Who must wear a protective helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle, state by state?
Every state’s answer, and the District of Columbia’s, from its own manual or code: 43 have a rule on this, quoted below with where it is written; 8 say nothing on it.
Statutes fetched between 6 and 9 October 2026; manuals fetched between 14 September and 4 October 2026. How the answers are made
| State | The rule | Where it is written | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | (a) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by Section 32-12-41. | Alabama law, Ala. Code § 32-5A-245(a) | 6 Oct 2026 |
| Alaska | (a) Except as otherwise provided by statute, a person operating or riding upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle upon a public roadway must wear protective headgear that complies with standards of the United States American National Standard Institute Safety Code Z 90.1 - 1971, United States Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (49 C.F.R. 571.218), or is approved by the Snell Memorial Foundation, Underwriter Laboratories, Factory Mutual, United States Department of Transportation, or a comparable foreign testing authority acceptable to the department. The wearing of protective headgear is not required during offroad riding of a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. | Alaska law, 13 AAC 04.350(a) | 6 Oct 2026 |
| Arizona | A. An operator or passenger of a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle who is under eighteen years of age shall wear at all times a protective helmet on the operator's or passenger's head in an appropriate manner. A law enforcement officer may issue a citation for a violation of this subsection only to an operator or passenger who is sixteen or seventeen years of age and who has been issued a driver license or permit. The protective helmet shall be safely secured while the operator or passenger is operating or riding on the motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle. An operator of a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle shall wear at all times protective glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield of a type approved by the director unless the motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle is equipped with a protective windshield. This subsection does not apply to any of the following: | Arizona law, A.R.S. § 28-964(A) | 6 Oct 2026 |
| California | (a) A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle. | California law, Cal. Veh. Code § 27803(a) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Colorado | (I) Each person under eighteen years of age is wearing a protective helmet of a type and design manufactured for use by operators of motorcycles; | Colorado law, C.R.S. § 42-4-1502(4.5)(a) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Connecticut | (a) No person under eighteen years of age may (1) operate a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle, as defined in section 14-1, or (2) be a passenger on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, unless such operator or passenger is wearing protective headgear of a type which conforms to the minimum specifications established in 49 CFR 571.218, as amended from time to time. Any person who violates this section shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined not less than ninety dollars. | Connecticut law, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-289g(a) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Delaware | (2) A person up to 19 years of age operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on the roadways of this State shall wear a safety helmet and eye protection approved by the Secretary. | Delaware law, 21 Del. C. § 4185(b)(2) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Florida | Motorcycle operators must wear a helmet unless they are 21 or older and carry a medical insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries. | Official Florida Driver License Handbook, p.87 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Hawaii | (e) No person less than eighteen years of age shall operate or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle or motor scooter on any highway in the State unless the person wears a safety helmet securely fastened with a chin strap. | Hawaii law, Haw. Rev. Stat. § 286-81(e) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Idaho | (1) No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride upon or be permitted to operate a motorcycle, motorbike, utility type vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle unless at all times when so operating or riding upon the vehicle he is wearing, as part of his motorcycle, motorbike, UTV or ATV equipment, a protective safety helmet of a type and quality equal to or better than the standards established for helmets by the director. The provisions of this section shall not apply when such vehicles are operated or ridden on private property or are used as an implement of husbandry. The provisions of this section shall also not apply to completely enclosed autocycles or to UTVs that are equipped with a roll cage and seat belts. | Idaho law, Idaho Code § 49-666(1) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Indiana | (b) An individual less than eighteen (18) years of age who is operating or riding on a motorcycle or motor driven cycle on the streets or highways shall do the following: (1) Wear a helmet that meets the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 CFR 571.218 as in effect January 1, 1979. (2) Wear protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields. | Indiana law, Ind. Code § 9-19-7-1(b) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Kansas | (a) No person under the age of 18 years shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle, unless wearing a helmet which complies with minimum guidelines established by the national highway traffic safety administration pursuant to the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act of 1966 for helmets designed for use by motorcyclists and other motor vehicle users. | Kansas law, K.S.A. 8-1598(a) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Kentucky | (3) The following persons shall be required to wear protective headgear, in the manner prescribed by the secretary of the Transportation Cabinet, at all times the motorcycles they are riding are in motion on a public highway: (a) A person under the age of twenty-one (21) years who is operating a motorcycle or who is a passenger on a motorcycle or in a sidecar attachment; (b) A person who possesses a motorcycle instruction permit and who is operating a motorcycle; and (c) A person who has held a valid motorcycle operator's license, or combination motor vehicle-motorcycle operator's license, for less than one (1) year and who is operating a motorcycle. | Kentucky law, KRS 189.285(3) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Louisiana | A. No person shall operate or ride upon any motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle unless the person is equipped with and is wearing on the head a safety helmet of the type and design manufactured for use by operators of such vehicles, which shall be secured properly with a chin strap while the vehicle is in motion. All such safety helmets shall consist of lining, padding, visor, and chin strap and shall meet such other specifications as shall be established by the commissioner. | Louisiana law, La. R.S. 32:190(A) | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Maine | 1. Requirement. The following persons must wear protective headgear: A. If under 18 years of age, a passenger on a motorcycle or moped or in an attached side car; B. If under 18 years of age, an operator of a motorcycle or moped; C. An operator of a motorcycle or moped, operating under a learner's permit or within one year of successfully completing a driving test; and D. A passenger of an operator required to wear headgear. This subsection does not apply to the operation of an autocycle. | Maine law, 29-A M.R.S. § 2083(1) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Maryland | (b) An individual may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless the individual is wearing protective headgear that meets the standards established by the Administrator. | Maryland law, Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1306(b) | 6 Oct 2026 |
| Massachusetts | Section 7. Every motor vehicle operated in or upon any way shall be provided with brakes adequate to control the movement of such vehicle and conforming to rules and regulations made by the registrar, and such brakes shall at all times be maintained in good working order. Every automobile shall be provided with at least two braking systems, one of which shall be the service brake system, and the other shall be the parking brake system, each with a separate means of application, each operating directly or indirectly on at least two wheels and each of which shall suffice alone to stop said automobile within a proper distance as defined in said rules and regulations; provided, that if such systems are connected, combined or have any part in common, such systems shall be so constructed that a breaking of any one element thereof will not leave the automobile without brakes acting directly or indirectly on at least two wheels; and provided, further, that a tractor having a draw-bar pull rating of ten horse power or less and capable of a maximum speed of not more than eighteen miles an hour and designed specially for use elsewhere than on the traveled part of ways may be operated thereon if equipped with a single braking system which shall suffice to stop such tractor within a proper distance as aforesaid. Every automobile equipped with an hydraulic braking system whether or not assisted by other means, which provides braking action on four or more wheels, shall be equipped with a service brake system so arranged as to provide separate systems for at least two wheels and so designed and constructed that rupture or leakage-type failure of any single pressure component of the service brake system, except structural failures of the brake master cylinder body, effectiveness indicator body, or other housing common to the divided system, will not result in complete loss of function of the vehicle brakes when force on the brake pedal is continued. ''Pressure component'' means any internal component of the brake master cylinder or master control unit, wheel brake cylinder, brake line, brake hose, or equivalent, except vacuum assist components. Except in the case of a school bus or fire apparatus, every motor vehicle and every tractor which is designed and used for drawing another vehicle, having an unladen weight of more than ten thousand pounds, shall be equipped with full air brakes or hydraulic brakes with vacuum power assist or air power assist. All braking systems shall be constructed and designed so as to permit modulated control of brake application and release by the operator from the normal operating position. Every trailer or semi-trailer having an unladen weight of more than ten thousand pounds shall be equipped with air or electric brakes. One braking system shall be so constructed that it can be set to hold the automobile stationary. Each motorcycle shall have either a split service brake system or two independently actuated service brake systems. Any motorcycle which has a