Motorcycle Helmet Laws – By State
It is important to know which states require motorcycle helmets, so here we have compiled a list of states that require helmets & what are their legal requirements?
Motorcycle helmets are an essential piece of safety gear for riders, as they provide protection in the event of an accident. While all states in the US have some form of motorcycle helmet law, the specifics can vary greatly. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the legal requirements for motorcycle helmets in each state and which states in US require motorcycle helmets?
Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws that require all motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding. These states include:
Alabama Motorcycle Helmet Law:
Alabama requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. It would be illegal to ride a bike without headgear.
Montana:
In Montana, motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet that meets the standards of the state's Department of Justice. Also, any passengers under 18 are required to wear a helmet regardless of the driver's age or experience. If you're under 18, check with the Department to make certain that your helmet complies with Department standards.
Nebraska:
Nebraska asks all riders to wear a helmet with a chin strap secured at all times when the bike is in motion. In addition to a chin strap, Nebraska law also requires the helmet to consist of lining and padding that meets or exceeds federal regulations.
New Jersey:
In New Jersey, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a securely-fitted helmet of a size proper for the wearer's head and of a type approved by New Jersey's Director of Motor Vehicles. Helmets must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and it must be 'reflectorized' on both sides. In addition, protective eyewear is required for all motorcycle operators. The Motor Vehicle Director is authorized and empowered to adopt rules and regulations covering the types of approved helmets and their specifications and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets that meet those specifications. Because these rules are regulations are subject to change, it is advisable to check with the Motor Vehicle Director before riding on a motorcycle in New Jersey.
New York Helmet Law:
New York law requires all motorcycle drivers and riders to wear helmets that comply with federal law. In addition, New York requires all motorcycle operators to wear goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Commissioner is authorized and empowered to adopt and amend regulations covering the types of permissible goggles and face shields and their specifications. To make sure your eye protection meets the Commissioner's standards, check with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Washington:
It is illegal to ride a bike without helmet in Washington. Washington law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet conforming to the rules adopted by the Washington State Patrol. The helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap, which must be fastened securely when the motorcycle is in motion. There is an exception to this rule when the vehicle is an antique motor-driven cycle or automobile that is licensed as a motorcycle, or when the vehicle is equipped with seat belts and roll bars approved by the state patrol.
Alaska:
Alaska requires riders under 18 to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Arizona Motorcycle Helmet Law:
Arizona requires all riders under 18 to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Arkansas:
Arkansas requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
California:
California requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Colorado Motorcycle Helmet Law:
Colorado requires all riders under 18 and all new riders to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Connecticut:
Connecticut requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Delaware:
Delaware requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Florida:
Florida requires riders under 21 to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Georgia:
Georgia requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Hawaii:
Hawaii requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Idaho:
Idaho requires all riders under 18 to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Illinois:
Illinois does not have a helmet law.
Indiana:
Indiana requires all riders under 18 to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Iowa:
Iowa requires all riders under 18 to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Kansas:
Kansas requires all riders under 18 to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Kentucky:
Kentucky requires all riders under 21 to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Louisiana:
Louisiana requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets that meet DOT standards.
Maine Laws Regarding Helmets:
Maine law demands all motorcycle riders who are under 18 to wear a helmet. Protective headgear must meet the minimum specifications set forth by the American National Standards Institute or the DOT Safety Standard.
Maryland:
It is obligatory for every rider to wear helmet. Not only this but the rider has to wear the eye protection if they the bike is not equipped with the windscreen.
Massachusetts:
Another state that demands all bikers to conform to designated speed limits and headgear is a must. Alongside they must wear goggles, face shield and eyeglasses.
Michigan:
Until you are 21, the helmet is a must for the rider. The biker must pass the motorcycle safety course and has a motorcycle endorsement on his operators’ license.
Minnesota legal requirements for bike riders:
Under this state law a rider under 18 must wear a helmet. Those driving under a learner's permit are not allowed to carry passengers, nor can they drive on interstates at night.
Mississippi:
The law of this state wants all the riders regardless of age to wear helmets which must fulfill DOT safety standards.
Missouri Law:
Wearing a helmet is optional for riders and passengers who are 26 years of age and older provided they have health insurance coverage. But it is important to wear a helmet during any adventure & riding a bike is no less than an adventure. Motorcycle operators riding with a learner’s permit must wear a helmet regardless of their age.
These are all renowned states that require helmets for riders and have their laws set for helmets.
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