Helmet Laws by State

Last updated Monday, November 21st, 2022

Motorcycling is a great hobby, especially on the beautiful roads found across the United States. However, motorcycling can also be dangerous if proper safety is not observed.

Motorcycles can be difficult to see on the road, especially if another driver is not paying attention or is driving recklessly. In a crash between a motorcycle and a car, the motorcyclist is much more likely to get seriously injured than the driver of the car, since the inside of a car is more protected than the seat of a bike.

Injuries can be prevented with proper safety equipment, as well as careful driving. One of the most important pieces of equipment for any biker is a helmet.

State Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Below is a list of specific state motorcycle helmet laws. If you are not sure if the law applies to you, it is always better to wear a helmet.

• Alabama: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Alaska: Riders 17 years old and younger must wear a helmet. This law covers passengers of all ages, operators younger than 18 years, and operators with instructional permits.
• Arizona: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Arkansas: Riders 20 years old and younger must wear a helmet.
• California: All riders, regardless of age, must wear a helmet.
• Colorado: Riders and passengers 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Connecticut: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Delaware: Riders 18 years and younger must wear a helmet and every operator or rider 19 years and older must carry an approved helmet.
• District of Columbia: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Florida: Riders 20 years and younger must wear a helmet. 21 years and older may only ride without helmet if they can show proof of coverage by a medical insurance policy.
• Georgia: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Hawaii: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Idaho: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Illinois: No state helmet law.
• Indiana: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Iowa: No state helmet law.
• Kansas: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Kentucky: Riders 20 years and younger must wear a helmet. This law also covers operators with instructional/learner’s permits.
• Louisiana: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Maine: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet. This law also covers operators with instructional/learner’s permit and operators in first year of license, as well as passengers riding with them.
• Maryland: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Massachusetts: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Michigan: Riders 20 years and younger must wear a helmet. Riders 21 years and older must carry additional insurance and have passed a motorcycle safety course or have had motorcycle endorsement for at least two years.
• Minnesota: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet. This law also covers operators with instructional/learner’s permits.
• Mississippi: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Missouri: Riders 25 years and younger must wear a helmet. Instructional permit holders must wear a helmet, as well. Operators 26 years and older may go without a helmet if they maintain proof of financial responsibility. All passengers must wear helmets.
• Montana: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Nebraska: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Nevada: All riders must wear a helmet.
• New Hampshire: No state helmet law.
• New Jersey: All riders must wear a helmet.
• New Mexico: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• New York: All riders must wear a helmet.
• North Carolina: All riders must wear a helmet.
• North Dakota: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet. This law also covers all passengers riding with operators.
• Ohio: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet. This law also covers all operators in first year of license, as well as passengers riding with operators.
• Oklahoma: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Oregon: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Pennsylvania: Riders 20 years and younger must wear a helmet. This law also covers all operators during the first two years of license, unless the operator has completed the safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Passengers with an operator covered under the law must wear a helmet as well, including those riding with an operator holding an instructional/learner’s permit.
• Rhode Island: Riders 20 years and younger must wear a helmet. This law also covers all passengers, regardless of age, and all operators in first year of license.
• South Carolina: Riders 20 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• South Dakota: All riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Tennessee: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Texas: Riders 20 years and younger must wear a helmet. If 21 years or older, must show proof of medical insurance or proof of successfully completing a motorcycle operator training and safety course.
• Utah: Riders 20 years and younger must wear a helmet.
• Vermont: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Virginia: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Washington: All riders must wear a helmet.
• West Virginia: All riders must wear a helmet.
• Wisconsin: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet. This law also covers operators with instructional/learner’s permits.
• Wyoming: Riders 17 years and younger must wear a helmet.

What States do not Require a Motorcycle Helmet?

What is the Importance of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?