Since their founding in 1948 in Fontana, California, the Hells Angels have become one of the most well-known motorcycle clubs in the world. Their reputation is often linked to controversy, but members follow a strict set of rules.
The official vest of a Hells Angel comes with clear guidelines, and every member must follow them.
No Applications Allowed
There’s no official way to apply for membership. The club’s website even jokes, “If you have to ask, you probably won’t understand the answer.”
Your best chance is to befriend a member and attend a private gathering where current members evaluate potential recruits.
A Unanimous Decision
Becoming a full member requires a unanimous vote. Before that, a prospect must visit different charters and introduce himself.
Once voted in, new members take part in an initiation ceremony and receive their official vest. This moment is called being “patched.”
Membership Is for Life
Once inducted, a member stays for life unless they choose to leave or are removed for breaking rules.
The club is like a second family. Members stay close over the years, and when one passes away, others gather to honor them.
A Brotherhood, Not Just a Club
Hells Angels members are united by their love for motorcycles, but their bond goes beyond that.
This connection is why they take loyalty seriously and act against those who disrupt the group’s unity.
The Club Comes First
Being part of the club is a lifestyle, not just a hobby. Members are expected to prioritize it over everything else.
They participate in meetings and events and cannot join other clubs.
Respect for the Vest and Patches
The vest is important to members. If arrested, they hand it to a fellow member for safekeeping. If injured, they try to keep it intact.
Patches also hold special meaning, signifying rank and achievements within the club.
Club Rules and Traditions
Members follow a dress code, wear only official gear, and protect the club’s brand. They also maintain strict rules about meetings and privacy.
To outsiders, the Hells Angels may seem mysterious, but to members, the club is a way of life.