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US and Canadian Motorcycle Laws

Join ABATE to help the fight for motorcyclist's rights. They can be reached at 800-540-1979

The following is a recent summary of US helmet laws from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety website (updated 6-2006):

  Motorcycle helmets
Universal law Partial law
(covers all riders) (covers young riders or some adult riders)
Alabama X  
Alaska   17 and younger 1
Arizona   17 and younger
Arkansas   20 and younger
California X  
Colorado no motorcycle helmet use law  
Connecticut   17 and younger
Delaware   18 and younger
District of Columbia X  
Florida   20 and younger 2
Georgia X  
Hawaii   17 and younger
Idaho   17 and younger
Illinois no motorcycle helmet use law  
Indiana   17 and younger
Iowa no motorcycle helmet use law  
Kansas   17 and younger
Kentucky   20 and younger 2,3
Louisiana X  
Maine   14 and younger 3
Maryland X  
Massachusetts X  
Michigan X  
Minnesota   17 and younger 3
Mississippi X  
Missouri X  
Montana   17 and younger
Nebraska X  
Nevada X  
New Hampshire no motorcycle helmet use law  
New Jersey X  
New Mexico   17 and younger
New York X  
North Carolina X  
North Dakota   17 and younger 4
Ohio   17 and younger 5
Oklahoma   17 and younger
Oregon X  
Pennsylvania   20 and younger 6
Rhode Island   20 and younger 6
South Carolina   20 and younger
South Dakota   17 and younger
Tennessee X  
Texas   20 and younger 2
Utah   17 and younger
Vermont X  
Virginia X  
Washington X  
West Virginia X  
Wisconsin   17 and younger 3
Wyoming   18 and younger


1Alaska's motorcycle helmet use law covers passengers of all ages, operators younger than 18, and operators with instructional permits.

2In Florida and Kentucky, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 yrs. wear helmets, without exception. In Florida, those 21 yrs. and older may ride without helmets only if they can show proof that they are covered by a medical insurance policy. Texas exempts riders 21 yrs. or older if they either 1) can show proof of successfully completing a motorcycle operator training and safety course or 2) can show proof of having a medical insurance policy.

3Motorcycle helmet laws in Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, and Wisconsin also cover operators with instructional/learner's permits. Maine's motorcycle helmet use law also covers passengers 14 years and younger and passengers if their operators are required to wear a helmet.

4North Dakota's motorcycle helmet use law covers all passengers traveling with operators who are covered by the law.

5Ohio's motorcycle helmet use law covers all operators during the first year of licensure and all passengers of operators who are covered by the law.

6Rhode Island's motorcycle helmet use law covers all passengers (regardless of age) and all operators during the first year of licensure (regardless of age). Pennsylvania's motorcycle helmet use law covers all operators during the first two years of licensure unless the operator has completed the safety course approved by the department or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

The following table comes from a website I found. I can't guarantee it's accuracy but it's last update was 11/04. If notice an error, please e-mail info@rmhfaq.com.

State Daytime Eye Radar/Kids Yearly Lane* Blood Alcohol
Headlights Protection /Earphones Inspections Sharing Over 21 Under 21
Alabama         Yes 0.08 0.02
Alaska Required Required   Random Yes 0.08 0
Arizona   Required   Yes Yes 0.08 0.08
Arkansas Required Required   Random   0.08 0.02
California Required   1 Ear Only Random Yes* 0.08 0.01
Colorado   Required   Random Yes 0.08 0.02
Connecticut Required Required   Random Yes 0.08 0.02
Delaware   Required   Yes   0.08 0.02
Florida Required Required     Yes 0.08 0.02
Georgia Required Required No Music   Yes 0.08 0.02
Hawaii   Required No Pass Under 7 Yes