number or registration plate issued under the provisions of section six A of said chapter ninety or which was not manufactured with either a split service brake system or two independently actuated service brake systems, shall be required to have one brake system adequate to stop said motorcycle within a proper distance, as defined in rules and regulations made by the registrar. Every automobile used on a way by a person in giving driving instruction for compensation shall be equipped with dual brake controls whereby he may apply the brake while the pupil is driving. Every motor vehicle so operated shall be provided with a muffler or other suitable device to prevent unnecessary noise and with a suitable bell, horn or other means of signalling, with suitable lamps, and with a lock, key or other device to prevent such vehicle from being set in motion by unauthorized persons, or otherwise contrary to the will of the owner or person in charge thereof. Every automobile operated during the period from one half an hour after sunset to one half an hour before sunrise, and during any other period when visibility is reduced by atmospheric conditions so as to render dangerous further operation without lights being displayed, shall display at least two lighted white headlamps with at least one mounted at each side of the front of the vehicle or if parked within the limits of a way at least one white or amber light on the side of the automobile nearer the center of the way, and every motorcycle so operated at least one white headlamp and every such motorcycle with a sidecar attached, in addition, one such light on the front of the sidecar, and every motor truck, trailer and commercial motor vehicle used solely as such, having a carrying capacity of three tons or over, in addition, an amber light attached to the extreme left of the front of such vehicle, so attached and adjusted as to indicate the extreme left lateral extension of the vehicle or load, which shall in all cases aforesaid be visible not less than two hundred feet in the direction toward which the vehicle is proceeding or facing; provided, that an automobile need display no light when parked within the limits of a way in a space in which unlighted parking is permitted by the rules or regulations of the board or officer having control of such way. Every motor vehicle and trailer so operated shall be equipped with two rear lights mounted one at each side of the rear of the vehicle so as to show two red lights from behind and a white light so arranged as to illuminate and not obscure the rear number plate and shall be equipped with two stop lights mounted and displayed in a like manner of a type complying with minimum standards for construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe; provided, however, that a two-wheeled motorcycle, an antique motor car and a farm tractor need be equipped with only one such rear red light and one suitable stop light in addition to the number plate illuminator; and provided, further, that a trailer having a gross weight of three thousand pounds or less which does not obscure the required lights of the towing vehicle need be equipped with only one such rear red light and one white light so arranged as to illuminate and not obscure the rear number plate. No motor vehicle so operated shall mount or display a flashing, rotating or oscillating light in any direction except pursuant to section seven E of this chapter; provided, however, that this shall not apply to the use of rear directional signals nor to the proper use of vehicle hazard warning signals as provided for by this section. In no event, however, shall the registrar prohibit any commercial auto parts dealer, motor vehicle repair shop or station from selling, offering for sale or installing quartz-halogen headlamps which receive a certificate of approval from the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators or which meet the standards of the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) nor shall any provision of this section prohibit any person from using, purchasing or installing a quartz-halogen headlamp as herein described. Every motor vehicle or trailer so operated which carries a load or object extending four feet or more beyond the cab or body of such vehicle shall display at the extreme rear end of such load or object a red light plainly visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the sides and rear, and shall display in place thereof a red flag or cloth not less than twelve inches square during the period when motor vehicles are not required to display lights. Every commercial motor vehicle or trailer weighing, with its load, more than twelve thousand pounds, shall, in addition to such rear light, be equipped with a red reflector of a type complying with such minimum standards for construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe, so placed at the rear of such vehicle as to reflect rays of light thrown upon such reflector from behind. No headlamp or rear lamp shall be used on any motor vehicle so operated unless such headlamp or rear lamp is of a type complying with such minimum standards for construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at least one mirror so placed and adjusted as to afford the operator a clear, reflected view of the highway to the rear and left side of the vehicle. Every motor vehicle or trailer, excepting passenger motor vehicles, operated in or upon any way shall be equipped with suitable guards which will effectively reduce the spray or splash to the rear of mud, water or slush caused by the rear wheels thereof. Every passenger motor vehicle which is equipped with tires which extend beyond the fenders or body of such vehicle and