How many states require bicyclists of all ages to wear a bicycle helmet? The answer depends on which state you’re in. Each state has its own laws regarding how many states require bicycle helmet laws by state. Some states don’t have any bicycle helmet laws by state at all. Other states have very restrictive laws regarding bicycle helmet use and sales.
Of course, “how many states require” varies depending on which age group you are. How many states require bicyclists of each age group to wear a bicycle helmet? According to the NHTSA, the United States Department of Transportation, at least 20 states require bicycle helmet laws by state. These include requirements that drivers of cars and trucks provide for cyclists, and that the driver should “wear a properly approved reflective bicycle helmet while on the road”. Requirements vary from state to state, and are often dependent upon a state’s statute of limitations.
How many states require bicycle helmet laws by state to protect children? Again, this depends on which state you’re in. Some states don’t have any bicycle helmet laws by state at all. Others require parents of children under the age of 18 to buy a child a bicycle helmet.
How many states require that children who drive motorized bicycles wear helmets? Unfortunately, there are no bicycle helmet laws by state currently, but most states do require child drivers to wear protective headgear when riding a bicycle. Most of these laws do not apply to persons operating motorcycles or mopeds, but they do apply to persons operating “other than a motorized vehicle”. This means that persons who ride ATVs or go boating need to be covered as well. You should contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles about regulations regarding the wearing of helmets by non-motorized bicycle operators.
How many states require parents of children under the age of 18 to purchase a bicycle helmet for their child? Sadly, there are no state helmet laws by state currently. But many parents and teachers encourage parents of younger children to invest in a good quality helmet. For example, the Department of Transportation in the state of New York asks bicycle riders to “wear a safety helmet every day”. The state of Minnesota has a similar law.
How many states require that motorcycle rider of certain types wear helmets? The only helmet laws that we can identify are those regarding motorized scooters. However, the most likely scenario would be that all motorcycle riders were required to wear a protective helmet. Currently, there is no legislation in any state mandating the use of helmets by motorcycle riders. Although, this may soon change.
Are bicycle helmet laws similar to those of automobile helmet laws? No, not at all. While both laws do make it illegal to operate a motorcycle or moped with a helmet, there is quite a bit more involved in the laws surrounding bicycle helmets. For example, many states have a section of laws that makes it illegal to operate a moped or motorcycle with a helmet that does not meet the minimum Department of Transportation (DOT) standard for safety. This includes all Class M passenger vehicles.
Some states, such as California, have a more stringent helmet law. In California, a cyclist must display a valid license plate or have a helmet displaying a valid California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sticker when riding. Furthermore, riders are required to wear a properly approved reflective helmet. If caught, a rider could face a substantial fine or, in certain circumstances, possibly even a suspended license or registration. However, in many states, such as in California, a cyclist does not need to prove that he or she was not riding with or without a helmet if the case goes to court. This makes it easier for people to know and understand how many states require bicycle helmet laws by state.
