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Motorcycle Helmet Laws: 4 Facts

Personal Injury Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle can be thrilling and offer you many adventures on the open road. As you travel, you may wonder about how each state in the country views and enforces helmet laws. These laws tend to vary, and knowing a few facts about helmets before you use your motorcycle can help keep you safe and understand the rules of the road.

  1. Age Plays a Factor 

Some states have mandatory helmet laws for minors or those who are under the age of 20. Texas is one such state while Colorado, Idaho and Kansas require those aged 17 and younger to wear a helmet, whether they are driving a motorcycle or riding as a passenger. You may want to review the laws in states you plan to pass through if you are planning a long-distance trip. If you plan to carry minor passengers, it is important to have helmets available that fit properly, as one that is too large may not protect a smaller passenger as it should.

  1. Law-Free States Exist
    Three states have no helmet laws at all: Iowa, New Hampshire and Illinois. This makes wearing a helmet completely optional without the risk of being ticketed as you travel. However, since wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident, you may want to protect yourself and your passengers by making them available. If you do decide to wear a helmet, look for one that is approved by the Department of Transportation and that protects your face as well as your head.

  2. Some States Have Mandatory Laws 

Over one dozen states in the U.S. make helmet usage mandatory for all riders. The District of Columbia, California, Alabama, and Maryland are just a few of these states that try to protect riders with this law. The cost of violating the law varies by each state, but since tickets and fines might affect the cost of your insurance, you may want to consider understanding and obeying the mandatory helmet law where it exists.

  1. Insurance Coverage Can Lower Helmet Cost 

Some insurance companies that cover motorcycle riders offer different coverage options for riding accessories, including helmets. Since a quality helmet can cost more than $200, this type of coverage can be useful and help you save money when you need to replace or buy an additional helmet for passenger use.

The varying helmet laws across the United States may make an accident claim or personal injury lawsuit confusing, but there is help available. Contact a lawyer, like a motorcycle accident lawyer from Barry P. Goldberg, auto accident attorney, today for more information and assistance.


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