Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Every State (2026)
Which states require all riders to wear a helmet, which require them only for younger riders, and which have no helmet law.
| State | Motorcycle helmet law |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Motorcycle helmets: every person who operates or rides on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle in Alabama must wear protective headgear that meets state standards (and shoes). The rule does not apply to riders inside an enclosed cab or to autocycle operators. The helmet statute does not address reducing damages for not wearing a helmet. Ala. Code § 32-5A-245 |
| Arizona | Motorcycle helmets: Arizona requires motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 to wear a properly secured protective helmet; riders 18 and older are not required to wear one. Operators must wear approved glasses, goggles or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a protective windshield. An adult operator may be cited if a passenger under 18 is not wearing a helmet. The statute does not address damages. A.R.S. § 28-964 |
| Arkansas | Motorcycle helmets: in Arkansas, operators and passengers of motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and motorized bicycles on public streets and highways must wear protective headgear unless they are 21 or older, and must wear protective glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield. The section does not address damages. Ark. Code Ann. § 27-20-104 |
| California | Motorcycle helmets: according to the California DMV Motorcycle Driver Handbook, all riders and passengers must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle, certified by the manufacturer as meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. The handbook does not address reducing damages for not wearing a helmet. California DMV, Motorcycle Driver Handbook (2024), Helmet Use |
| Colorado | Motorcycle helmets: in Colorado, drivers and passengers under 18 on a motorcycle, autocycle or low-power scooter must wear a properly secured motorcycle helmet meeting federal standard FMVSS 218; riders 18 and older are not required to. Certain low-speed autocycles with a windshield and seat belts are exempt. A violation is a class A traffic infraction. The section does not address reducing damages. C.R.S. § 42-4-1502 |
| Connecticut | Motorcycle helmets: in Connecticut, riders under 18, whether operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, must wear protective headgear meeting federal standard 49 CFR 571.218; a violation is an infraction with a fine of at least $90. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. The section does not address damages. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-289g |
| Delaware | Motorcycle helmets: in Delaware, riders under 19 (operators and passengers) and, for the first two years, anyone who got a motorcycle endorsement on or after July 30, 2023 (and that rider's passengers) must wear an approved helmet and eye protection. Other adult riders must have an approved helmet in their possession and wear approved eye protection. The penalty is a civil assessment of $25 to $50. The statute does not address damages. 21 Del. C. § 4185(b) |
| Florida | Florida requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet meeting federal standard FMVSS 218, and operators must wear eye protection. A rider over 21 may ride without a helmet if covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for motorcycle-crash injuries. The helmet rule does not apply to riders in an enclosed cab or to riders 16 and older on certain low-power motorcycles (50cc or less, 2 brake horsepower or less, and not able to exceed 30 mph); a violation is a noncriminal nonmoving traffic infraction. The statute does not say whether going without a helmet reduces damages. Fla. Stat. § 316.211 |
| Georgia | Georgia requires every motorcycle operator and rider to wear protective headgear meeting standards set by the commissioner of public safety, and riders of motorcycles without a windshield must also wear approved eye protection. The rule does not apply to people riding in an enclosed cab or motorized cart, or to a person operating a three-wheeled motorcycle used only for agricultural purposes. The statute does not say whether going without a helmet affects damages. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-315 |
| Hawaii | Hawaii requires a helmet, securely fastened with a chin strap, only for motorcycle and motor scooter operators and passengers under 18. Operators and passengers of all ages must wear eye protection (safety glasses, goggles or a face shield) if the vehicle has no windscreen or windshield, and anyone riding a rented moped or motor scooter must wear a helmet unless they hold a valid motorcycle license. Certain enclosed three-wheel electric vehicles with seat belts are exempt from the helmet rule. The statute does not say whether going without a helmet affects damages. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 286-81(a), (b), (e), (f) |
| Idaho | Idaho requires a helmet meeting the director's standards only for people under 18 who operate or ride a motorcycle, motorbike, UTV or ATV. The rule does not apply on private property, to vehicles used as implements of husbandry, to completely enclosed autocycles, or to UTVs equipped with a roll cage and seat belts. The statute does not say whether going without a helmet affects damages. Idaho Code § 49-666(1) |
| Illinois | The Illinois section on special equipment for motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped riders requires the operator and every passenger to be protected by glasses, goggles or a transparent shield. That section does not require a helmet. 625 ILCS 5/11-1404 |
