Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State

Helmet Laws by State

Welcome to the original 50 State Helmet Law list. Below you will find a complete list of states, some quick stats on whether or not motorcycle helmets are mandatory, and if so any ages that require them.

From this page you will be able to click through to another more specific page on each state, where you will find more detail with whatever information we have on hand.

We do our best to keep this list accurate but we are not lawyers, so remember, this information is for entertainment purposes only. If you want to take a stand against helmet laws please do speak with a lawyer who understands the requirements in your state, otherwise if you are required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in your jurisdiction, take a look at our guide to the different types of motorcycle helmets.

This list is a continuing work-in-progress. We apologize for this list going offline for a short period but we are back and will be making more amendments as we go. If you have information that is important and is missing, or if you see out of date information, please contact us and we will update this resource.

Helmet Law Quick Stats

Totally Free Choice States
24 States with partial or modified helmet laws
3 States with modified laws requiring medical insurance
19 States still mandatory for all riders

STATE

OVERVIEW

Mandatory

18, passengers

18

21

Mandatory

18, passengers

18, permit holders

19, permit holders, reflectorization

21, Medical Insurance (min $10K)

Mandatory

18, reflectorization

18

TOTALLY FREE!

18, permit holders

TOTALLY FREE!

18

All instructional permit holders, novice riders, and those under 21

Mandatory

18, permit holders, novice riders and passengers of riders requiring a helmet

Mandatory, reflectorization

Mandatory

21 and older, plus medical insurance requirement

18, permit holders

Mandatory

Mandatory

18

Mandatory

Mandatory

18

Mandatory, reflectorization

18, reflectorization

Mandatory, reflectorization

Mandatory

18, reflectorization

18 and novice riders

18

Mandatory

Pennsylvania (2003)

21, 2 yrs riding or Safety Course

21, novice riders, all passengers

21, reflectorization

18

Mandatory

21, reflectorization

18

Mandatory, reflectorization

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory, reflectorization

18, permit holders

18

District of Columbia

Mandatory, reflectorization

Puerto Rico

Mandatory

No Helmet Law

2 States 100% Free

Age Requirement + Insurance

2 States Partially Free, 21 and Over