Motorcycle Insurance Articles
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
2010-03-05
Motorcycle Helmet Laws & You
To wear, or not to wear? For many motorcyclists the question of whether to wear a motorcycle helmet is a tough one. In fact, the motorcycle helmet law debate has raged on for as long as motorcycle helmets have been available. For many riders, state laws requiring them to wear a helmet is an infringement on their rights. The other side of the argument claims that riding a motorcycle is a responsibility, and part of that responsibility is wearing a helmet to protect yourself in the event you are in an accident.
Maybe one day the motorcycle helmet debate will come to a close - though it is highly unlikely - but until that time nearly every state in the country has enacted some type of motorcycle helmet law requiring at least some riders to wear protective head gear that has been approved by the state's Department of Transportation, or DOT. Understanding the motorcycle helmet laws in your state are important so you avoid paying fines and even higher premiums on your motorcycle insurance.
- Full Helmet Required - Of the 46 states that require riders of motorcycles to wear protective headgear, 20 of those states, including 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 require all riders and passengers to wear a DOT approved helmet.
- Modified Helmet Laws - The remainder of the states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming with mandatory helmet laws utilize a modified law depending on the rider. These exemptions vary by state and can be found on the specific state pages on MotorcycleInsuranceQuotes.com.
- No Helmet Laws - If you live in the state of Colorado, Illinois, Iowa or New Hampshire and do not like to wear your motorcycle helmet while riding you are in luck. These four states have no motorcycle helmet laws on the books. It is important to know, however, that even if you live within one of these four states you should still own a helmet. If you travel outside of the state on a road trip you must comply with the other states motorcycle helmet laws.
Another thing to consider whether your state has motorcycle helmet laws or not is the impact not wearing a helmet will have on your insurance. Many insurance providers offer discounts to riders who wear protective headgear while riding so just because you don't think a helmet looks cool, it may help save not only your life, but also some green.
MotorcycleInsuranceQuotes.com is dedicated to helping our clients save as much as possible on their motorcycle insurance. This is why we offer information about motorcycle helmet laws and much more to help you save on your motorcycle insurance. If you are ready to start shopping simply fill out our questionnaire and let MotorcycleInsuranceQuotes.com find you multiple low-cost motorcycle insurance quotes from top companies no matter where you live.