20+ Hells Angels Membership Requirements

Hells Angels is one of the most famous biker clubs in the world and it all started as a group of motorcyclists in Fontana, California. Founded in 1948, the Hells Angels now have hundreds of international charters. While some members have been known to break the law, they will always adhere to one code of conduct: their own. From what they wear and ride to how they enter and stay in the club, these Hells Angels rules are no joke.

You must be voted in the group

The Hells Angels make it clear on their website that if you have to ask how to get into a club, you "probably won't understand the answer." Becoming a member is a long process that can take years.

This is because once you join, you are for life. Developing relationships with other charter members takes time. The only thing that can determine if you are truly ready to join is if the rest of the group votes for you.

Before you enter, you are a "perspective"

According to investigative journalist Julian Sher, those who want to join a Hells Angel charter start by "hanging around". As the name suggests, party people are bikers who are invited to some Hells Angels events so that both parties can get a feel for each other.

Before you are officially part of the group, you are called "promising" and this name is embroidered on your vest. These provisional members run errands.

Their vests are considered sacred

The easiest way to recognize a Hells Angel is the insignia on the vest. When a potential client becomes a full member, they receive a vest with the famous logo and name on the back. Julian Sher explains that these vests are considered sacred to the participants.

If one of the bikers is arrested, he will give his vest to another member so as not to stain him in jail. If they injure themselves and need an emergency procedure, they will do everything possible to ensure that the vest is not cut or ripped off.

Do they have a dress code

The rules vary slightly from charter to charter, but as a rule, participants follow the dress code: black jeans, shirts and a vest.

Some groups don't even allow shorts! While some charters wear all black, some allow blue jeans and camouflage patterns. Color and design codes can help identify which charter you belong to and also establish that you are part of a group.

There is an order in which they ride

Hells Angels biker groups can be quite large, taking up an entire street while riding. What you may not have known is that they keep order while riding. The road captain and charter president remain ahead of the group.

From there, bikers are leveled up based on seniority and rank. Senior members will stay closer to the front, followed by newer members and ending with promising ones at the end.

They all pull together

Since the Hells Angels have a special order, if one of them is stopped by a cop, they all stop. Sticking together not only helps keep everyone in their place, but also shows that the brotherhood is connected like a family.

If you mess with one Hells Angel, you mess with all of them. People are not too inclined to start trouble with a huge mass of bikers around who have proven themselves to be tough.

You cannot share information about other members

Another reason the Hells Angels can't work in law enforcement is because the group has a strict discretionary policy. If a member turned in their brother, they could expect to be kicked out of the group.

Their secrecy is meant to protect everyone in the group, as they place loyalty to one another above all else.

Once a hell's angel, always a hell's angel

Once you become an official Hells Angel, there is nowhere to retreat. Members do not retire and the only time they leave a group is if they are kicked out for breaking the rules. Your charter essentially becomes a second family.

The Hells Angels spend tons of time together, and by the time they join, the members have already known each other for years. When one of them passes away, everyone joins together to honor the memory of their fallen brother.

No talking to the media

Because the Hells Angels are very secretive about their activities, none of them are allowed to speak to the media. Not only does this protect the group as a whole, but it also helps enforce the rule that members don't talk about each other.

Investigator Julian Sher says members are prohibited from telling others about their codes as part of their safety. By keeping as much information to themselves as possible, they reduce the risk of information leakage.

Longtime collaboration with Harley-Davidson

You don't have to be just a biker to be a Hell's Angel; You must be a very specific type of motorcyclist. As we have already mentioned, the hiring process can take years because they only accept those who look like family.

One of the ingredients of a real biker is owning a Harley Davidson. Harley riding is a tradition of the Hells Angels that follows the same pattern as the sacred vest. It has value because it is part of what makes them who they are.

They drive thousands of miles a year together

According to their website, the Hells Angels travel together about 20,000 kilometers each year. That's over 12,000 XNUMX miles! Participants have to be true motorcycle fanatics to fit in, which means that their bike is their primary means of transportation.

