Accidents happen and mistakes can be made, but if you follow these simple tips, we guarantee your next ride to be a lot smoother.
Motorcycle Helmets
You may hate helmets, but that doesn’t mean you have a choice on whether to wear one! Helmet laws vary from state to state. This can be confusing and problematic, particularly for motorcyclists planning a multi-state trip. Below is a list of motorcycle helmet laws, by state:
- Alabama -Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Alaska – Helmets required for drivers under 19, drivers with a learning permit, and all passengers.
- Arizona – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 19.
- Arkansas Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 21.
- California – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Colorado – No helmet requirements.
- Connecticut – Drivers and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet.
- Delaware – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 19.
- Florida – Helmet required for drivers and passengers under 21, and for drivers and passengers over 21 unless they have $10,000+ in medical insurance.
- Georgia- Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Hawaii – Drivers and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet.
- Idaho – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Illinois – No helmet requirements.
- Indiana – No helmet requirements.
- Iowa – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Kansas – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Kentucky – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 21.
- Louisiana – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18, and drivers and passengers over 18 unless they have $10,000+ in medical insurance.
- Maine – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 15, drivers with learner’s permit, and drivers who have had their motorcycle license less than one year.
- Maryland – Helmets required for all drivers and passengers. Helmet reflectors required.
- Massachusetts – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Michigan Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Minnesota Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Mississippi Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Missouri Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Montana Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Nebraska – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Nevada – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- New Hampshire – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- New Jersey – All drivers and passengers must wear a helmet. Helmet reflectors required.
- New Mexico – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Helmet reflectors required.
- New York – All drivers and passengers must wear a helmet. Helmet reflectors required.
- North Carolina – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- North Dakota – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18. Helmet reflectors required.
- Ohio – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Oklahoma – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Oregon – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Pennsylvania – Helmets required unless 21 or over, and have had their motorcycle license at least two years, or who have completed an approved rider safety course.
- Rhode Island – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 21, and novice riders and their passengers.
- South Carolina – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 21. Helmet reflects required.
- South Dakota – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Tennessee – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Texas – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 21. Drivers and passengers over 21 may elect not to wear a helmet if they have $10,000+ in medical Insurance.
- Utah – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Vermont – Helmets required for drivers and passengers. Helmet reflectors required.
- Virginia – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Washington – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Wisconsin – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- Wyoming – Helmets required for drivers and passengers under 18.
- District of Columbia – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
- Puerto Rico – Helmets required for drivers and passengers.
*This list is for informational purposes, and you should note that these laws change from time to time, so it’s always a good idea to verify when planning a trip.
Stopped By a Cop “Do’s and Don’t’s”
Being stopped by the police can be intimidating. Your best defense is to know your rights. Below are some “Do’s” and “Don’t’s” when dealing with the boys in blue. Also, check out our Stopped By a Cop page.
DO:
- Keep your hands where the cop can see them.
- Remember that any admission of wrong doing can (and will) be used against you!
- Think before you say or do anything.
- Write down everything you remember about the incident after it is over, including the cop’s name.
- Try to find witnesses and take down their contact information, especially if the cop was abusive or committed an illegal and/or unconsented search of you or your bike.
- Get the name/badge number of the police officer.
DON’T:
- Don’t get into an argument with the cop.
- Don’t give a false name. This can lead to serious trouble.
- Don’t run. Don’t resist.
- Don’t touch the cop.
- Don’t complain or tell the cop you are going to file a complaint. Don’t threaten the cop.
- Don’t make sudden moves, and don’t reach into your pockets unless requested to do so by the cop.
- Don’t admit to illegal activity!
Remember above all else to be cooperative, keep your cool, and keep your mouth shut! Tell them you have nothing more to say until you speak to an attorney.
If you have any questions regarding motorcycle laws, or if you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident and would like to discuss your options, our motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We handle motorcycle accident cases throughout California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Please send us an email or call our toll-free hotline. There is never any charge or obligation for our initial consultation and case evaluation.
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