What States Have Helmet Laws? 2024’s Updated Safety List

What states have helmet laws? The answer depends on the type of vehicle you’re operating and your age. Some states have universal helmet laws for motorcycles, meaning everyone must wear a helmet. Others have partial laws, typically based on age. Then, some states have no helmet law at all. This article breaks down the motorcycle helmet requirements by state, plus information on bicycle, scooter, moped, and ATV helmet laws.

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Motorcycle Helmet Laws State by State: A Comprehensive Overview

Motorcycle accidents can be serious, and helmets are proven to reduce the risk of head injury and death. Because of this, many states have laws about wearing helmets. These laws vary greatly. Some states say everyone riding a motorcycle must wear a helmet. Other states only require certain riders to wear one.

Here’s a detailed look at motorcycle helmet laws across the United States, updated for 2024:

State	Helmet Law
Alabama	Required for all riders and passengers.
Alaska	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Arizona	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Arkansas	Required for riders and passengers under 21.
California	Required for all riders and passengers.
Colorado	Required for riders under 18.
Connecticut	Required for riders and passengers under 18. Also, those with learner’s permits must wear one.
Delaware	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Florida	Required for riders under 21. Riders 21 and over can ride without a helmet if they have $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
Georgia	Required for all riders and passengers.
Hawaii	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Idaho	Required for riders under 18.
Illinois	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Indiana	Required for riders and passengers under 18. Also, those with learner’s permits must wear one for the first year.
Iowa	Required for riders and passengers under 18. Also, those with a learner’s permit.
Kansas	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Kentucky	Required for riders under 21 or who have a learner’s permit.
Louisiana	Required for all riders and passengers.
Maine	Required for riders and passengers under 18. Also, those with learner’s permits must wear one.
Maryland	Required for all riders and passengers.
Massachusetts	Required for all riders and passengers.
Michigan	Required for riders under 21. Riders over 21 can ride without a helmet if they have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits.
Minnesota	Required for riders under 18 who have a permit or are within the first year of licensure.
Mississippi	Required for all riders and passengers.
Missouri	Required for riders and passengers under 26 and those with learner’s permits.
Montana	Required for riders under 18.
Nebraska	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Nevada	Required for all riders and passengers.
New Hampshire	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
New Jersey	Required for all riders and passengers.
New Mexico	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
New York	Required for all riders and passengers.
North Carolina	Required for all riders and passengers.
North Dakota	Required for riders under 18.
Ohio	Required for riders within one year of getting their license and all passengers of novice riders.
Oklahoma	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Oregon	Required for all riders and passengers.
Pennsylvania	Required for riders under 21 or who have been riding for less than two years. Passengers must wear a helmet if the operator is required to.
Rhode Island	Required for riders and passengers under 21. Also, those with learner’s permits must wear one.
South Carolina	Required for riders under 21.
South Dakota	Required for riders under 18.
Tennessee	Required for all riders and passengers.
Texas	Required for riders under 21. Riders 21 and over can ride without a helmet if they have completed a motorcycle safety course or have $10,000 in medical insurance.
Utah	Required for riders under 18.
Vermont	Required for riders and passengers under 18.
Virginia	Required for all riders and passengers.
Washington	Required for all riders and passengers.
West Virginia	Required for all riders and passengers.
Wisconsin	Required for riders under 18 or who have an instructional permit.
Wyoming	Not required.

States with Universal Helmet Laws

These states require all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet, regardless of age or experience:

• Alabama
• California
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia

States with No Helmet Law

Only one state has no helmet law for motorcycle riders of any age:

• Wyoming

Partial Helmet Laws and Exceptions

Many states have partial helmet laws. These laws often require helmets for:

• Riders under a certain age (typically 18 or 21)
• Riders with learner’s permits
• Riders within a specific time frame of receiving their license

Some states, like Florida and Texas, have exceptions for riders over a certain age who carry a specific amount of medical insurance or have completed a motorcycle safety course. These are considered partial laws because not all riders are required to wear a helmet.

Motorcycle Helmet Safety Statistics

Studies consistently show that helmets save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in motorcycle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmets saved 1,872 lives in 2017. They also estimate that 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.

Here are some key statistics:

• Helmets reduce the risk of head injury in a crash by 69%.
• Helmets reduce the risk of death in a crash by 37%.
• Unhelmeted riders are three times more likely to sustain a brain injury in a crash.

Helmet Law Compliance Rates

Compliance rates vary significantly depending on the state’s helmet laws. States with universal helmet laws tend to have much higher compliance rates than states with partial or no helmet laws. This makes sense. Where the law requires it, more people will do it.

