Helmet Law States 2023

There is no federal law requiring bike or motorcycle riders to wear helmets. This causes a mix of legislation regarding helmets across all 50 states. Whether or not it is a law to wear a helmet when riding, doing so is always a good idea.

Studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce one's risk of serious brain injury or death. A proper helmet absorbs the impact energy during a collision or fall, protecting the head and brain. Head trauma can lead to permanent cognitive and behavioral problems such as sleep disorders, trouble concentrating, memory loss, and disability. As always, motorcyclists should follow all posted speed limits and be aware of lane splitting laws,

Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State

Motorcycle helmet laws are usually written to apply to all riders or riders under a specified age. Additionally, some states' motorcycle helmet laws do not cover certain motorcycle-type vehicles, such as mopeds or motorized bicycles. There are only three states that do not have motorcycle helmet laws: Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire.

Nineteen states require that all riders wear a helmet. Eighteen states require riders 17 and younger to wear helmets, and nine states require riders 20 and younger to wear helmets. Delaware requires riders 18 and younger to wear helmets, and Missouri sets the age as 25.

The following states' laws do not cover certain motorcycle-type vehicles and their specific definitions of these vehicles can be found in the table below:

Arizona (moped)
Delaware (moped)
Florida (moped)
Georgia (moped)
Idaho (moped0
Kentucky (moped)
Maine (motorized bicycle)
Michigan (moped)
Missouri (motorized bicycle)
Montana (moped)
New Mexico (moped)
New York (Class C limited use motorcycle)
Oklahoma (motor-driven cycle)
South Carolina (three-wheel motorcycle vehicle)
Vermont (motor-driven cycle)
Wisconsin (moped)
Wyoming (moped)

