Motorcycle Laws In Different States
Different states in the US follow different motorcycle helmet laws that cater to their own residents and constituents. Motorcycle helmet law has been instituted to provide safety and protection to motorcycle riders from different states.
But the helmet law being followed in one state may not be the same as those followed in another. There are even other states that do not have their own laws governing the proper use of motorcycle helmets. There are currently 4 states that do not have their own motorcycle helmet law.
These are Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire. Of the other 46 states, 20 of them follow full helmet law for all riders in their territory to follow. They are 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. But each of these states’ Motorcycle Helmet laws may have differing definitions on what constitutes a safety helmet.
In the other remaining states, 19 have helmet laws that exempt adult riders. These are usually those riders who are 18 years old and over. These are the states of 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 seven states that require adult bikers at the ages of 18 and 20 to still wear helmets while riding their motorcycles. These states are Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas.
It is on these states that some bikers think that they are being discriminated upon because of the requirement for riders between 18 and 20 years old. But some motorcycle riders just would want to rid themselves of having to don their helmets while riding their motorcycles. But these riders should realize that helmets are there for their safety and protection.
Many motorcycle accidents have lessened rider mortalities, thanks to the protection offered by motorcycle helmets. DOT approved motorcycle helmets can help protect your head, most especially your brain from life threatening injuries in case of accidents. Your head is one of the most important parts of your body to protect while on a motorcycle because it houses the fragile brain.
Although your skull protects it, sudden jolts and stops can easily injure it. Such injuries can make your brain to swell due to internal bleeding and inflammation. And when it swells, it would not have enough space inside the skull for the extra volume and will bring more damage to some other very vital regions like the eyes.
Low Jeremy
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/motorcycle-laws-in-different-states-68652.html
Is not wearing your motorcycle helmet and safety glasses considered to be different by law?
I recently got a ticket for not wearing my helmet while riding my motorcycle (stupid idea I know) but I wasn’t aware that I was required to.. but I found out the PA law states that because I only have a permit I have to. So I got the ticket for that.. but.. the cop also gave my one for mot wearing eye protection as a separate fine.. is eye protection and the helmet not the same thing? Is this arguable?
2 different things…
eye protection is required by everyone, helmets are required if you are a novice, passenger of a novice, or under the age of 18
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Sorry bud – but they’re not the same thing. Many riders wear those older style “rain bucket” helmets with separate goggles or glasses. That said – I think the cop could have let you slide on one.
You could talk to the DA and tell him/her that you had forgotten your helmet and that it is a full face type with shield, perhaps they’ll let you off on the eye protection violation.
In the future, wear a helmet just because it’s the smart thing to do, not just because of the law.
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You have to wear eye protection in Pa., no matter what. I can see going without a helmet but not without eye protection. It’ not arguable, it’s 2 seperate offenses.
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50 yrs of HD
Dude, wear your helmet and goggles. Don’t make such a big deal out of it. You’ll get off with a warning from the judge. Plead guilty, or you’re going to have to pay court costs at the minimum. Ignorance is no defense.
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Different violations. I haven’t worn a bucket in 20 years but I don’t advocate going without. I would NEVER ride without glasses!
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Nope, In your PA manual you got with your permit it states,WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
When you ride, your gear is
“right” if it protects you. In any
crash, you have a far better chance of
avoiding serious injury if you wear:
• An approved helmet.
• Face or eye protection.
• Protective clothing.
clearly states these as 2 seperate items, The manual goes even further. PDF version is at http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pa_forms_manuals/PUB147.pdf
Illinois required eye protection but not a helmet and Missouri requires a helmet but not eye protection. Go figure.
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