Bicycle Helmet Laws State by State: A Look at Varying Regulations

While motorcycle helmet laws focus on high-speed impacts, bicycle helmet laws address the risks of crashes at lower speeds. Bicycle accidents can still cause serious head injuries, especially for children.

Here’s a summary of bicycle helmet laws across the U.S. Keep in mind that these laws often apply to children under a certain age.

State	Bicycle Helmet Law
Alabama	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Alaska	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Arizona	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Arkansas	None statewide.
California	Required for riders under 18.
Colorado	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Connecticut	Required for riders under 16.
Delaware	Required for riders under 18.
Florida	Not required, but highly encouraged.
Georgia	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Hawaii	Required for riders under 16.
Idaho	None statewide.
Illinois	None statewide.
Indiana	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Iowa	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Kansas	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Kentucky	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Louisiana	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Maine	Required for riders under 16.
Maryland	Required for riders under 16.
Massachusetts	Required for riders under 16.
Michigan	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Minnesota	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Mississippi	None statewide.
Missouri	None statewide.
Montana	None statewide.
Nebraska	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Nevada	None statewide.
New Hampshire	None statewide.
New Jersey	Required for riders under 17.
New Mexico	None statewide.
New York	Required for riders under 14.
North Carolina	Required for riders under 16.
North Dakota	None statewide.
Ohio	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Oklahoma	None statewide.
Oregon	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Pennsylvania	Required for riders under 12.
Rhode Island	Required for riders under 15.
South Carolina	None statewide.
South Dakota	None statewide.
Tennessee	None statewide.
Texas	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Utah	None statewide.
Vermont	Required for riders under 16.
Virginia	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Washington	None statewide.
West Virginia	None statewide, but some local ordinances exist.
Wisconsin	None statewide.
Wyoming	None statewide.

Deciphering Bicycle Helmet Laws: Age Restrictions

As the table shows, most states with bicycle helmet laws focus on younger riders. This is because children are more vulnerable to head injuries.

Why Local Ordinances Matter

Many states don’t have statewide bicycle helmet laws, but cities and counties within those states may have their own rules. Always check local ordinances before riding a bicycle in a new area.

Scooter, Moped, and ATV Helmet Laws: Navigating the Rules for Other Vehicles

Helmet laws often extend beyond motorcycles and bicycles to include scooters, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). However, the specific rules can vary greatly.

Scooter Helmet Laws

“Scooter” can refer to both electric scooters and gas-powered scooters. Some states classify scooters as motorcycles, meaning motorcycle helmet laws apply. Other states have separate rules. Because of this variety, riders need to know their local area’s precise definitions and requirements.

Moped Helmet Laws

Mopeds are typically defined as low-speed, two-wheeled vehicles with an engine. Many states require moped riders to wear helmets, often following similar rules as motorcycle helmet laws (e.g., requiring helmets for riders under a certain age).

ATV Helmet Laws

ATV helmet laws are also common, especially for younger riders. Because ATVs are often used off-road, some states focus on safety regulations for public lands and riding areas.

General Tips for Scooter, Moped and ATV Users

• Check Local Laws: Always check state and local laws before operating a scooter, moped, or ATV.
• Wear a Proper Helmet: Choose a helmet that is specifically designed for the type of vehicle you are riding.
• Prioritize Safety: Even if a helmet isn’t legally required, consider wearing one for your own safety.

Helmets and Safety Gear: It’s Not Just About the Law

While laws set minimum standards, personal safety should always be a priority. Wearing a helmet is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself from serious injury. Consider additional protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and appropriate clothing, for added safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the penalty for not wearing a helmet in a state where it’s required?

A: Penalties vary by state. They can include fines, court costs, and points on your driving record.

Q: Can I wear any type of helmet when riding a motorcycle?

A: No. Most states require motorcycle helmets to meet specific safety standards, such as DOT (Department of Transportation) certification.

Q: Who is responsible for ensuring a passenger wears a helmet?

A: In most cases, the motorcycle operator is responsible for ensuring that any passenger who is required to wear a helmet does so.

Q: What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a helmet?

A: Some states have medical exemptions to helmet laws. You typically need to provide documentation from a physician to qualify for an exemption.

Q: Are there any organizations that advocate for or against helmet laws?

A: Yes. Organizations like the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) advocate for rider freedom and often oppose universal helmet laws, while groups like the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) support strong helmet laws to reduce injuries and fatalities.

Q: How can I find out the specific helmet laws in my state?

A: Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Transportation (DOT) website. You can also find information on the GHSA website.