Helmet Laws

Motorcycle helmet laws vary from state to state. Currently, only 3 states do not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, while 19 other states plus the District of Columbia have Universal Motorcycle Helmet laws which require all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. The remaining 28 states have varying motorcycle helmet laws which require some motorcyclists wear helmets while exempting others. Not abiding by the state-specific helmet laws can result in citations, and in the case of an accident may affect liability.

MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS IN THE GULF COAST STATES:

All motorcycle riders in Texas under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet. Riders who are 21 or older are exempt from wearing a helmet only if they have successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or have a medical insurance plan which provides medical benefits for injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident.

Louisiana requires all motorcycle riders, regardless of age, wear a safety helmet, which shall consist of lining, padding, visor, and a chinstrap. Autocyclists are exempted from wearing a helmet if the autocycle is equipped with supports which meet the or exceed the safety standards for a safety helmet or a roll-cage or roll-bar.

Mississippi requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a motorcycle helmet. The motorcycle helmet must meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards.

Alabama has a Universal Motorcycle Helmet law which requires all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a motorcycle helmet, without exception.

The state of Florida requires all motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear a motorcycle helmet which complies with the Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standards. Motorcyclists who are 21 or older are exempted from wearing a motorcycle helmet if they are covered by an insurance policy which provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident.

FIND OUT THE MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS IN YOUR STATE:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/motorcycles/topicoverview