Motorcycle Helmet Laws - By State

Ohio Motorcycle Helmet Law

In Ohio, all motorcycle operators under 18 and those who hold a "novice license" must wear a helmet. Ohio issues "novice licenses" to motorcycle operators 18 or older who have never previously been licensed to operate a motorcycle in Ohio or any other state or another jurisdiction recognized by Ohio law.

Additionally, all motorcycle passengers under 18 must wear a helmet, as do passengers riding with operators holding a "novice" license, regardless of the passenger's age. All operators and passengers must wear safety glasses or other protective devices at all times.

Helmets, safety glasses, and other protective devices must conform with the regulations prescribed and adopted by Ohio's Director of Public Safety. Because these regulations are subject to change, it's best to check with the Director before taking a motorcycle out on Ohio roadways.

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Helmet Law

Pennsylvania repealed its mandatory helmet law in 2003.

Motorcycle operators 21 years of age and older, who have either been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or who have completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, are not required to wear helmets.

Passengers who are 21 and older are permitted to ride on motorcycles without helmets, so long as the operator of the bike is not legally required to wear a helmet.

Riders with a motorcycle learner's permit are required to wear a helmet.

Those riding in a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab are not required to wear helmets.

All motorcycle operators and riders under 21, however, must wear helmets, regardless of how long the operator has been licensed or whether he or she has completed a safety course.

All motorcycle operators and riders are required to wear eye protection that is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Virginia Motorcycle Helmet Law

In Virginia, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear helmets that meet or exceed the specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or the Federal Department of Transportation.

Virginia also requires all motorcycle operators to wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles, unless the bike is equipped with safety glass or a windshield approved by the Superintendent of the Department of Motor Vehicles or that meets or exceeds the standards and specifications of Snell, ANSI, or the federal Department of Transportation.

• Learn more about the Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell).
• To learn more about the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

West Virginia Motorcycle Helmet Law

In West Virginia, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a helmet that is securely fastened to the head by either a neck or chin strap. The helmet must be designed to deflect blows and resist penetration and spread impact forces. The law requires helmets to meet current performance specifications established by federal law, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z 90.1 or Snell Safety Standards (Snell) for Protective Headgear for Vehicle Users.

• Learn more about the Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell).
• To learn more about the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

In addition, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear safety, shatter-resistant eyeglasses, eye goggles, or a face shield that complies with ANSI Standard Z2.1. If a motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or a windscreen, it must comply with the performance specifications established by the Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 and ANSI Safety Glazing Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles on Land Highways, Standard Z26.1.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Motorcycle helmet laws can be pretty confusing and could cost you an expensive ticket if you don't follow them. Because they change from state to state, it can be hard to keep track of what's legal and what's not.

For instance, not all Pennsylvania motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet. However, if you cross into New York State, not only are you and your passenger required to wear helmets, but full-face shields or goggles as well.

In many cases, a few miles may be the difference between an easy ride and an expensive helmet violation. Our law firm recommends always wearing a helmet. Not only will they keep you safe, but you won't have to worry about the laws changing from state to state. Click here for more motorcycle helmet safety information.

Federal Regulations

The federal government requires that all helmets meet the safety specifications set out by the Department of Transportation's Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218.

State Helmet Laws

States are able to determine their own motorcycle helmet laws. So, it's important to know that when you ride through a state that requires a helmet, you must adhere to that law – regardless of where you're coming from or what your home state's law says.

Give Us a Call

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, we're here to help. Just give our legal professionals a call at 412-453-8097 or fill out our simple online legal consultation. We'll review your case for free, and we'll answer any legal questions you have.

We can get you compensation for your injuries. Don't hesitate to contact us today. There's no obligation to use our services, and remember: there's never a fee unless we get money for you.

Need more information on state laws? Learn more about the laws where you live.

Note: Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia. This information is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia, although if you are injured in an accident, we have relationships with other personal injury attorneys and lawyers throughout the United States.

Note: Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia. This information is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia, although if you are injured in an accident, we have relationships with other personal injury attorneys and lawyers throughout the United States.

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