OTTUMWA, IOWA -- For our Facebook Story of the Day, our fans wanted know; what are the motorcycle helmet laws in Missouri and Iowa?
KTVO contacted the Iowa State Patrol, and an officer with the patrol told KTVO that Iowa does not have a motorcycle helmet law, however, the department strongly encourages riders to wear helmets.
KTVO contacted the Iowa State Patrol, and an officer with the patrol told KTVO that Iowa does not have a motorcycle helmet law, however, the department strongly encourages riders to wear helmets.
On Friday afternoon, KTVO spoke with a couple of employees at R/J Performance in Ottumwa.
“Like the full face, they do have a blind spot in-front of your chin. You can’t look down as much. Other helmets, not so much, there are blind spots off to the sides, but other than that, I think it should be rider’s choice for sure,” said Matt Burton.
Employee Jim Schaffner told KTVO that even though safety should be the number one priority, some of the helmets actually impair the driver, rather than helping them.
“We always want to see everyone have fun and enjoy the bikes and be as safe as possible, but sometimes when you can’t see what is going on around you, and looking for the driver that’s not looking at you, sometimes that restriction could be done by the helmet obstructing that view a little,” said Schaffner.
Schaffner also told KTVO that with some helmets, hearing could be impaired, which could distract the driver from hearing emergency vehicles on the roadway.
As for the Missouri law, motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet at all time. Concerning motorized scooters that are popular, if the motor on it is 50CC or less, a helmet is not required, but is encouraged. Over 50CC and it is considered to be a motorcycle and must meet all motorcycle requirements.
“Like the full face, they do have a blind spot in-front of your chin. You can’t look down as much. Other helmets, not so much, there are blind spots off to the sides, but other than that, I think it should be rider’s choice for sure,” said Matt Burton.
Employee Jim Schaffner told KTVO that even though safety should be the number one priority, some of the helmets actually impair the driver, rather than helping them.
“We always want to see everyone have fun and enjoy the bikes and be as safe as possible, but sometimes when you can’t see what is going on around you, and looking for the driver that’s not looking at you, sometimes that restriction could be done by the helmet obstructing that view a little,” said Schaffner.
Schaffner also told KTVO that with some helmets, hearing could be impaired, which could distract the driver from hearing emergency vehicles on the roadway.
As for the Missouri law, motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet at all time. Concerning motorized scooters that are popular, if the motor on it is 50CC or less, a helmet is not required, but is encouraged. Over 50CC and it is considered to be a motorcycle and must meet all motorcycle requirements.