which is operated in or upon any way shall be equipped with flaps or suitable guards to reduce such spray or splash to the rear and sides. Every motor vehicle registered in the commonwealth which is privately owned and operated and designed for the carriage of passengers and which is used primarily for pleasure or for pleasure and business, including every such vehicle furnished for hire by a rental car agency but excluding every such vehicle used for public or commercial purposes, shall be equipped with two seat safety belts for the use of occupants of the front seats. No safety belt installed in a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this section or in accordance with the provisions of federal law or the rules or regulations issued by the United States Department of Transportation, shall be removed from said motor vehicle except for the purpose of repairs. Every motor vehicle registered in the commonwealth shall be equipped with a device to permit the front and rear directional signals to flash simultaneously, said device to be operated only when the vehicle is disabled or stopped in the event of emergency on or at the side of any way. Every person operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle shall wear protective head gear conforming with such minimum standards of construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe, and no person operating a motorcycle shall permit any other person to ride as a passenger on such motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to such motorcycle unless such passenger is wearing such protective head gear, except that no protective head gear shall be required if the motorcyclist is participating in a properly permitted public parade and is 18 years of age or older. If a motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or screen, the operator of such motorcycle shall wear eye glasses, goggles or a protective face shield when operating such vehicle. Every motor vehicle truck with dump bodies shall be equipped with an adequate audible warning system to alert the operator when the dump body is in an upright and elevated position. No person operating a motorcycle shall permit any person to ride as a passenger, unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person; and no person operating a motorcycle shall permit a passenger to ride in front of said operator. | Massachusetts law, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 7 | 7 Oct 2026 |
| Michigan | (4) A person less than 19 years of age operating a moped on a public thoroughfare shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. A person less than 19 years of age operating an electric skateboard shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. Except as provided in subsection (5), a person operating or riding on a motorcycle shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. | Michigan law, Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.658(4) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Minnesota | (a) No person under the age of 18 shall operate or ride a motorcycle on the streets and highways of this state without wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety; and no person shall operate a motorcycle without wearing an eye-protective device. | Minnesota law, Minn. Stat. § 169.974, subd. 4(a) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Mississippi | A crash helmet must be worn by anyone operating or riding any motorcycle or motor scooter on Mississippi's public roads or highways. | Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p.14 | 4 Oct 2026 |
| Missouri | 2. Every person under twenty-six years of age who is operating or riding as a passenger on any motorcycle or motortricycle, as defined in section 301.010, upon any highway of this state shall wear protective headgear at all times the vehicle is in motion; except that, any person twenty-six years of age or older operating any motorcycle or motortricycle who has been issued an instruction permit shall wear protective headgear at all times the vehicle is in motion. The protective headgear shall meet reasonable standards and specifications established by the director. No political subdivision of this state shall impose a protective headgear requirement on the operator or passenger of a motorcycle or motortricycle. No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance with this subsection. | Missouri law, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 302.020(2) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Montana | (1) (a) Except as provided in subsection (1)(b), an operator and passenger under 18 years of age of a motorcycle, moped, motorized scooter, or quadricycle operated on the streets or highways of this state shall wear protective headgear on the head. The headgear must meet standards established by the department of justice. (b) This section does not apply to an operator and passenger of an autocycle that is completely enclosed with a windshield, nonremovable doors, and a roof. | Montana law, Mont. Code Ann. § 61-9-417(1) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Nebraska | (2) A person shall not be a passenger on a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless: (a) Such person is wearing a protective helmet described in subdivision (1)(a) of this section; or (b)(i) Such person is at least twenty-one years of age; and (ii) The person operating the motorcycle or moped is a person described in subdivision (1)(b) of this section. | Nebraska law, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,279(2) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Nevada | 2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, when any motorcycle or moped is being