State	Required To Wear Helmet	Motorcycle Type Vehicles Not Covered	Additional Details
Missouri	25 and younger	Motorized bicycles not covered	In Missouri, riders younger than 26 and instruction permit holders, regardless of age, must wear protective headgear when the vehicle is in motion. Operators who are 26 and older may operate a motorcycle without protective headgear if they maintain proof of financial responsiblity. No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance. Motorized bicycles are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower less than 3, and maximum speed of 30 mph.
Nebraska	20 and younger (effective 01/01/2024)	All are covered	In Nebraska, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 wear helmets. Those 21 and older may ride without helmets if they complete a motorcycle safety course and submit proof of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Arkansas	20 and younger	All are covered
Florida	20 and younger	Mopeds not covered	In Florida, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 years wear helmets, without exception. Those 21 years and older may ride without helmets only if they can show proof that they are covered by a medical insurance policy. Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph, if the operator is 16 or older.
Kentucky	20 and younger	Mopeds not covered	In Kentucky, motorcycle helmet laws also cover operators with instructional/learner's permits. Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph.
Michigan	20 and younger	Mopeds not covered	In Michigan, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 wear helmets, without exception. Those 21 and older may ride without helmets only if they carry additional insurance and have passed a motorcycle safety course or have had their motorcycle endorsement for at least two years. Motorcycle passengers who want to exercise this option also must be 21 or older and carry additional insurance. Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less and maximum speed of 30 mph, if the operator is 19 or older.
Pennsylvania	20 and younger	All are covered	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 PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Rhode Island	20 and younger	All are covered	Rhode Island's motorcycle helmet use law covers all passengers (regardless of age) and all operators during the first year of licensure (regardless of age)
South Carolina	20 and younger	Motorcycle three-wheel vehicles not covered	Motorcycle three-wheel vehicles are defined as having detachable side cars, saddle-type seat, and handlebars or motorcycle-type steering.
Texas	20 and younger	All are covered	Texas exempts riders 21 or older if they can either show proof of successfully completing a motorcycle operator training and safety course or can show proof of having a medical insurance policy. A peace officer may not stop or detain a person who is the operator of or a passenger on a motorcycle for the sole purpose of determining whether the person has successfully completed the motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a health insurance plan
Utah	20 and younger	All are covered
Delaware	18 and younger (inc. passengers); novice riders & passengers for two years after endorsement	Mopeds not covered	In Delaware, every motorcycle operator or rider age 19 and older must carry an approved helmet. Mopeds are defined as a pedal or non-pedal bicycle having two tandem wheels and an engine displacement of less than 55 cc or an electric motor rated between 751 and 2000 watts, if the operator is 17 or older.
Colorado	17 and younger (inc. passengers)	All are covered
Alaska	17 and younger	All are covered	Alaska's motorcycle helmet use law covers passengers of all ages, operators younger than 18, and operators with instructional permits.
Arizona	17 and younger	Mopeds not covered	Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 1.5 or less, and a maximum speed of 25 mph.
Connecticut	17 and younger	All are covered
Hawaii	17 and younger	All are covered
Idaho	17 and younger	Mopeds not covered	Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of less than 2, and maximum speed of 30 mph.
Indiana	17 and younger	All are covered
Kansas	17 and younger	All are covered
Maine	17 and younger	Motorized bicycles not covered	Motorcycle helmet laws in Maine cover operators with instructional/learner's permits and operators in their first year of licensure. Maine's motorcycle helmet use law also covers passengers 17 and younger and passengers riding with operators who are required to wear a helmet. Motorized bicycles are defined as having brake horsepower of 1.5 or less and maximum unassisted speed of 25 mph; may have pedals.
Minnesota	17 and younger	All are covered	Motorcycle helmet laws in Minnesota cover operators with instructional/learner's permits.
Montana	17 and younger	Mopeds not covered	Mopeds are defined as having brake horsepower of 2 or less and maximum unassisted speed of 30 mph.
New Mexico	17 and younger	Mopeds not covered	Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement less than 50 cc and maximum speeds of 30 mph.
North Dakota	17 and younger	All are covered	North Dakota's motorcycle helmet use law covers all passengers traveling with operators who are covered by the law.
Ohio	17 and younger	All are covered	Ohio'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
Oklahoma	17 and younger	Motor-driven cycles not covered	Motor-driven cycles are defined as having an engine displacement greater than 35 cc but less than 150 cc or electric motor that produces more than 1000 watts moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less and maximum speed of 30 mph.
South Dakota	17 and younger	All are covered
Wisconsin	17 and younger	Mopeds not covered	Motorcycle helmet laws in Wisconsin cover operators with instructional/learner's permits. Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 130 cc or less, maximum speed of 30 mph, and fully operative pedals.
Wyoming	17 and younger	Mopeds not covered	Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph.
Illinois	no law	No law
Iowa	no law	No law
New Hampshire	no law	No law
Alabama	all riders	All are covered
California	all riders	All are covered
District of Columbia	all riders	All are covered
Georgia	all riders	Mopeds not covered	Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less and maximum speed on 30 mph.
Louisiana	all riders	All are covered
Maryland	all riders	All are covered
Massachusetts	all riders	All are covered
Mississippi	all riders	All are covered
Nevada	all riders	All are covered
New Jersey	all riders	All are covered
New York	all riders	Class C limited use motorcycles not covered	Class C limited use motorcycle, defined as having maximum speeds of 20 mph.
North Carolina	all riders	All are covered
Oregon	all riders	All are covered
Tennessee	all riders	All are covered
Vermont	all riders	Motor-driven cycles not covered	Motor-driven cycles are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph.
Virginia	all riders	All are covered
Washington	all riders	All are covered
West Virginia	all riders	All are covered

State

Required To Wear Helmet

Motorcycle Type Vehicles Not Covered

Additional Details

Missouri

25 and younger

Motorized bicycles not covered

In Missouri, riders younger than 26 and instruction permit holders, regardless of age, must wear protective headgear when the vehicle is in motion. Operators who are 26 and older may operate a motorcycle without protective headgear if they maintain proof of financial responsiblity. No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance. Motorized bicycles are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower less than 3, and maximum speed of 30 mph.