Although the Hells Angels look like brothers, their bond is based on their shared love of motorcycles. Horseback riding is their outward expression of freedom and the closest thing to a feeling of total liberation. Thus, they will happily spend hours on the road.

Come to club events

If you're really serious about the Hells Angels lifestyle, then the highlight of your day will be attending one of their events. Members who do not show up for meetings and get-togethers indicate to others that they are missing the point of the club.

The biker fraternity is known for its strict attendance code. Those who consistently skip events are considered disrespectful and are unlikely to make it past the "hang" stage of recruitment.

Members as family

Part of what makes the Hells Angels so attractive for gatherings is that the members become like family. They can not only do what they love by riding bikes, but also do it with other people who feel the same way.

Their passion goes much deeper than just motorcycles. "Hell's Angels" is a way of life, a system of beliefs through which all its participants are closely connected.

Don't join another biker club

The Hells Angels have a deep connection that lasts a lifetime. With that connection comes commitment, which means members shouldn't even consider joining another biker club.

Likewise, participants must be careful about who they interact with. Whatever participants choose to support should be in line with the group as a whole.

Not everyone can start a charter

As with joining a charter, its creation does not happen overnight. In fact, the members of the Hell's Angels have been skating together for years.

It takes years, even decades, to become one. Only then could you consider converting your group into a Hells Angels charter. Traveling together makes it so long that the question is not “why did you decide to start a charter”. It just makes sense.

You don't want to break the rules

Breaking the rules of the Hells Angels puts the contestants in a position they will deeply regret. Since the motorcycle club is secretive and full of loyal members, it is not known what will be done with those who betray the brotherhood.

Investigator Julian Sher alleges that the group burned the tattoos of former members who broke the rules. The worst form of punishment is expulsion from the club, which results in complete expulsion from other members.

Don't doubt the missing apostrophe

Grammarians have already noticed that there is no apostrophe in Hells Angels. Since angels belong to hell, there must be a possessive apostrophe between "hell" and "c". The whole group is set up to break the rules, so it's only fitting that they don't obey the grammar.

Plus there was already a 1930 war film called Hells Angels when the biker club appeared.

Non-members can buy goods to support the club

While the members despise people who don't wear the Hells Angels emblem outside the club, there are merchandise that fans can buy to support the band. The Hells Angels have a support shop where non-members can express their appreciation for the biker lifestyle.

Members love to get support because they move on to local charters. The more items they sell, the more events they can put on for other bikers and other members of the community.

You may not link to their site without permission.

Another Hells Angels rule, which isn't as surprising as it sounds, is that you can't link to the club's website without written consent. Because of how protective the club is of its members, this rule makes sense.

As such, any Hells Angels article is not allowed to list any information on their website.

Potential clients can't get revenge on hazing

Once you're officially a Hells Angels candidate, there's one big rule you must follow. You may not, under any circumstances, retaliate against hazing. This is important because the process can often be violent.

This practice is not done to belittle potential members, but is instead seen as a test of their character. If you retaliate, you will not be deemed worthy to continue the initiation process.

Only members can wear official merchandise

Although Hells Angels supporters may purchase merchandise, only members of the club are permitted to wear official merchandise. The club takes this rule as seriously as they take the patches on their vests.

If you are caught wearing merchandise designed to impersonate Hells Angels, you can expect retribution. Just make sure if you plan to support the club you are using the right channels!

Patches are sacred

As members grow with the Hells Angels and rise through the ranks of the club, patches are issued to them. These patches are considered sacred symbols and should be treated with the utmost care.

The rules for protecting these sacred plasters are so strict that it is even rumored that members of the Hells Angels must refuse to have doctors cut through the plasters if bodily injury needs to be taken care of!

Consent required

Despite their tough reputation, it should be clear by now that the Hells Angels require some respect and restraint from their members. This rule even extends to their interactions with women.

Any participant must obtain consent. Taking advantage of women is unacceptable and the club has a zero tolerance policy for such behaviour. Violate this policy and the participant will be in a world of pain!

