State-by-state guide to motorcycle helmet laws

(© Ljupco Smokovski 2007)

Before you head out on the highway looking for adventure make sure it isn’t a ticket that comes your way. This guide details the helmet laws state by state to help riders follow the rules. Of course, the safest choice is to always wear a traditional (non-novelty) helmet that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.

Besides getting a ticket for not wearing a helmet in certain states, there is even more incentive—not properly protecting yourself could increase your risk of injury or even death. Just 20 states, plus the District of Columbia, have universal motorcycle helmet laws requiring usage despite the fact that studies show that helmets can help reduce your injury risk in a crash. In 2008, helmets are estimated to have saved over 1,800 lives. Another 800 more lives could’ve been saved if helmets had been worn. (See our 10 safety tips for new riders.)

In states that institute laws, deaths and injuries from motorcycle accidents typically drop. Unfortunately, the opposite also proves true when such laws are repealed. In 2010, 98 percent of motorcyclists riding in states with helmet laws were wearing them. In states without the laws, helmet use was just 48 percent.

Getting more riders to wear helmets is important: As more motorcyclists have taken to the road over the last few years, rider fatalities have grown even more rapidly.

Before embarking on a long-distance ride, check out our list of which states have universal laws requiring helmet use. Some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and Michigan has clauses that require insurance coverage for riders 21 and older who choose not to wear a helmet. The best move is to keep things simple and safe: Wear a quality, DOT-approved helmet even if it’s not the law in your state or wherever you are traveling.

Related:
NHTSA cracks down on counterfeit motorcycle helmet labels
Scooter and motorcycle buying advice and ratings
Tips on buying a motorcycle or scooter

—Liza Barth

Copyright © 2005-2013 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission. Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this site.