Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State

You’d better have your head on straight. Motorcycle helmet laws in the United States can be confusing. Even the universal helmet laws aren’t “universal” across the country. That’s because they vary by state.

In 1967, the federal government went full throttle on motorcycle helmet laws. It was a push for safer highways. Even then, motorcycle fatalities were disproportionately higher. The U.S. Department of Transportation forced states to enact motorcycle helmet laws. Non-compliance hurt. States missed out on government funding for safety and highway construction programs. Money talked. Most states adopted universal motorcycle helmet laws.

By 1976, the states said no more. They reclaimed their rights. Let’s look at the status of each state today.

 

3 States with No Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Illinois

Iowa

New Hampshire

19 States with Universal Motorcycle Helmet Laws

(NOTE: The District of Columbia does, too). Universal helmet laws require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. To be clear, this covers all motorcycle operators and passengers.

Alabama

California

Delaware

Georgia

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New York

North Carolina

Oregon

Tennessee

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

 

28 States have Partial Motorcycle Helmet Laws

These state laws require only some motorcycle operators to wear a helmet. There are 3 common subjects where these laws apply: Operators under age 18. Those with little riding experience, usually less than on year. Riders who do not have the state required medical insurance coverage. Partial helmet laws do not consistently apply to passengers.

 

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Hawaii

Idaho

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Maine

Michigan

Minnesota

Montana

New Jersey

New Mexico

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Texas

Utah

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Heads up. The differences in state motorcycle helmet laws can be significant. Knowledge is power. Riding across unfamiliar state lines? Making a cross country trip? Knowing the differences in the laws could prove the difference between a good and bad trip. Did you enjoy a fine day riding? Or were you nailed with a hefty fine because you didn’t know or obey the law?

Remember, laws can change often. Confirm before riding. Be safe. Be seen.