They don't talk about missing members

As respectful as the organization may seem, the Hells Angels are also very secretive and protective of their members. This protection even extends to anyone associated with the club who has gone missing.

Members, as you know, are not allowed to talk about members in the media, but they also must not discuss other members with anyone not affiliated with the club. This not only protects the privacy of the participants, but also protects them from law enforcement when necessary.

Some charters allow non-Harleys under one condition

It is widely believed within the Hells Angels that the only motorcycles members can ride are Harley Davidsons. We even wrote it as one of the rules earlier. While most charters abide by this rule, some allow members to ride non-Harley motorcycles as long as their bikes are American made.

One other acceptable motorcycle, according to some charters, is Buell Motorcycles, a brand that was originally founded in Wisconsin in 1983.

The club always comes first

When you join the Hell's Angels, you become a family, which means that no matter what happens in your life, the club comes first. Being a member means having the right to vote and be an active member of the club, and you should value this above all else.

Since this is a lifetime commitment, and even the wives must understand that they are second in the club, you must fully embrace your new lifestyle. You won't have time to join a yacht club anytime soon.

Cultural inclusiveness is not widely accepted

As a club rooted in rules and history, the Hells Angels have only recently begun accepting more culturally diverse members. Throughout its existence, the club has been predominantly Caucasian, although it was not uncommon for people of Hispanic origin to join.

As for other cultures, their acceptance again varies from charter to charter. Some have relaxed their rules, while others are a thing of the past.

Every meeting has strict rules

When club members gather for meetings, they must still abide by the rules. These guidelines are known as Robert's Rules of Order. Invented in 1876, Robert's Rules were originally intended for business meetings, but they made their way into the Hells Angels.

Robert's rules tell members how to hold a democratic assembly. They must stick to the agenda, interrupt only when necessary, and may ask questions before the meeting. If a Hells Angel breaks one of these rules, he can be fined $100.

Prospects Do the Dirty Job

If you want to join the Hells Angels, you will have to interact with them first. If you get noticed, you become a prospect. Potential customers have a trial run where they work with the Hells Angels for a while before getting their vest. When a gang member doesn't have the Hells Angels logo or color on his vest, he's perspective.

Potential clients take on the dirty work that members don't want to do. For example, they may prepare the meeting room before the other participants arrive. After a "trial period", potential clients receive the Hells Angels logo on their vest, making them full members.

Only one group can control an area

Certain groups in the Hells Angels travel to certain areas. If one group "claims" that territory, it belongs to them. No other gang can hang around in this place unless they drive by, even if they are also part of the Hells Angels.

The Hells Angels had notable rivals from other motorcycle clubs such as the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. If a group of Hells Angels are loitering in an area, no other motorcycle group may attempt to take it over. In some cities, members of each group go to different hospitals to avoid bumping into each other.

Hell's Angels run charity

Although the Hells Angels have a reputation for being a dangerous gang, they occasionally do charity work. Every year they hold a toy promotion for toddler toys. They once donated 200 bikes to Poverello House, a non-profit organization that helps the homeless.

The Hells Angels often host motorcycle races for charity, even allowing other riders to join them. Regardless, the members know that most people don't know them because of their philanthropy.

They respect people who respect them

Don't be afraid to talk to the Hell's Angel. Members live by a code of respect; if you treat them well, they will treat you well. Journalists who have interviewed the Hell's Angels describe them as "lovable" and "incredibly hospitable".

Hell's Angels have also been known to help their neighbors with problems and occasionally help strangers. If you're good with riders, you won't have a problem interacting with Hell's Angel. But if you mistreat them, expect them to do the same.

They work as concert guards

You can see several Hells Angels standing at concerts. Don't worry; they are often hired as concert security. It all started in 1961 when George Harrison brought several Hells Angels from San Francisco to London for a Beatles concert. The respect of the bikers earned the respect of the Beatles.

Since then, many bands have hired the Hells Angels as local security. The bikers attend the concert and earn extra money. It's also an opportunity to show off your Hell's Angels pride.

