Is It Illegal to Have a GoPro on a Motorcycle Helmet?

If you’re interested in filming your rides, maybe you’ve wondered: Is having a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet illegal? Taking your GoPro along for the ride with a motorcycle helmet camera mount is a great way to capture your trip and share your adventures. Still, it’s essential to do so legally and safely. 

Many people use helmet cameras and helmet camera mounts. Following these safety and legal guidelines with a secure, non-invasive setup will help you capture smooth footage and enjoy worry-free rides.

Is It Illegal to Have a GoPro on a Motorcycle Helmet?

No, it is not illegal to mount a GoPro on a motorcycle helmet in most cases—no federal law specifically prohibits this. However, state laws about motorcycle helmets vary, with some requiring helmets to meet DOT compliance. 

If you modify your helmet in a way that significantly alters its structure — such as drilling holes into it to mount a camera — law enforcement could potentially argue that the helmet is no longer DOT-compliant. Using adhesive-based mounts that don't compromise your helmet's integrity is less likely to result in a traffic violation.

Local traffic laws may apply if a GoPro or any attachment on your helmet obstructs your vision or impairs your vehicle control. Remember that adhesive mounts are designed to be low-profile and conform to your helmet's surface, minimizing interference with your vision or control.

Before you attach a camera like a GoPro using a GoPro racing helmet mount or a dirt bike camera mount for off-road adventures, double-check that it complies with DOT safety standards. Always check federal guidelines and state laws to ensure you're riding legally and safely.

What's the Best Place to Mount a GoPro on Your Helmet?

When mounting a GoPro on your helmet, the location could impact the quality and perspective of your footage and your level of personal risk.

• Top mount: A top-mounted camera provides a broad, bird's-eye view of your surroundings. However, it can create wind drag at high speeds and may feel unbalanced. 

• Side mount: Mounting the camera on the side offers unique, off-center angles, but it can add weight to one side of the helmet, causing discomfort over long rides.

• Chin mount: The chin mount is, hands down, the best option. It provides a natural point-of-view (POV) perspective that closely mimics what you see as a rider. It also minimizes wind resistance, keeps the camera balanced, and reduces shakiness for smooth, professional-looking footage.

Why Do You Need to Record Your Rides With a Helmet Camera?

Action cameras let you capture your rides and provide valuable evidence if something goes wrong. Just like dash cams protect drivers, a helmet camera can document what happens before an accident, which is even more important for motorcyclists. Consider using one of the best motorcycle action cameras to record all your adventures in high definition. Let's look at four reasons why you should record your rides. 

Motorcyclists Are More Susceptible to Injury

The fact that motorcyclists are more susceptible to injury is known to all riders. We're smaller on the road and less visible to the drivers around us. The US is even more dangerous as people don't necessarily think about motorcycles on the road. They're not used to looking for motorcycles around their cars, and you must get some high-quality video evidence to back up your case in the event of an unfortunate accident.

In the event, There Are No Witnesses Present

If no one saw the accident, video footage can be crucial. While gathering contact information from anyone nearby is helpful, having a helmet-mounted camera ensures you're covered even when no witnesses are present. Recording your rides protects you in case of an accident and can also capture memorable or funny moments along the way. You invest in quality motorcycle gear to stay safe — why not add a camera to protect yourself when it matters most? 

Without video evidence or witnesses, proving what happened in an accident can come down to your word against theirs. Let the footage speak for itself.

Capture & Store Your Riding Memories

Recording your rides lets you relive your best adventures and share them with friends and family. Whether it's a scenic mountain pass, an exciting group ride, or a beautiful sunset on the open road, having video footage preserves those unforgettable moments forever.

If you're into high-speed activities like drag racing, kayaking, or BMX riding, chin mounts, such as racing helmet mount, kayaking mount, or BMX chin mount, stabilize your camera, reduce wind drag, and minimize shakiness. These mounts ensure smooth, clear footage while preserving sound quality, so you can precisely capture every thrilling moment.

Improve Your Riding Performance

Reviewing your recordings can help you become a better rider. By watching your footage, you can analyze your technique, identify areas for improvement, and learn from any mistakes. It's like having a personal coach to help you refine your skills and ride more safely and confidently.

Safety Tips When Using a GoPro on Your Helmet

Using a GoPro on your helmet can boost your riding experience, but safety should always come first. Follow these tips to stay safe and compliant:

• Use noninvasive mounts: Instead of drilling into the helmet, which can compromise its structural integrity, opt for adhesive or strap mounts.

• Position it correctly: Avoid placing the camera in areas that block your field of vision or obstruct vents, which could affect your comfort and safety.

• Balance the weight: Ensure your mount and camera are appropriately secured to avoid uneven weight distribution, which can cause neck strain during long rides.

• Add a safety tether: If the mount fails, use a safety tether as a backup to prevent the camera from falling off.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you have a GoPro on your bike helmet?

Yes, you can have a GoPro on your bike helmet—no federal laws prohibit it. Most adhesive mounts are safe and do not compromise the helmet's structure, making them acceptable under common helmet safety standards. However, ensure the mount does not obstruct your vision or create a safety hazard, as local laws and practical safety considerations may apply.

Can you wear a GoPro on a motorcycle?

Yes, you can wear a GoPro on a motorcycle, as no laws expressly prohibit it. Riders often mount GoPros on helmets, handlebars, or other bike parts to record their rides. However, the placement must not obstruct your vision, impede your motorcycle control, or violate local traffic or helmet compliance laws.

Are GoPros a traffic violation?

GoPros are generally not considered a traffic violation.

Can you have a GoPro on top of your helmet?

Yes, you can have a GoPro on top of your helmet, provided you've mounted it securely and it does not compromise anyone's safety. Ensure the camera does not obstruct your vision or affect your control. Avoid modifications like drilling into your helmet to attach a mount—this weakens the helmet's integrity, and local law enforcement or insurance companies may scrutinize helmet modifications after an accident. Many people consider a chin guard the best place to mount a GoPro on full-face helmets because it's a low-profile location, produces footage closer to the rider's POV, and feels more balanced.