driven on a highway, the driver and passenger shall wear protective headgear securely fastened on the head and protective glasses, goggles or face shields meeting those standards. | Nevada law, NRS 486.231(2) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire law requires all riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets approved by the United States Department of Transportation. | New Hampshire Driver's Manual, p.12 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| New Jersey | a. A person shall not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is wearing a securely fitted protective helmet of a size proper for that person and of a type approved by the chief administrator. A helmet shall be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof. The chief administrator is authorized and empowered to adopt rules and regulations covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets which meet the specifications as established hereunder. For the purposes of this section, a motorcycle shall not include an autocycle that is completely enclosed or any three-wheeled motor vehicle equipped with a single cab with glazing enclosing the occupant, seats similar to those of a passenger vehicle or truck, seat belts and automotive steering. | New Jersey law, N.J. Stat. Ann. § 39:3-76.7(a) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| New Mexico | New Mexico law requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18 years old to wear a helmet. | New Mexico Driver Manual, p.37 | 4 Oct 2026 |
| New York | 6. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. The commissioner is hereby authorized and directed to adopt regulations for helmets which are consistent with the requirements as specified in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. The police authorities of a city, town or village may issue a permit exempting members of organizations sponsoring or conducting parades or other public exhibitions from the provisions of this subdivision while such members are participating in such parades or other public exhibitions. | New York law, N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 381(6) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| North Carolina | All operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a motorcycle safety helmet that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. | North Carolina Driver Handbook, p.45 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| North Dakota | 1. No person under the age of eighteen years may operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless a safety helmet meeting United States department of transportation standards is being worn on the head of the operator and rider, except when participating in a lawful parade. If the operator of a motorcycle is required to wear a safety helmet, any passenger must also wear a safety helmet regardless of the age of the passenger. | North Dakota law, N.D.C.C. § 39-10.2-06(1) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Ohio | (C)(1) Except as provided in division (C)(2) of this section, no person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile or motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. Except as provided in division (C)(2) of this section, no person who is under the age of eighteen years, or who holds a motorcycle operator's endorsement or license bearing a "novice" designation that is currently in effect as provided in section 4507.13 of the Revised Code, shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a United States department of transportation-approved protective helmet on the person's head, and no other person shall be a passenger on a motorcycle operated by such a person unless similarly wearing a protective helmet. The helmet, safety glasses, or other protective eye device shall conform with rules adopted by the director of public safety. The provisions of this paragraph or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action. | Ohio law, Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.53(C) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Oklahoma | In Oklahoma, a motorcycle helmet is required for anyone under 18 years of age. | Oklahoma Driver Manual, p.7 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Oregon | (1) A person commits the offense of failure of a motorcycle operator to wear a motorcycle helmet if the person operates a motorcycle and is not wearing a motorcycle helmet. | Oregon law, ORS 814.269(1) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Rhode Island | Operators of motorcycles, motor scooters, and motor-driven cycles shall use eye protection of a type approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles when operating their vehicles on streets and highways. Every motorcycle, motor scooter, and motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with a rear view mirror. Any operator under the age of twenty-one (21) shall wear a helmet of a type approved by the administrator of motor vehicles. In addition, all new operators, regardless of age, shall be required, for a period of one year from the date of issuance of the first license pursuant to § 31-10.1-1, to wear a helmet of a type approved by said administrator. Any person deemed in violation of this provision shall be subject to the fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4, which shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 41.1 of this title. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to set forth rules and regulations governing the use of other equipment on those vehicles. All fines collected under this section shall be deposited in a general restricted receipt account for the use of the Rhode Island governor’s office on highway safety in order to promote educational and informational programs encouraging helmet use. | Rhode Island law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10.1-4 | 8 Oct 2026 |