| Indiana | Riders and passengers under 18 on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must wear a helmet meeting the federal DOT standard and protective glasses, goggles or a face shield. The section does not apply to autocycles. IC 9-19-7-1 |
| Iowa | Iowa has no state law that requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. Iowa Code ch. 321 (reviewed) |
| Kansas | Kansas requires a helmet meeting federal (NHTSA) guidelines only for people under 18 operating or riding a motorcycle or motorized bicycle, and no one may allow a minor to ride without one. Every motorcycle operator must wear shatterproof eye protection (glasses, goggles or a face shield) unless the motorcycle has a windscreen at least 10 inches high, and passengers under 18 must wear eye protection. The rules do not apply in an enclosed cab, an autocycle, a golf cart or a three-wheeled cargo 'truckster.' The statute does not say whether going without a helmet affects damages. K.S.A. 8-1598 |
| Kentucky | Kentucky requires a protective helmet only for riders under 21 (operators and passengers, including sidecar riders), riders operating on a motorcycle instruction permit, and riders who have held a motorcycle license for less than one year. Other adult riders are not required to wear a helmet, but every operator must use approved eye protection. KRS 189.285 does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages in a lawsuit. KRS 189.285(1), (3) |
| Louisiana | Every person operating or riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or motorized bicycle must wear a safety helmet secured with a chin strap, regardless of age. Exceptions include parade participants with a local permit and autocycles equipped with qualifying supports or a roll cage. Violating the law is punishable by a $50 fine. The helmet statute does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages in a lawsuit. La. R.S. 32:190(A), (C), (D), (F) |
| Maine | Maine requires a helmet only for motorcycle or moped operators and passengers under 18, operators riding on a learner's permit or within one year of passing the driving test, and any passenger of an operator who must wear one. Other adult riders are not required to wear a helmet. Helmets must meet state standards. The helmet statute does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages in a lawsuit. 29-A M.R.S. §2083 |
| Maryland | Every motorcycle operator and rider must wear approved protective headgear (except in an enclosed cab), and the operator must wear approved eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windscreen. By statute, not wearing a helmet may not be considered evidence of negligence or contributory negligence, may not limit a party's or insurer's liability, and may not reduce damages recovered; helmets generally may not even be mentioned at trial unless the case concerns the helmet itself. Md. Code, Transp. §21-1306 |
| Massachusetts | Every motorcycle operator and passenger (including a sidecar passenger) must wear protective headgear meeting the Registrar's standards, and an operator may not carry a passenger without one. The only exception is for riders 18 or older taking part in a properly permitted public parade. Riders without a windshield must wear glasses, goggles or a face shield. The statute does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages in a lawsuit. G.L. c. 90, §7 |
| Michigan | Motorcycle operators and riders must wear a crash helmet, except that a person 21 or older may ride without one if the operator has had a motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years or passed a motorcycle safety course, and the operator or rider has at least $20,000 of first-party medical benefits coverage as the statute requires. Moped and electric-skateboard riders under 19 must wear a helmet. MCL 257.658(4), (5) |
| Minnesota | Only motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet meeting state standards; every operator must wear eye protection. Parade participants with a permit and riders in an enclosed-cab autocycle are exempt. The statute does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages in a lawsuit. Minn. Stat. §169.974, subd. 4 |
| Mississippi | Every person operating or riding on a motorcycle or motor scooter on Mississippi public roads must wear a crash helmet meeting federal safety standard FMVSS 218, regardless of age. Exceptions cover autocycle operators and parade riders who are 18 or older and going no faster than 30 mph. The section does not say whether not wearing a helmet affects damages in a lawsuit. Miss. Code Ann. §63-7-64 |
| Missouri | Motorcycle and motortricycle operators and passengers under 26 must wear a helmet whenever the vehicle is moving, and so must operators 26 or older riding on an instruction permit; other adult riders are not required to wear one. Local governments may not impose their own helmet rules, and no one may be stopped just to check helmet compliance. The section does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages in a lawsuit. Mo. Rev. Stat. §302.020.2 |
| Montana | Only riders under 18 must wear a helmet: operators and passengers under 18 on a motorcycle, moped, motorized scooter or quadricycle on Montana streets or highways must wear protective headgear meeting state standards (fully enclosed autocycles are exempt). An operator may not carry passengers under 18 who are not wearing one. The statute does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages in an injury lawsuit. Mont. Code Ann. § 61-9-417 |
