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Motorcycle Helmet Laws

2008-07-10

There is a huge argument brewing in the motorcycle community. To be perfectly honest, the argument over motorcycle helmet laws has been around almost as long as there have been motorcycle helmets. On one side of the argument you have the people who feel that riding a motorcycle is a responsibility and that part of that responsibility is to protect yourself at all costs. On the other end of the spectrum are those opposed to motorcycle helmet laws. Those opposed to helmet laws still feel that riding a motorcycle requires responsibility, but they also feel that is an infringement of their rights to force them to wear a restrictive helmet.

And the battle wages on. No matter what side of the argument you fall on, however, it is important to know that nearly every state - 46 of them to be accurate - have at least some form of motorcycle helmet laws on the books. Depending on the state you reside in, you need to know specifically what the laws in your state are to avoid being issued a citation which will greatly affect the price you pay for your motorcycle insurance.

Of the 50 states, only four states currently have absolutely no laws requiring riders to wear helmets while operating a motorcycle. These states include Iowa, Illinois, New Hampshire and Colorado. If you live in one of these states it is still important to own a helmet. If you travel outside of your states boundaries you will be required to meet the helmet law standards of that state.

Currently 19 states have age exemptions for the requirement of wearing a motorcycle helmet. This age exemption means that any rider over the age of 18, or maturity, is not required to wear a motorcycle helmet. The states that currently have age exempt helmet laws include Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

There are currently seven states that are considered discriminating helmet law states. This means that riders between the ages of 18 and 20 are also required to wear motorcycle helmets while operating their motorcycle. These states include Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas. Three of these states however - Florida, Texas and Kentucky - make exemptions if riders carry adequate motorcycle insurance coverage.

There are currently 20 states that require all riders to wear their motorcycle helmet at all times. These states make no exemptions based on age or insurance standing. The states that require all riders to wear some form of motorcycle helmet at all times includes Alabama, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

It is important to understand the specific motorcycle helmet laws for the state you live in. Even states that require every rider to wear a motorcycle helmet have differing requirements on the type of helmet and the percentage of coverage the helmet must provide. Whether your state requires helmets or not, it is important to know that wearing a helmet and other safety equipment will have an effect on the cost you pay for your motorcycle insurance. When you are ready to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy, visit InsuranceQuote.com. We offer great deals on motorcycle insurance quotes and any other type of insurance you may need.