US Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Motorcycle helmet laws produce some of the hottest debates amongst motorcycle riders all across the country. Most riders want to choose on their own whether or not to wear a helmet. Other riders don’t care if they wear a helmet or not, and many riders feel that the laws forcing them to wear motorcycle helmets are just fine.

Only a few states are helmet law free, having no restrictions at all. Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire have free choice laws, for which wearing a helmet is totally at the discretion of the rider. These states maintain their rights to no helmet laws with the help of groups such as ABATE.

Many other states in the US have universal helmet laws, while others only have certain restrictions on helmet usage. Some of the states that have helmet restrictions generally aim them at younger riders, whereas riders over a certain age do not have to wear a helmet if they so choose. Some states, such as Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, have laws only requiring helmet usage if the rider is one or more of the following: operating under a user's permit, within the first year of licensing, and within the first two years of licensing (unless an approved rider's training course has been taken).

Motorcycle Helmet laws in the US will always be a sore topic for riders, lawmakers and activist groups. The freedom of choice in wearing a motorcycle helmet will likely continue to be challenged by laws and demanded by riders for years to come.