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Motorcycle Helmet Laws in the United States
Let's just start this off by saying that you should always be wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Yes, that includes riding up and down the block when you're showing off to the neighborhood.
In simple terms, wearing a helmet can save your life.
Motorcycle helmet laws are different in each state in the United States. Making it important to know which laws apply to you and where you'll be traveling on your riding adventures.
Just because you live in a state that does not require a motorcycle helmet (example: Iowa) you are not granted permission to ride without a helmet in a state where every rider is required to be wear a certified motorcycle helmet. Traveling outside of your home state means different laws could apply. Make sure to check out those laws before and be prepared. If not, you may end up with some hefty fines and getting your motorcycle impounded.
Always check before your trip as laws are subject to change overtime.
The Types of Helmets Laws in the USA
- States that require helmets for riders and passengers of all ages (Universal)
- States that require helmets for certain types of riders and passengers (such as people under 18), but make them optional for adult motorcyclists
- States where helmets are optional for all riders and passengers
As of October 18, 2022 there are only three states, Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire - which have no helmets laws.
What type of helmet safety certification is required?
In the United States a DOT approved motorcycle helmet is enough to be classified as an adequate level of safety.
However, all safety certifications are not equal. DOT being the lowest safety certification is fairly easy to pass as the safety testing is not as rigorous as other certification standards like Snell or ECE. In our opinion it's always worth spending a little bit more to get a helmet with a Snell or ECE certification than a helmet that is only DOT certified.
U.S. State-by-State Helmet Laws
All helmets laws are subject to change, so remember to always check if you travel to any of these states.
|
State |
Current Helmet Law |
|
Alabama |
Universal helmet law enacted 1967 |
|
Alaska |
Helmet required for riders under 18 or with instructional permit; all passengers must wear helmet. Universal helmet law repealed 1976. |
|
Arizona |
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1976. |
|
Arkansas |
Helmets required for riders under 21. Universal helmet law repealed 1997. |
|
California |
Universal helmet law enacted 1992. |
|
Colorado |
Helmets required for all riders and passengers under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
Connecticut |
Helmets required for all riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1976. |
|
Delaware |
Helmets required for all riders under 19. Universal helmet law repealed 1978. |
|
D.C. |
Universal helmet law enacted 1970 |
|
Florida |
Helmets required for riders under 21 or those with less than $10,000 in medical coverage for motorcycle-related injuries. Universal helmet law repealed in 2000. |
|
Georgia |
Universal helmet law enacted 1969. |
|
Guam |
Helmets required for all riders and passengers under 18 and drivers licensed for fewer than 3 years. |
|
Hawaii |
Helmets required for all riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
Idaho |
Helmets required for all riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1978. |
|
Illinois |
No restrictions. Universal helmet law repealed 1970 |
|
Indiana |
Helmets required for all riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
Iowa |
No restrictions. Universal helmet law repealed 1976. |
|
Kansas |
Helmets required for all riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1976. |
|
Kentucky |
Helmets required for riders under 21 or who have been licensed less than one year. Universal helmet law repealed 1998. |
|
Louisiana |
Universal helmet law enacted 2004. |
|
Maine |
Under-18 and riders licensed less than one year |
|
Maryland |
Universal helmet law enacted 1967. |
|
Massachusetts |
Universal helmet law enacted 1967. |
|
Michigan |
Helmets required for riders under 21 or for riders and passengers without additional insurance. Universal helmet law repealed 2012. |
|
Minnesota |
Helmets required for all riders under 18 or with instructional permit. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
Mississippi |
Universal helmet law enacted 1974. |
|
Missouri |
Motorcyclists may ride without helmets if they are 26 yrs or older and have medical insurance. |
|
Montana |
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
Nebraska |
Universal helmet law enacted 1989. |
|
Nevada |
Universal helmet law enacted 1972. |
|
New Hampshire |
No restrictions. |
|
New Jersey |
Universal helmet law enacted 1968. |
|
New Mexico |
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
New York |
Universal helmet law enacted 1967. |
|
North Carolina |
Universal helmet law enacted 1968. |
|
North Dakota |
Helmets required for all riders under 18 and all passengers if operator is under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
Northern Mariana Islands |
Universal helmet law. |
|
Ohio |
Helmets required for riders under 18 or who have been licensed for less than one year as well as for all passengers when the operator is required to wear a helmet. Universal helmet law repealed 1978. |
|
Oklahoma |
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1976. |
|
Oregon |
Universal helmet law enacted 1988. |
|
Pennsylvania |
Helmets required for all riders under 21 or who have been licensed for less than 2 years, except those who complete a PennDOT- or Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved safety course. Universal helmet law repealed 2003. |
|
Puerto Rico |
Universal helmet law. |
|
Rhode Island |
Helmets required for all riders under 21 or who have been licensed less than one year; helmets required for all passengers. Universal helmet law repealed 1976. |
|
South Carolina |
Helmets required for all riders under 21. Universal helmet law repealed 1980. |
|
South Dakota |
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
Tennessee |
Universal helmet law enacted 1967. |
|
Texas |
Helmets required for all riders under 21 as well as those who have not completed a safety course or have no medical insurance (secondarily enforced). Universal helmet law repealed 1997. |
|
Utah |
Helmets required for all riders under 21. Universal helmet law repealed 1977. |
|
Vermont |
Universal helmet law enacted 1968 |
|
Virgin Islands |
Universal helmet law. |
|
Virginia |
Universal helmet law enacted 1970. |
|
Washington |
Universal helmet law enacted 1990. |
|
West Virginia |
Universal helmet law enacted 1971. |
|
Wisconsin |
Helmets required for riders under 18 or with instructional permit. Universal helmet law repealed 1978. |
|
Wyoming |
Helmets required for riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1983. |
Final Note on Motorcycle Helmet Use
It's simple, use it! A helmet is by far the most effective piece of motorcycle safety equipment on the market. Protect yourself and those that you depend on you and care abut you!