Do You Have To Wear A Helmet On A Bicycle? Which States Have Bike Helmet Laws
As a general rule of thumb, most cyclists will recommend that you wear a helmet on a bicycle. It’s one of the most basic precautions to take to prevent a severe head injury in case of a bad fall or collision.
However, some people like to ride without a helmet occasionally. It may be tempting to take the helmet off in bike trails or areas where there is not much traffic. However, that might be illegal in some areas of the United States.
What States Require Bicycle Riders To Wear A Helmet?
There are actually more states in the US where bicycle riders are required by law to wear a helmet. These are the following:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Which States Don’t Require Bike Riders To Wear Helmets
There are only thirteen states in the US where bike riders are not required to wear a helmet. These are:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Vermont
- Wyoming
What You Need To Know About Bike Helmet Laws
The requirements for helmet wearing and the fines that govern it will vary from state to state; there’s no one law that all states follow. So, before you decide to go on a helmet-less ride, you need to check on your particular area’s rules.
The age of a rider might also factor in determining whether or not they need to wear a helmet. Some states’ bike helmet regulations target youths and children, so helmets are only required for people under a certain age.
The laws and subsequent fines and penalties might also vary according to your biking area. Some states do have bike helmet laws, but only if you are traveling on a busy roadway and not on bike trails.
Whatever your personal feelings about bike helmets, it’s best to make sure that you are acquainted with the helmet laws in your area. Make sure to check on them before setting out on your ride.