Community involvement is critical

Hell's Angels operate not only within their own group. They emphasize community involvement and many members join local charities and events. It is not uncommon for the Hells Angels to maintain the same bars and shops in their neighborhood.

At some point, the Hells Angels discovered that their local bar was raising money for a SELF school. The non-profit organization donated educational resources to children with disabilities and cancer patients. The group immediately volunteered to help and raised money for supplies. This is one of the many ways the Hells Angels support their local communities.

Brand protection is critical

You already know how important it is to protect the Hells Angels brand, but we haven't yet discussed how far the club is willing to go in this regard. While you might think that the rules in this regard would lean toward violence, sometimes a club operates within the rules of the law.

The Hells Angels sued several major companies to protect their brand, including Disney after the film's release. Real boars was released.

They follow their own rules

Perhaps the most important rule that the Hells Angels follow is that they follow their own rules. The rules created by society do not concern them. Once you join a club, you will have your own set of rules to live by.

One publication about the club says: “Of course, they didn’t have a job. They despised everything that most Americans aspire to - stability, security. They rode bikes, hung out in bars all day, fought with everyone who contacted them. They were autonomous, with their own set of rules, their own code of conduct. It was extraordinary."

The beginning of a legacy

It is generally accepted that the Hells Angels were officially formed on March 17, 1948 in Fontana, California. The founding members included the Bishop family, as well as several other World War II veterans who came together from various post-war motorcycle clubs.

Despite various news stories and crime reports, the Hells Angels say they started because they were started because military surpluses made motorcycles affordable, and post-war life left many young people feeling stagnant and losing their soldierly camaraderie.

The name of the club was inspired by the nickname of the squadron

The Hells Angels name was thought to have been suggested by an associate of the founding members named Arvid Olson. Olson served with the Hells Angels Flying Tiger Squadron in China during World War II.

The nickname "Hell's Angels" is one of the many nicknames that originated from the tradition of American soldiers giving their squadrons ferocious and intimidating nicknames during the First and Second World Wars.

Charters have grown all over California

In the early years, the club began to spread moderately quickly throughout California. According to Oakland Charter founder Ralph "Sonny" Barger, the earliest charters in California were founded in San Francisco, Oakland, Gardena, Fontana, and several other lesser-known areas.

At that time, the statutes were concerned only with themselves and did not know about all the other existing statutes. Eventually, in the 1950s, various groups came together and banded together to form a large-scale organization and implement a system of internal codes and admission criteria.

The Hells Angels were the cornerstone of the counterculture

In the 1960s, the Hells Angels became a significant part of the counterculture movement, especially in California. They were very visible in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and frequented local music and social events.

Many members have also been associated with major counterculture leaders in music and expression such as Ken Kesey, Merry Pranksters, Allen Ginsberg, Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones and more.

They don't need a bad reputation

The Hells Angels, like several other motorcycle clubs, call themselves a one percent biker club. This phrase is a 50 year old name based on the old adage that 1% of troublemakers ruin 99% of bikers.

The name should help them separate from all the negative stereotypes associated with biker gangs and the Hells Angels in particular. Despite the name, many members have been convicted of crimes ranging from murder to drug dealing.

Growing international

Initially based exclusively in California, the Hells Angels expanded throughout the world in 1961. That same year, the first charter outside of California began in Auckland, New Zealand. This opened the floodgates and the motorcycle club began to spread around the world.

In 1969, the first European charter was opened in London. There are currently over 275 charters in Europe alone. From the 1970s to the present, charters have been established in Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Eastern Europe and other countries. New areas are currently being explored.

Hell's Angels Outfit

The Hells Angels have a pretty obvious way of letting people know who they are. They are almost always seen wearing a leather or denim "cut", which is slang for a motorcycle vest. On the cut, they have various patches such as "Hell's Angels" written on the back with the name of their charter underneath.

If they are full members, they will also have the red and white-winged death's head logo, the letters HAMC (Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club) and the number 81. 81 stands for the letters H and A, with H standing for the eighth. letter of the alphabet and the first letter A. During the stay in the club, the member can also earn other patches.