Which States Have Bike Helmet Laws?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A combination of 22 states, including District of Columbia, and about 202 localities do require a rider to wear a helmet: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri …

Is helmet mandatory for bicycle in USA?

Summary:

There is no federal law in the U.S. requiring bicycle helmets

. The states and localities below began adopting laws in 1987. Most are limited to children under 18, but there are 49 all-ages laws, broken out on our all-ages page.

Which US states do not require motorcycle helmets?


Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire

are the only states that do not have motorcycle helmet laws.

Is bike helmet a law in California?

In California,

anyone aged 18 and under operating a bicycle, scooter or skateboard, or using roller skates must legally wear a bicycle helmet

. For adults with little kiddos, bike passengers who are aged 5 and under must also legally wear a helmet.

Does Texas have a helmet law?

Texas helmet requirements and exemptions


You must wear a helmet if you are under 21

. You should always wear a helmet for safety, but you may ride without one if you are over 21 and meet an eligible helmet exemption.

Who is required to wear a bicycle helmet Florida?

(d)

A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age

must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger’s head by a strap and that meets the federal safety standard for bicycle helmets, final rule, 16 C.F.R.

Are bike helmets required in Illinois?


No, Illinois does not have helmet laws in place

. Individual municipalities can require certain users to wear helmets. For example, Chicago requires all messenger and delivery bicyclists to wear helmets.

Do you have to wear a helmet on a bicycle in Texas?

Currently,

there are no state laws requiring any bicyclist of any age in the state of Texas to wear a bicycle helmet

. It is still recommended, though, that all bicyclists wear a helmet every time they are on a bike.

Does Arizona require motorcycle helmets?

While

only those under age 18 must currently wear helmets

, Arizona requires all riders, regardless of age, to wear some form of eye protection. They can wear protective glasses or goggles, or they can have a transparent face shield on their helmet.

Does Hawaii have a helmet law?

In Hawaii,

only riders and passengers who are under 18 are required to wear a helmet

.

Does Colorado have a helmet law?

Helmets: Although helmets are proven to save lives,

riders age 18 and over are not required to wear helmets in Colorado

. However, if the motorcycle operator or passengers are under age 18, they must wear DOT-approved helmets.

How much is a no helmet ticket in California?

It is illegal in the state of California to ride on a motorcycle without an acceptable safety helmet. The California Highway Patrol explains that not wearing a helmet is an immediate safety hazard, punishable by a fine of

up to $250

and/or one year of probation.

Do you have to wear a helmet on a bicycle in New York?

A. In New York State,

all bicyclists under the age of 14 years old are required to wear safety certified bicycle helmets when they are operators or passengers on bicycles

(Sec. 1238(5)). Children aged 1 to 4 must wear certified bicycle helmet and ride in specially designed child safety seats.

Does New Mexico have a helmet law?


New Mexico law requires that persons under the age of 18 must wear a safety helmet when operating or riding on a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV)

.

What is the helmet law in Missouri?

The law previously required all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. After the repeal, which took effect Aug. 28, 2020,

riders who are 26 years and older with valid health insurance are not required to wear helmets

.

Do you have to wear a helmet in Arkansas?

Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Arkansas

Arkansas is one of the few states that does not require adults to wear a helmet. Instead,

everyone on a motorcycle under the age of 21 must wear a helmet

. If you’re older than 21, you are not legally required to wear protective head gear.

How old do you have to be to not wear a helmet on a bike in Florida?

Florida does not have a mandatory helmet law for bicyclists who are

16 years or older

. However, anyone who is younger than 16 years old and riding a bicycle is required by state law to wear a helmet that is properly fitted and securely fastened.

Can bicycles ride on sidewalks in Florida?

Florida law clearly provides that a bicyclist can utilize sidewalks to ride a bicycle.

It is perfectly legal to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk

. When there is an available bicycle lane OR when the sidewalk is crowded with pedestrians, it may be better to ride the bicycle on the side of the roadway.

Do bicycles have to stop at stop signs in Florida?


Bicyclists are required to slow down and come to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic devices signaling red

. Bicyclists must look behind them, signal and yield to traffic present when turning, changing lanes, and coming to a stop.

Do bikes have to stop at stop signs Chicago?

Bicyclists, as well as drivers, must obey all traffic signs and signals. The signs and signals warn of railroad crossings and other hazards and advise you where you may ride your bike. Red Light —

You must stop before the intersection or crosswalk until the light changes to green

.

Why do cyclists not stop at red lights?

The National Cycling Charity believes that some cyclists jump red lights

as they feel safer moving into the open spaces at junctions

rather than waiting with fellow road users who often accelerate into the junction once the traffic light turns green.

Can you ride bikes on sidewalks Chicago?

Riding on the sidewalk in Chicago is

illegal unless the sidewalk is marked as a bike path, or you are going to a nearby bike station or road

. Mostly, bikes are considered vehicles under the law. Bicyclists can use the shoulder of the road or ride in the street.

Is it illegal to bike drunk in Texas?

DUI Laws in Texas

While

a bicyclist may not receive a DUI for riding under the influence

, the state may pursue charges of public intoxication. A person is guilty of public intoxication if he or she commits an act that could endanger another.

Does Austin have a helmet law?


The state of Texas does not require any bicyclist to wear a helmet at the state level

. Technically, children do not need to wear helmets on the street or elsewhere.

Are bike helmets required in Austin Texas?


Children ages 17 and under are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or micromobility device

. Riding a bicycle or micromobility device on a sidewalk is allowed, in a reasonable and prudent manner. Using a portable electronic device when operating a bicycle or micromobility device in motion is prohibited.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.