List Of States With Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle helmets are an essential piece of equipment for riders. They protect the head and brain from serious injury in the event of an accident. Helmets are mandatory in some states in the United States, while in others, they are optional. This article will provide a comprehensive list of states with motorcycle helmet laws.
States with Mandatory Helmet Laws
There are currently 19 states in the United States that have mandatory helmet laws. These states require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet while riding:
- Alabama
- California
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
It is important to note that in some states, only certain riders are required to wear helmets. For example, in California, only riders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets.
States with Partial Helmet Laws
There are 28 states in the United States that have partial helmet laws. These laws require some riders to wear helmets, while others are exempt. In most cases, the exemption is based on the rider's age:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
In Florida, riders over the age of 21 who have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage are exempt from the mandatory helmet law. In Pennsylvania, riders over the age of 21 who have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or have completed a motorcycle safety course are exempt.
States with No Helmet Laws
There are only three states in the United States that have no helmet laws. In these states, riders are free to choose whether or not to wear a helmet:
- Illinois
- Iowa
- New Hampshire
It is important to note that even in states without helmet laws, helmets can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. It is highly recommended that riders wear helmets at all times while on a motorcycle.
Conclusion
Motorcycle helmet laws vary greatly from state to state in the United States. It is important for riders to be aware of the laws in their state and to always wear a helmet while riding. Helmets can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
