Helmet Law States

With a surge in popularity of biking and motorcycling in recent years, helmet laws have become a salient issue. In light of the fact that there is no uniform federal law, it’s imperative that bikers know the differing helmet laws for each state. The laws range from states with no helmet requirement at all to those mandating head protection for all riders to those in between requiring helmets for certain age groups. Such variability exists because each state has the power to regulate its own road safety laws. 

• Three states, Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire, currently have no laws requiring helmet usage.
• Nineteen states have laws mandating all riders, regardless of age, to wear helmets.
• A sizable contingent of eighteen states have laws requiring only riders 17 and younger to wear helmets.
• Missouri and Delaware have policies requiring helmets for riders 25 and younger and 18 and younger, respectively.
• While Nebraska has a policy similar to many states requiring helmets for riders 20 or younger, it’s worth noting that the age limit will increase to 20 effective January 1, 2024.