| Nebraska | Riders must wear a DOT-standard helmet unless they qualify for the exemption. An operator 21 or older may ride without a helmet if they hold a Nebraska Class M license and have completed the required motorcycle safety course (the Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic eCourse for licenses issued before May 1, 2024, or the state basic course for licenses issued on or after that date) and filed proof with the DMV, or hold another state's motorcycle license. A passenger 21 or older may ride without a helmet only if the operator qualifies. All operators need eye protection (glasses, face shield, goggles or a windshield). Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,279 |
| Nevada | All riders: the driver and any passenger on a motorcycle or moped on a highway must wear protective headgear securely fastened on the head. They must also wear protective glasses, goggles or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a transparent windscreen meeting state standards. Riders in a parade authorized by a local authority, and certain enclosed three-wheel vehicles and autocycles, are exempt. The statute does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. NRS 486.231 |
| New Hampshire | Only riders under 18: no person under 18 may drive or ride on a motorcycle or autocycle unless wearing approved protective headgear with a neck or chin strap, and an operator who carries a passenger under 18 without a helmet commits a violation. Riders 18 and older are not required by this statute to wear a helmet. The statute does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. RSA 265:122 |
| New Jersey | All riders: no person may operate or ride on a motorcycle without a securely fitted, approved protective helmet with a neck or chin strap and reflectorized on both sides (fully enclosed autocycles and similar enclosed three-wheelers are excluded). The Motor Vehicle Commission may not assess license points for failing to wear a helmet. The statute does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.7 |
| New Mexico | Only riders under 18: no person under 18 may operate a motorcycle, and no one may carry a passenger under 18, unless that person wears a securely fastened safety helmet meeting state standards (autocycles are exempt). The statute says that failing to wear a helmet as required does not constitute contributory negligence. All operators without an approved windshield must wear eye protection. NMSA 1978, §§ 66-7-356, 66-7-355 |
| New York | All riders: it is unlawful for any person to operate or ride on a motorcycle without a protective helmet meeting the federal motor vehicle safety standard for motorcycle helmets (49 CFR 571.218). Local police may exempt parade or exhibition participants by permit. The section read does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 381(6) |
| North Carolina | All riders: a motorcycle or moped may not be operated unless the operator and all passengers wear safety helmets meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, secured with a retention strap (enclosed or roll-cage autocycles are exempt). The statute says a violation is not negligence per se or contributory negligence per se in any civil action. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-140.4 |
| North Dakota | Riders under 18 must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation standards, whether operating or riding as a passenger (except in a lawful parade). If the operator is required to wear a helmet, every passenger must also wear one regardless of age. Adults 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. The motorcycle chapter does not say whether not wearing a helmet can reduce damages in an injury lawsuit. N.D. Cent. Code § 39-10.2-06 |
| Ohio | Riders under 18, and riders holding a novice motorcycle license or endorsement, must wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet, and any passenger of such a rider must also wear one; riders on a temporary instruction permit must wear a helmet. All motorcycle operators and passengers must use safety glasses or other eye protection (enclosed autocycles excepted). Adults with a regular endorsement are not required to wear a helmet. The statute says this helmet and eye-protection rule, or a violation of it, may not be used in the trial of any civil action. Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.53(C) |
| Oklahoma | Riders under 18 may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless properly wearing a crash helmet meeting federal standards (49 C.F.R. 571.218). Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. Motorcycles must have a windshield, or the operator must wear protective eyewear or a face shield. The equipment statute does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. 47 Okla. Stat. § 12-609 |
| Oregon | All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a motorcycle helmet, regardless of age, and an operator may not carry a passenger who is not wearing one. Exemptions apply only to riders within an enclosed cab and to three-wheeled vehicles designed to travel under 15 miles per hour. The helmet statutes read do not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. ORS 814.269, 814.275, 814.280, 814.290 |
| Pennsylvania | All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear approved protective headgear, except: people 21 or older who have been licensed to ride a motorcycle for at least two full calendar years; people 21 or older who have completed an approved motorcycle safety course; passengers 21 or older riding with an exempt operator; and occupants of a three-wheeled motorcycle with an enclosed cab. All riders must also wear approved eye protection. The motorcycle helmet section does not say whether not wearing a helmet can reduce damages. 75 Pa.C.S. § 3525 |
| Rhode Island | Motorcycle, motor scooter and motor-driven cycle operators under 21 must wear an approved helmet, and all new operators, regardless of age, must wear one for one year after their first motorcycle license is issued. All operators must use approved eye protection. The equipment statute does not address passengers or whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10.1-4 |
