According to the CDC, wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can significantly reduce the chances of brain injury and fatality in the event of an accident. Backed with such findings, many of our readers may recall how the Federal Government dangled the Highway Safety Funds carrot in 1967.
By 1975, all but three states had enacted universal motorcycle helmet laws. But a few years down the line, Congress took away the Fed’s ability to assess penalties for noncompliance. States soon differed in the application of the laws, and some began to weaken the rules. Rifts in motorcycle laws across America grew wider as time passed.
Today, some states say that everyone must wear a helmet whenever and wherever they ride a motorcycle. Other states give some leeway for older motorcycle riders. Some states have no motorcycle helmet laws.
If you are planning to ride your motorcycle across different states, it is crucial to know where to keep your helmet on and where you can remove it. We are here to help you do that. Here is a snapshot of motorcycle laws across America.
Categorizing states according to motorcycle helmet laws
Although jurisdictions differ in motorcycle laws, these differences are not so distinct. One can group states in these categories:
- States that indiscriminately require all motorcyclists to wear helmets.
- States that conditionally require riders to wear helmets.
- States with no motorcycle laws.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 18 states and the District of Columbia have enacted universal helmet laws. They require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets all the time. On the other hand, 29 states have conditional motorcycle helmet laws for riders. It is only New Hampshire, Illinois, and Iowa states that have no motorcycle helmet laws.
In the states where the laws are conditional, age is the main criteria for differentiating who should wear a helmet and who should not. In some states, the motorcycle helmet laws also specify the engine types and zones that would qualify as helmet-free.
States with universal motorcycle laws
If you are planning to ride a motorcycle in the following states, keep the helmet on your head all the time:
- Alabama
- California
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
- Washington (state)
- West Virginia
States with age conditions on motorcycle helmet laws
Motorcycle riders who are below the set age limits in these states must wear helmets.
- Alaska: Under 18
- Arizona: Under 18
- Arkansas: Under 21
- Colorado: Under 18
- Connecticut: Under 21
- Delaware: Under 19
- Florida: Under 21
- Hawaii: Under 18
- Idaho: Under 18
- Indiana: Under 18
- Kansas: Under 18
- Kentucky: Under 21
- Maine: Under 18
- Michigan: Under 21
- Minnesota: Under 18
- Missouri: Under 26
- Montana: Under 18
- New Mexico: Under 18
- North Dakota: Under 18
- Ohio: Under 18
- Oklahoma: Under 18
- Pennsylvania: Under 21
- Rhode Island: Under 21
- South Carolina: Under 21
- South Dakota: Under 18
- Texas: Under 21
- Utah: Under 21
- Wisconsin: Under 18
- Wyoming: Under 18
Other motorcycle helmet regulations
Apart from just having a helmet on your head, there are regulations to govern the type of helmet. Most states require riders to wear Department of Transport (DOT) approved helmets when on the road. That means the helmet must meet FMVSS 218 standards. You can recognize one by the DOT sticker on the backside of the helmet.
Other stipulations touch on the engine capacity of the motorcycle, the license state, whether it is a passenger or rider, and the minimum amount of health insurance to carry. These preconditions also vary between states.
Proof that helmets can save your life and money
According to the CDC, helmets can reduce motorcycle-related fatalities by 22 to 42 percent and brain injury by up to 69 percent. Plus, if the accident is due to someone else’s fault, a motorcycle accident lawyer can negotiate for better compensation from the insurer.
A helmet is not only good for your health, but it is also good for your pocket. The IIHS compared motorcycle accident rates before and after the enactment of universal motorcycle helmet laws. The study revealed a corresponding drop in injuries, fatalities, and insurance rates with the establishment of the regulations. In California, the enactment triggered a 37 percent drop in motorcycle accident fatalities. In Nebraska, the introduction of the laws drove a 22 percent reduction in motorcycle accident head injuries and a 38 percent drop in related medical costs. The weakening of the rules in Florida triggered a 25 percent jump in fatalities. It also drove a $5,000 rise in the costs of treating injuries and a hike in insurance costs.
The bottom line
Motorcycle laws differ across the states. Many states have relaxed helmet stipulations for older riders and seniors. They are deemed to be more careful on the roads. Although older riders and seniors have an option, not wearing a helmet is like a bad habit that increases the chances of fatalities. It also raises your insurance rates. Have your helmet on anytime you ride a motorcycle. It gives you the opportunity to ride another day.
Author information: Holly Klamer loves to write on issues related to memory care facilities for seniors, assisted and senior living, and retirement and is a frequent contributor on many blogs and online publications.
