Motorcycle helmet laws in the United States vary significantly from state to state. If you’re wondering what states require motorcycle helmets, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding these laws is crucial for riders who want to stay safe and avoid issues with the cops.
Motorcycle Helmets Laws in All 50 States
Below you’ll find information about motorcycle helmet laws in each state.
Please note, that this is the information I could find. States may have updated their laws since I published this article, and you should still check with your local government agency that handles vehicle licensing.
You’ll need to find the Department of Motor Vehicles or Bureau of Motor Vehicles of your state.
1. Alabama
Alabama mandates that all riders, regardless of age or experience, wear a helmet. The helmet must meet specific safety standards as outlined by the state.
2. Alaska
In Alaska, motorcycle helmets are required for riders under 18 and for passengers, regardless of age, if the operator is required to wear a helmet.
3. Arizona
Motorcycle helmets are mandatory for riders and passengers under 18 in Arizona. Riders over 18 are not required to wear a helmet but are encouraged to do so.
4. Arkansas
In Arkansas, motorcycle helmets are required for riders and passengers under 21. Riders over 21 have the freedom to ride without a helmet.
5. California
California enforces a universal helmet law, requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet, regardless of age or experience.
6. Colorado
In Colorado, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Adult riders are not obligated to wear a helmet but must wear goggles or eyeglasses with lenses made of safety glass.
7. Connecticut
Connecticut requires helmets for riders and passengers under 18. Adult riders can legally choose not to wear a helmet.
8. Delaware
In Delaware, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 19. However, all riders must carry a helmet with them, even if they choose not to wear it.
9. Florida
Florida mandates helmets for riders and passengers under 21. Riders over 21 can opt out of wearing a helmet if they have at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage.
10. Georgia
Georgia has a universal helmet law, meaning all riders and passengers, regardless of age, must wear a helmet.
11. Hawaii
In Hawaii, riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. Adults are not required to wear helmets but are encouraged to do so for safety.
12. Idaho
Idaho requires helmets for riders and passengers under 18. Adults are free to ride without a helmet.
13. Illinois
Illinois is one of the few states with no motorcycle helmet law. Riders of all ages are free to choose whether or not to wear a helmet.
14. Indiana
In Indiana, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Riders over 18 are not legally obligated to wear helmets.
15. Iowa
Iowa does not have any motorcycle helmet laws. Riders are free to ride without a helmet regardless of their age or experience level.
16. Kansas
In Kansas, motorcycle helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Adults over 18 can ride without a helmet.
17. Kentucky
Kentucky mandates helmets for riders and passengers under 21, as well as those who have held their motorcycle license for less than a year. Those over 21 are not required to wear a helmet if they meet specific criteria.
18. Louisiana
Louisiana enforces a universal helmet law, requiring all riders and passengers to wear a helmet at all times.
19. Maine
In Maine, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18, as well as for riders with a learner’s permit or who are newly licensed.
20. Maryland
Maryland has a universal helmet law, requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet.
21. Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet, regardless of age or experience.
22. Michigan
In Michigan, riders under 21 are required to wear a helmet. Riders over 21 can choose not to wear a helmet if they have $20,000 in medical insurance coverage.
23. Minnesota
In Minnesota, helmets are required for riders under 18 and for those with a learner’s permit. Riders over 18 can choose whether or not to wear a helmet.
24. Mississippi
Mississippi mandates that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet, regardless of age.
25. Missouri
Missouri recently updated its helmet laws. Riders under 26 must wear a helmet. Riders over 26 can ride without a helmet if they have proper health insurance.
26. Montana
In Montana, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Riders over 18 are not legally obligated to wear helmets.
27. Nebraska
Nebraska enforces a universal helmet law, requiring all riders and passengers to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
28. Nevada
Nevada has a universal helmet law, meaning all riders and passengers must wear a helmet at all times.
29. New Hampshire
New Hampshire, often referred to as the “Live Free or Die” state, has no helmet law. Riders of all ages are free to choose whether or not to wear a helmet.
30. New Jersey
New Jersey requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
31. New Mexico
In New Mexico, motorcycle helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Adults are not required to wear helmets but are encouraged to do so.
32. New York
New York has a universal helmet law, requiring all riders and passengers to wear a helmet at all times.
33. North Carolina
North Carolina enforces a universal helmet law, meaning all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet.
34. North Dakota
In North Dakota, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. If the operator is required to wear a helmet, any passenger, regardless of age, must also wear a helmet.
35. Ohio
Ohio requires helmets for riders and passengers under 18 and for riders who have held their motorcycle license for less than a year.
36. Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Adults can ride without a helmet.
37. Oregon
Oregon mandates helmets for all riders and passengers, regardless of age, making it a universal helmet law state.
38. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires helmets for riders and passengers under 21. Riders over 21 can choose to ride without a helmet if they meet certain conditions.
39. Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, helmets are required for riders under 21, as well as for passengers regardless of age if the operator is required to wear a helmet.
40. South Carolina
South Carolina requires helmets for riders and passengers under 21. Those over 21 are not legally obligated to wear helmets.
41. South Dakota
In South Dakota, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Adults are free to ride without a helmet.
42. Tennessee
Tennessee enforces a universal helmet law, meaning all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet, regardless of age.
43. Texas
In Texas, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 21. Riders over 21 can ride without a helmet if they have completed a safety course or have proper health insurance.
44. Utah
In Utah, helmets are mandatory for riders and passengers under 21. Riders over 21 are not required to wear a helmet but are encouraged to do so for safety.
45. Vermont
Vermont mandates helmets for all motorcycle riders and passengers, regardless of age or experience.
46. Virginia
Virginia enforces a universal helmet law, requiring all riders and passengers to wear a helmet at all times.
47. Washington
Washington state requires all riders and passengers to wear a helmet, making it a universal helmet law state.
48. West Virginia
West Virginia mandates that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet, regardless of age.
49. Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18, as well as for riders with a learner’s permit. Adult riders can choose to ride without a helmet.
50. Wyoming
In Wyoming, helmets are required for riders and passengers under 18. Riders over 18 are not legally obligated to wear helmets.
You Should Wear a Motorcycle Helmet Regardless of the Law
Motorcycle helmet laws in the United States vary from state to state, with some states enforcing universal helmet laws, while others provide more freedom for adult riders.
Regardless of legal requirements, wearing a helmet is always a good idea for safety.
Whether you’re riding in a state with strict helmet laws or more lenient regulations, protecting yourself with a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Always check local laws before riding, and consider wearing a helmet even if it’s not required by law. Safe riding!
Read my article about the various types of motorcycle helmets and see which ones are the best.
