Depending on where you ride, you’re going to have different rules to follow. This can make a multiple state trip a little confusing. Here’s a little guide to help you on your cross country journey.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws by the numbers.
- 4 - The number of state where there is no helmet law.
- 20 - The number of states that require helmets for all riders.
- 19 - The number of states that exempt the majority of riders above the age of 18.
- 7 - The number of states that exempt the majority of riders above the age of 21.
Here are the motorcycle helmet laws by state.
States with no helmet law
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Iowa
- New Hampshire
Under 18 helmet law
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Under 21 helmet law
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
Helmets for everyone
- Alabama
- California
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
The helmet debate rages in many states, so before you ride, check your local law.
You can find more helmet information at the Helmet Law Defense League or at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
