Connecticut Motorcycle Helmet Law
STATUTE:
Title 14. Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Section 14-249. Protective headgear for motorcyclists and passengers under eighteen years old.
“(a) On and after January 1, 1990, no person under eighteen years of age may operate a motorcycle, as defined in section 14-1, and no person under the age of eighteen may be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless such person is wearing protective headgear of a type which conforms to the minimum specifications established by regulations adopted under subsection (b) of this section. (See “Standards” below.)(c) . . . Any operator or passenger of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle who is under eighteen years of age shall at all times, while operating or riding on such motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, wear a protective helmet on his head in an appropriate manner safely secured.”
FINE:
Title 14. Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Section 14-249. Protective headgear for motorcyclists and passengers . . .
“(c) Any person subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section (see above) who fails to wear protective headgear which conforms to the minimum specifications established by such regulations shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined not less than ninety dollars.”
STANDARDS:
Title 14. Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Section 14-249. Protective headgear for motorcyclists and passengers under eighteen years old.
“(b) The commissioner of motor vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 and the provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Section 571.218, as amended, establishing specifications for protective headgear for use by operators and passengers of motorcycles.”
COURT DECISIONS:
We have been unable to uncover any court decision from a court of record, either from the Connecticut Appellate or Supreme Courts, which indicates that the question of whether or not Connecticut’s helmet law is constitutional has not been addressed in the courts.
CURRENT ACTIVITY:
Sept 5 – 7 2003 – Freedom Ride from MA to PA to celebrate PA’s Adult Freedom of Choice WIN and to promote awareness for Freedom of Choice in MA, NY and NJ.
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