Helmet Laws

State Your Opinion on States with Full and Partial Helmet Laws

By Kay Ray, published Jul 06, 2007
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Many motorcyclists despise helmet laws, and many prefer riding completely free and completely unencumbered by any type of helmet, especially on hot summer days. Motorcyclists who don't want to wear a helmet often avoid states with full helmet laws, but those who live in states with full helmet laws really don't have a choice. Legislators in most states, many who have never even sat upon the seat of a motorcycle, are making decisions for the riding community, and certain states have taken away the freedom of adult riders who are fully capable of deciding whether or not they want to wear a helmet.

The majority of states have implemented helmet laws for motorcyclists, and only four states have no laws regarding head protection. Get caught riding without one in a state with helmet laws, and more than likely you'll end up with a sizeable fine. It's in your best interest to learn the laws of the state lines you intend on crossing.

The following is a list of states with full and partial helmet laws and the opinions of fellow motorcycle riders. Be sure to read on, and take a few moments of your time to submit your opinion on state laws.

Helmet-Free States

Colorado

Illinois

Iowa

New Hampshire

States with Full Helmet Laws for All Riders

Alabama

California

Georgia

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Oregon

Tennessee

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

States with Helmet Laws for Riders under the Age of 18

Alaska

Arizona

Connecticut

Delaware

Hawaii

Idaho

Indiana

Kansas

Maine

Minnesota

Montana

New Mexico

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

South Dakota

Utah

Wisconsin

Wyoming

States with Helmet Laws for Riders under the Age of 21

Arkansas

Florida

Kentucky

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Texas

Personal Reasons

 
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Helmet Laws

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Credit: K. Ray

Copyright: K. Ray - SXC

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Great article Kim. We live in Illinois...still helmet free. I agree that "those who ride should decide." There are statistics that show the absence of a helmet has saved lives. So, if there are statistics that show injury or death either way, it should be a personal choice!

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Posted on 04/26/2008 at 5:04:51 PM

 
I live in massholchusetts an i ride a small 50cc scooter. Theres days i dont want to wear a nut shell on my head. Like tonight i wanted to go out an ride. I didnt see the ss police but they got me. I didnt get a ticket because i lived a block away from were this take down happened. But was told to go home intil i got a helmet. I thought we had freedom in america?

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Posted on 09/05/2007 at 7:09:00 PM

 
I totally agree M.S. I have three words for those who don't agree - It's MY head. Thanks for the comments.

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Posted on 07/10/2007 at 9:07:00 PM

 
I want the right to break my own head if I so chose.The government needs to pull out of our lives a bit and find something else to do. Thanks for the info.

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Posted on 07/10/2007 at 6:07:00 PM

 
Great article

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Posted on 07/10/2007 at 1:07:00 PM

 
Thanks Daniel for your comment, and I totally agree. I completely agree about eye protection too. I NEVER ride without it - day or night.

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Posted on 07/09/2007 at 6:07:00 PM

 
(I am in Michigan and I still ride with if I choose and) ...without if I choose. Screw 'em...but, the eye protection is a must. If I am hit in the eye and cannot see I become a public danger and I have no right to threaten the public through my negligence. Great Article!!

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Posted on 07/09/2007 at 6:07:00 PM

 
I ride an 800 pound 2 wheeled thumper everyday that snow and ice are gone. I will ride sometimes in shorts, sometimes with pants, sometimes with a t-shirt, and sometimes with a jacket. Eye protection is a must. If we need a law in order to do that then we do not deserve to ride a bike at all. A helmet is a real good thing if you want one, but the existence of a helmet on one's head should be voluntary. I do NOT need nor believe that lawmakers have any right to legislate apparel for riders that does not relate directly to the safety of the public. Anyone who thinks to make laws do what should be choices is a fascist. Those who think that helmet laws are in the "public interest" are not thinking clearly. The reason might be good, but I think anyone convicted of drunk driving more than once should NEVER DRIVE AGAIN---that would be an example of "public good". My helmet on my head or in my garage is my business. Mine, and mine alone. I am in Michigan and I still ride with if I choose and w

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Posted on 07/09/2007 at 6:07:00 PM

 
Thanks everyone for your comments.

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Posted on 07/09/2007 at 5:07:00 PM

 
Rodney - I'm very sorry your BIL was in an accident, and hopefully he is able to someday take care of himself and not continually suffer with pain. That's just one of many cases where wearing a helmet would have resulted in more serious injuries. Yeah, riding is risky since people make some of the dumbest moves on the road, but I don't feel we should avoid activities we love because we might be involved in an accident. We'd miss out on a lot of things in life if we're never willing to take a chance. Best of luck to you and your family.

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Posted on 07/09/2007 at 5:07:00 PM

 
While I agree with the concept of "let those who ride decide", my current situation has made me totally reconsider whether or not I should be wearing one, given the choice (Since I live in North Carolina, I do not currently have that choice). My brother in law was in a serious motorcycle crash where the cager "did not see him" and pulled out in front of him. This happened last September, and my BIL almost died. More to the point though is that he was not wearing a helmet, and to this day he is not capable of taking care of himself due to the traumatic brain injuries (TBI) he sustained. On the flip side though, he also had severe injuries to the spine and neck, and I was told by several hospital workers that a helmet could have resulted in permanent paralyses. Thankfully, my BIL is still fairly well now physically (though he still walks haltingly and needing a cane to assist him). My wife and I are now facing taking care of my BIL at our house for the rest of our lives, since the

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Posted on 07/09/2007 at 4:07:00 PM

 
Great article - it really is all about the freedom to make our own choices. I am confused (and dismayed) by Dr. leader's assertion that the desire for personal freedom is "juvenile". I hope the good doctor never runs for office...especially in Texas (where, by the way, riding a scooter does not qualify one as a "biker").

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Posted on 07/09/2007 at 4:07:00 PM

 
Adults who realize the risk of not wearing head protection should have the freedom to make that decision themselves and not be forced by lawmakers to wear something they don't want to wear for their personal safety.

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Posted on 07/09/2007 at 3:07:00 PM

 
I am a biker. I ride every day. I am appalled by riders who eschew the safety of a good helmet for selfish, juvenile reasons reasons such as the feeling of freedom, wind in the hair, and heat. I am glad that Mrs. Ray wears her helmet to protect her hair, but many don't wear a helmet because they feel the helmet messes theirs. Wear your safety gear, Jacket, gloves, long pants, boots, helmet and eye protection. We want to ride together as long as possible.

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Posted on 07/08/2007 at 8:07:00 AM

 
It really scares me to see people riding without helmets. I think it is good at least for kids, but cycles scare me anyway. I guess getting older I see how fragile we all are. I love the freedom look of them but I am more afraid of other drivers and what they can do to those on motorcyles. Great article.

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Posted on 07/07/2007 at 5:07:00 PM

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