If you’re new to riding, you’re probably curious about helmet laws. While you may know your state’s laws, if you’re going to be traveling on your bike, it’s important to know that every state has its own specific laws regarding helmets. Now, it is important to understand that helmets, in general, offer significant protection to riders. While motorcycle laws differ from state to state, many states have similar laws. Some states may have no laws, whereas other states have laws based on age. Fortunately, there are ways to categorize each state by law.
All Rider Laws
In states that have all rider laws, this means that every rider has to have a helmet. In these states, you may also be required to purchase a helmet that is DOT approved. The states that require all riders wear helmets include:
- Alabama
- California
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
If you live in or plan to travel to one of these states, you must be wearing a helmet.
17 and Younger Laws
In states with 17 and younger limits, this means that if you’re a rider who is under 17 or if you have a passenger that is under the age of 17, he or she has to wear a helmet. The states that require this include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware (18 and younger)
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
If you’re older than 17, then in these states, you can opt out of a helmet.
20 and Younger Laws
When it comes to age restriction laws, 20 and younger is the oldest. Here are states that you have to be over 20 to opt out of a helmet:
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
No Law
The majority of states have some law regarding motorcycle helmets. Still, there are a few with no laws at all. These states are:
- Illinois
- Iowa
- New Hampshire
In these states, there are no regulations.
When it comes to helmet laws, there are a lot of states that do not require you to have a helmet after a certain age. However, you may notice that in states with helmet requirements, insurance costs may be lower. If you’re unsure about the motorcycle laws in your state or if you’ve been in an accident, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Source: Auto Accident Lawyer Trenton, NJ, Davis & Brusca, LLC