Motorcycle 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 If you have information that is important and is missing, or if you see out of date information, please contact us and we will update this resource.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
4 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 |
Mandatory Helmet Law19 States Not Free | |
---|---|
Age Requirement27 States Partially Free | ||
---|---|---|
18 and Under | 19 and Under | 21 and Under |