| South Carolina | Anyone under 21 may not operate or ride (including as a passenger) a two-wheeled motorized vehicle without a Department of Public Safety-approved helmet with a neck or chin strap, reflectorized on both sides; operators under 21 must also wear approved goggles or a face shield unless the vehicle has an approved windscreen. Riders 21 and older are not required to wear a helmet. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $100 or up to 30 days. The helmet sections do not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. S.C. Code §§ 56-5-3660, 56-5-3670, 56-5-3680, 56-5-3700 |
| South Dakota | Riders under 18 may not operate or ride on a motorcycle on public streets or highways without a helmet meeting federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, and no one may carry a passenger under 18 who is not wearing a helmet. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear a helmet. Violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor. The helmet section does not address whether not wearing a helmet affects damages. SDCL 32-20-4 |
| Tennessee | Tennessee requires every motorcycle driver and passenger (and riders of motorized bicycles and motorscooters) to wear a crash helmet. A helmet meeting the federal standard (49 CFR 571.218) satisfies the law for everyone; riders 21 or older may instead wear a helmet meeting listed alternative criteria. Exemptions include riders in an enclosed cab or fully enclosed autocycle, riders 18 or older in a parade at 30 mph or less, and riders 21 or older in certain funeral or escorted memorial processions. The section does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-302 |
| Texas | Texas requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective headgear, but a rider who is at least 21 is exempt if he or she has completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a health insurance plan providing medical benefits for motorcycle crash injuries. Police may not stop a rider solely to check whether the rider has the course or insurance. The section does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages. Tex. Transp. Code § 661.003 |
| Utah | Utah requires helmets only for riders under 21: an individual under 21 may not operate or ride a motorcycle (or an electric assisted bicycle, motor assisted scooter, high power electric device, or open autocycle) on a highway without a helmet meeting the adopted federal standards, except inside an enclosed cab. The statute says failing to wear a helmet is not contributory or comparative negligence and may not be introduced as evidence in civil litigation on negligence, injuries or reducing damages. Utah Code § 41-6a-1505(1), (2), (6) |
| Vermont | Vermont requires every motorcycle operator and passenger on a highway to properly wear protective headgear meeting the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (49 C.F.R. § 571.218), regardless of age; the rule does not apply to occupants of fully enclosed autocycles. The section does not say that not wearing a helmet reduces damages. 23 V.S.A. § 1256 |
| Virginia | Virginia requires motorcycle and autocycle operators and passengers of all ages to wear protective helmets meeting Snell, ANSI or federal DOT standards, along with eye protection or a windshield. Exceptions include motorcycles with wheels of eight inches or less, three-wheeled motorcycles or autocycles with nonremovable roofs, windshields and enclosed bodies, and authorized, police-escorted parades at 15 mph or less. Failing to wear a helmet is not negligence per se in a civil case. Va. Code § 46.2-910(A) |
| Washington | Washington requires everyone operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped on a state highway, county road or city street to wear a motorcycle helmet meeting federal DOT standards, with the chin strap fastened, regardless of age. Exceptions are antique motor-driven cycles and vehicles with a steering wheel, seat belts and an enclosed seating area certified to federal standards. The section read does not address the effect on damages. Rev. Code Wash. § 46.37.530(1)(c), (3) |
| West Virginia | West Virginia requires every motorcycle or motor-driven cycle operator and passenger, of any age, to wear a securely fastened protective helmet meeting ANSI Z90.1, federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, or Snell standards, plus approved eye protection. Drivers of fully enclosed autocycles with a valid license are exempt. The section does not address the effect on damages. W. Va. Code § 17C-15-44(a), (b), (f) |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin requires a motorcycle helmet meeting the federal standard (49 CFR 571.218), with the chin strap fastened, only for riders under 18 and riders with an instructional permit; a motorcyclist may not carry a passenger under 18 unless the passenger wears a helmet. Adult riders without a permit are not required to wear a helmet under this section. Eye protection is required unless the motorcycle has a qualifying windshield. Wis. Stat. § 347.485(1)(a), (am), (2) |
| Wyoming | Wyoming requires helmets only for minors: no minor may operate or ride on a motorcycle on public highways, streets and thoroughfares unless wearing approved protective headgear securely fastened, and an operator may not let a minor ride without one. Adults are not required to wear helmets under this section. Riders in an enclosed cab, moped riders, autocycles and officially authorized parades are excluded. The section does not address the effect on damages. Wyo. Stat. § 31-5-115(o), (q), (r), (t) |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.