcement cannot join the elite biker gang, even prison guards. The group’s strict creed of living life free becomes difficult when a fellow biker is an ex-cop. And it helps minimize the chances of being ratted out by one of the brothers.
2. They won’t talk to the media
The Hells Angels are so secretive that they are forbidden from speaking to the media. This prevents any information about the group or individual members from being leaked out. It’s a brotherhood of secrets.
3. Lifetime allegiance
Initiated members who are thinking of defecting to another biker gang should think twice because the repercussions can be severe. Committing to the group is a life-long commitment, and they even consider it higher than your marriage.
4. Women can only tag along
The group has a strict no-female member policy. The brotherhood can’t be tainted by female influence, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like women. Wives and girlfriends are allowed to ride along with them, provided that they understand the lifestyle of the gang.
5. Cultural diversity remains an issue
The Hells Angels have been predominantly caucasian throughout their history. Most groups have evolved with the times, gradually becoming inclusive, but there are still charters who choose to retain their “heritage”.
6. The sacred vest
That vest is a signature item and the group takes immense pride in them. It is virtually a sacred piece of their attire. Some members could even risk their wives before risking their vests. If a member is arrested, they’ll entrust their vest to a brother up until the time they get out.
7. Riding orders are strict
They are a large group, so when they go riding, charters will have a set of order for riders. The charter president and the road captain takes the lead. Rank and seniority then determines where the others fall into place. When a member is pulled over or has to stop, every member stops as well. This is done to avoid disrupting the established order.
8. Don’t break the rules
They may not always follow society’s laws but members cannot break the group’s laws either. There is no compromise, and not abiding by these rules can lead to punishment. Lesser punishments can include having tattoos removed, while more severe punishments for rule breakers can lead to expulsion.
9. Harley Davidson is the bike of choice
The group has a Harley Davidson-only tradition since their inception on March 17, 1948. Some charters have loosened up on this policy, but many others still promote uniformity. Harleys have the image of being one of the manliest bikes in existence after all.
10. There is a condition to not riding a Harley
Harleys have been the signature bike but there are policies for other non-Harley bikes to be used. The alternate bike of choice must be American-made. Forget that Suzuki or even that Ducati.
11. Prospects do the dirty work
Those who wish to join become “prospects” who work closely with other members. They are assigned various tasks, from setting up meetings to more questionable activities the group won’t tell others about. Prospects need to carry out those tasks exactly as asked, to prove that they’re worthy of the vest.
12. The need to be gentlemen
They may be hardcore bikers but they do have morals when it comes to women. Female companions come with the territory but members are required to show restraint. Violent behavior or taking advantage of women comes with serious consequences. Consent is essential.
13. A group can control an area
Certain groups will control large areas. They have jurisdiction, which means no other group gets to patrol or hang out, unless they’re passing through. Rival wars aren’t common, but gangs will do what it takes to retain their dominion of the area.
14. Retirement is not an option
Once a Hells Angel, always a Hells Angel. Retirement is not part of their dictionary, so once a member is initiated, the group becomes family.
“There is no such thing as a retired Angels member and never has been”, their website says.
When a member dies, the group will rally together to honor their deceased brethren.
15. Life is the road
Joining the Angels means having a love for motorcycles because that’s the life they’ll know from then on. The group rides around 1,200 miles every year, and they do it together. It’s a lifestyle dedicated to the concept of freedom, through the use of their primary love. Motorcycles.
16. There are no detailed requirements for joining
You won’t find a list of requirements on the site, nor will members give you any. The website states that if you need to ask how to join, then you won’t understand the answer. Joining can take years, with the need to build rapport with current members. Once you are asked to join, all the members need to do is cast their votes. A “yes” means you’re in and that’s it.
17. There really is no apostrophe
Not a lot notice it, but the Hells Angels logo is grammatically incorrect, since it’s missing the proper apostrophe. It was intentional since it shows that they don’t care about things like grammar or the rules. This helps highlight their carefree outlook.
18. Perfect attendance for all
If the group organizes a meeting or an event and it’s your wedding anniversary, choose wisely. They can give exceptions but showing up for the group’s events is a sign of loyalty and commitment. Remember, once an Angel, always an Angel.
19. Meeting rules are enforced
Attendance is mandatory, and there are certain guidelines (called Robert’s Rules of Order) that members have to follow with no exceptions. The agenda is always adhered to, they can only questions before the meeting starts, and they cannot interrupt others while someone is speaking. The fine for breaking rules usually comes out to $100.
20. Uphold that reputation
They do tend to have a negative image, but the Angels don’t like having a bad reputation. The group brand themselves as a one-percenter club to avoid negative public perception as much as they can. Each member is asked to behave themselves according to the group’s upstanding position in their respective communities.
21. Angels of charity
The Hells Angels occasionally take part in charity events and even hosts Toys for Tots drives every year. This helps bolster their reputation and give a positive image. Another charity event is where they let people with motorcycles ride with them for an entire day. And that’s regardless of the brand they ride.
22. Members are to be approachable
Aside from charity events, the Angels pride themselves on being approachable and even friendly to the public. Members are required to assist people in need. It’s not unheard of for the group to stop their ride if someone is having car trouble or if there is an emergency.
23. There is a dress code
It may differ among charters, but members are to follow the dress code instituted. Wearing black from head to toe, with the exception of classic American blue jeans is the most common. Forget the shorts and the tank tops. It’s the Angels way.
24. It’s not easy establishing a charter
Establishing one can take years or even decades. Potential groups need to have thousands of hours of experience with each other, including a brotherly familiarity with one another. It’s no different from becoming a member.
25. Merch are for members only
This rule is gradually changing but tradition dictates that only members are allowed to wear their gear. That goes for all branded merchandise, and not just the insignias and patches. Disrespectful impersonation by others is not tolerated by the Hells Angels.
26. Respect the patch always
Members who climb the ranks acquire special patches to signify their status. The patches are law, similar to military senior members who are to be shown their due respect. These patches are so important that other members won’t allow doctors to cut through their clothing even in emergencies.
27. Don’t just link to their website
Linking to the Hells Angels website without acquiring permission may receive harsh repercussions.
“You may not establish and/ or operate links to this website without the prior written consent of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club,” the site explains. “Such consent may be withdrawn at any time at the Hells Angels MC’s discretion”.
28. The Angels once sued Disney
The Hells Angels mean business when it comes to their image and brotherhood. Filing lawsuits against others who use their image without consent is nothing new to them. Take for instance when the group sued Disney for using their name and logo in the comedy movie Wild Hogs.
29. Angels in 1948
The Hells Angels were officially founded in California at the end of WW2. Many veterans established a club that would allow them to live a life of freedom. They got the name from the Flying Tigers (also called the Hells Angels squadron) who operated in China during the war. The Angels grew over the decades and soon went global.
30. Angels took over the world
Th Hells Angel soon began to grow with the first international charter established in 1961 in Auckland, New Zealand. Today, charters exist in as many as 29 countries, spread out from Europe to South America. They ride strong, they ride free, and they won’t stop.
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