| South Carolina | It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate or ride upon a two-wheeled motorized vehicle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets which meet the specifications as established hereunder. | South Carolina law, S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-3660 | 8 Oct 2026 |
| South Dakota | No person under eighteen years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle on the public streets or highways of this state unless the person wears a protective helmet of a type meeting Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 as in effect on January 1, 1984. No person may operate a motorcycle with any person under the age of eighteen as a passenger if the passenger is not wearing a protective helmet. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. | South Dakota law, SDCL § 32-20-4 | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Utah | Any Utah motorcycle operator or passenger under 21 years of age must wear an approved DOT helmet. | Utah Driver Handbook 2026-2027, p.81 | 14 Sep 2026 |
| Vermont | A person may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle upon a highway unless he or she properly wears protective headgear of a type that conforms to the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards contained in 49 C.F.R. § 571.218, as may be amended. The requirement of this section shall not apply to occupants of fully enclosed autocycles. | Vermont law, 23 V.S.A. § 1256 | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Virginia | A. Every person operating a motorcycle or autocycle shall wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or have his motorcycle or autocycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield at all times while operating the vehicle, and operators and any passengers thereon shall wear protective helmets. Operators and passengers riding on motorcycles with wheels of eight inches or less in diameter or in three-wheeled motorcycles or autocycles that have nonremovable roofs, windshields, and enclosed bodies shall not be required to wear protective helmets. The windshields, face shields, glasses or goggles, and protective helmets required by this section shall meet or exceed the standards and specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or the federal Department of Transportation. Failure to wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or protective helmets shall not constitute negligence per se in any civil proceeding. The provisions of this section requiring the wearing of protective helmets shall not apply to operators of or passengers on motorcycles or autocycles being operated (i) as part of an organized parade authorized by the Department of Transportation or the locality in which the parade is being conducted and escorted, accompanied, or participated in by law-enforcement officers of the jurisdiction wherein the parade is held and (ii) at speeds of no more than 15 miles per hour. | Virginia law, Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-910(A) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Washington | (c) For any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped on a state highway, county road, or city street unless wearing upon his or her head a motorcycle helmet except when the vehicle is an antique motor-driven cycle or when the vehicle is equipped with all of the following: | Washington law, RCW 46.37.530(1)(c) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| West Virginia | (a) A person may not operate or be a passenger on any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless the person is wearing securely fastened on his or her head by either a neck or chin strap a protective helmet designed to deflect blows, resist penetration, and spread impact forces. Any helmet worn by an operator or passenger shall meet the current performance specifications established by the American National Standards Institute Standard, Z 90.1, the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, or Snell Safety Standards for Protective Headgear for Vehicle Users. | West Virginia law, W. Va. Code § 17C-15-44(a) | 9 Oct 2026 |
| Wisconsin | (1) (a) No person who holds an instructional permit under s. 343.07 (4) or who is under 18 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle on any highway unless the person is wearing protective headgear of a type which meets the standards established for motorcycle operation in 49 CFR 571.218 and the chin strap is properly fastened. (am) No person may operate a motorcycle when carrying a passenger under 18 years of age unless the passenger is wearing protective headgear. (b) No person may sell or offer for sale any protective headgear for use by a driver or passenger on a motorcycle, not meeting the standards established for motorcycle operation in 49 CFR 571.218. | Wisconsin law, Wis. Stat. § 347.485(1) | 8 Oct 2026 |
| Wyoming | (o) No minor shall operate or ride nor shall the operator permit a minor to ride upon a motorcycle unless he is wearing protective headgear securely fastened on his head, and of a type which complies with standards established by the superintendent. This subsection does not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab nor to persons operating or riding a moped. This subsection only applies to motorcycles used on public highways, streets and thoroughfares. | Wyoming law, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-115(o) | 9 Oct 2026 |
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