US Helmet Use Laws
as of January 2002

By the early 1970s, virtually all states had laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets. But Illinois repealed its law in 1970 and, by 1980, most states had abandoned or substantially limited theirs -- usually restricting coverage to riders younger than 18. Legislators in some states later reinstated helmet laws so that all but 3 states now require some or all motorcyclists to wear helmets. (Colorado, Illinois, and Iowa don't have helmet laws.) Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas have changed their laws covering all riders to apply only to young riders. Helmet use rates approach 100 percent in 20 states and the District of Columbia where motorcycle helmet laws apply to all riders, but the laws in 27 states that apply only to some cyclists aren't effective.

Bicycle helmets also prevent injuries, but no state has a universal bicycle helmet law. Only 17 states and the District of Columbia have statewide bicycle helmet laws, and they apply only to young riders. Local ordinances in a few states require bicycle helmets for some or all riders.

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

² Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas provide exceptions for riders over a certain age. In Florida and Kentucky, 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. Louisiana's law allows riders 18 yrs. and older to ride without helmets if they can show proof that they are covered by a medical insurance policy. Texas exempts riders 21 years 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.

³ Motorcycle helmet laws in Kentucky, Minnesota, and Wisconsin also cover drivers with instructional/learner's permits.

⁴ Maine's motorcycle helmet use law covers passengers 14 years and younger, drivers with learner's permits, and passengers if their drivers are required to wear a helmet.

⁵ Bicycle helmet use laws in Massachusetts and New York prohibit people from transporting passengers younger than age 1.

⁶ In November 2001, a New Jersey Superior Court judge enjoined the state and its political subdivision from enforcing the motorcycle helmet law until the Director of the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adopts regulations consistent with the motorcycle helmet standards adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation. When the DMV director adopts those regulations helmet law enforcement can resume.

⁷ North Dakota's motorcycle helmet use law covers all passengers traveling with drivers who are covered by the law.

⁸ Ohio's motorcycle helmet use law covers all drivers during the first year of licensure and all passengers of drivers who are covered by the law

⁹ Rhode Island's motorcycle helmet use law covers all drivers during the first year of licensure and all passengers.