Nebraska

20 and younger (effective 01/01/2024)

All are covered

In Nebraska, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 wear helmets. Those 21 and older may ride without helmets if they complete a motorcycle safety course and submit proof of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Arkansas

20 and younger

All are covered

Florida

20 and younger

Mopeds not covered

In Florida, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 years wear helmets, without exception. Those 21 years and older may ride without helmets only if they can show proof that they are covered by a medical insurance policy. Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph, if the operator is 16 or older.

Kentucky

20 and younger

Mopeds not covered

In Kentucky, motorcycle helmet laws also cover operators with instructional/learner's permits. Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph.

Michigan

20 and younger

Mopeds not covered

In Michigan, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 wear helmets, without exception. Those 21 and older may ride without helmets only if they carry additional insurance and have passed a motorcycle safety course or have had their motorcycle endorsement for at least two years. Motorcycle passengers who want to exercise this option also must be 21 or older and carry additional insurance. Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less and maximum speed of 30 mph, if the operator is 19 or older.

Pennsylvania

20 and younger

All are covered

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 PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Rhode Island

20 and younger

All are covered

Rhode Island's motorcycle helmet use law covers all passengers (regardless of age) and all operators during the first year of licensure (regardless of age)

South Carolina

20 and younger

Motorcycle three-wheel vehicles not covered

Motorcycle three-wheel vehicles are defined as having detachable side cars, saddle-type seat, and handlebars or motorcycle-type steering.

Texas

20 and younger

All are covered

Texas exempts riders 21 or older if they can either show proof of successfully completing a motorcycle operator training and safety course or can show proof of having a medical insurance policy. A peace officer may not stop or detain a person who is the operator of or a passenger on a motorcycle for the sole purpose of determining whether the person has successfully completed the motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a health insurance plan

Utah

20 and younger

All are covered

Delaware

18 and younger (inc. passengers); novice riders & passengers for two years after endorsement

Mopeds not covered

In Delaware, every motorcycle operator or rider age 19 and older must carry an approved helmet. Mopeds are defined as a pedal or non-pedal bicycle having two tandem wheels and an engine displacement of less than 55 cc or an electric motor rated between 751 and 2000 watts, if the operator is 17 or older.

Colorado

17 and younger (inc. passengers)

All are covered

Alaska

17 and younger

All are covered

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

Arizona

17 and younger

Mopeds not covered

Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 1.5 or less, and a maximum speed of 25 mph.

Connecticut

17 and younger

All are covered

Hawaii

17 and younger

All are covered

Idaho

17 and younger

Mopeds not covered

Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of less than 2, and maximum speed of 30 mph.

Indiana

17 and younger

All are covered

Kansas

17 and younger

All are covered

Maine

17 and younger

Motorized bicycles not covered

Motorcycle helmet laws in Maine cover operators with instructional/learner's permits and operators in their first year of licensure. Maine's motorcycle helmet use law also covers passengers 17 and younger and passengers riding with operators who are required to wear a helmet. Motorized bicycles are defined as having brake horsepower of 1.5 or less and maximum unassisted speed of 25 mph; may have pedals.

Minnesota

17 and younger

All are covered

Motorcycle helmet laws in Minnesota cover operators with instructional/learner's permits.

Montana

17 and younger

Mopeds not covered

Mopeds are defined as having brake horsepower of 2 or less and maximum unassisted speed of 30 mph.

New Mexico

17 and younger

Mopeds not covered

Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement less than 50 cc and maximum speeds of 30 mph.

North Dakota

17 and younger

All are covered

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

Ohio

17 and younger

All are covered

Ohio'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

Oklahoma

17 and younger

Motor-driven cycles not covered

Motor-driven cycles are defined as having an engine displacement greater than 35 cc but less than 150 cc or electric motor that produces more than 1000 watts moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less and maximum speed of 30 mph.

South Dakota

17 and younger

All are covered

Wisconsin

17 and younger

Mopeds not covered

Motorcycle helmet laws in Wisconsin cover operators with instructional/learner's permits. Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 130 cc or less, maximum speed of 30 mph, and fully operative pedals.

Wyoming

17 and younger

Mopeds not covered

Mopeds are defined as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph.

Illinois

no law

No law

Iowa

no law

No law

New Hampshire

no law