The history of motorcycle helmet laws in the United States is
characterized by change. In 1967, to increase motorcycle helmet use, the
federal government required the states to enact helmet use laws in
order to qualify for certain federal safety programs and highway
construction funds. The federal incentive worked. By the early 1970s,
almost all the states had universal motorcycle helmet laws. Michigan was
the first state to repeal its law in 1968, beginning a pattern of
repeal, reenactment, and amendment of motorcycle helmet laws. In 1976,
states successfully lobbied Congress to stop the Department of
Transportation from assessing financial penalties on states without
helmet laws.
Low-power cycle is a generic term used by the Institute to cover
motor-driven cycles, mopeds, scooters, and various other 2-wheeled
cycles excluded from the motorcycle definition. While state laws vary, a
cycle with an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less,
brake horsepower of 2 or less, and top speeds of 30 mph or less
typically is considered a low-power cycle. Twenty-three states have
motorcycle helmet laws that cover all low-power cycles. Twenty-four
states and the District of Columbia have laws that cover some low-power
cycles.
Source: IIHS
- Laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear a helmet are in place in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
- Laws requiring only some motorcyclists to wear a helmet are in place in 28 states.
- There is no motorcycle helmet use law in three states: Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire.
Map of motorcycle helmet laws by state/IIHS
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No
state has a universal bicycle helmet law. Only 21 states and the
District of Columbia have statewide bicycle helmet laws, and they apply
only to young riders (often riders younger than 16). Local ordinances in
a few other states require bicycle helmets for some or all riders.Make
sure the experts you need carry the right credentials. Search for
uniquely qualified law firms, independent adjusters and expert service
providers in the only specialty directories dedicated to the needs of
the insurance industry. Visit Best's Directories of Insurance
Professionals today at www.ambest.com/directories.- Some bicyclists are required by law to wear a helmet in 21 states and the District of Columbia.
- There is no bicycle helmet use law in 29 states
map of bicycle helmet laws by state/IIHS
Map of low powered cycles covered by the motorcycle helmet law/IIHS
Source: IIHS
