According to Pennsylvania motorcycle helmet laws, riders who are under 21 must wear protective headgear. However, riders who are over 21 years of age must satisfy two conditions: they must have at least 2 years’ riding experience and they must complete a PennDOT-approved motorcycle safety course.
Pennsylvania riders must wear a helmet that meets the US Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Furthermore, the helmet must possess a DOT sticker, indicating its size, model, and date of manufacture. If you wear a helmet that meets these standards, it will reduce the risk of sustaining injuries in the event of a collision.
If you’ve been injured and seeking legal support, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through your case and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and start your journey towards justice.
Are Motorcycle Helmets Required In Pennsylvania?
Most states consider it legal to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. The District of Columbia and 18 states have universal helmet laws. With universal helmet laws, all riders must wear helmets.
Are All Motorcycle Helmets Equal?
All helmets must comply with Pennsylvania law by being Department of transportation (DOT) approved. Riders can check for the DOT stickers on the outside to ensure it’s approved by the DOT.
If all the above information is on your helmet, then you are abiding by the Pennsylvania Motorcycle helmet laws.
Why Should Motorcyclists Wear A Helmet?
Helmet laws aren’t designed to infringe upon your freedom. They save lives. By following PA motorcycle helmet laws, you can save yourself from an accident that could otherwise take your life.
Helmets can reduce head injuries and other catastrophic injuries. While it pays to be educated about where helmets are required and where they aren’t, you should always wear one when riding a motorcycle. Make sure the helmet you use complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, and keep a spare helmet handy for any passengers.
Motorcycle accidents can result in catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even wrongful death. Therefore, even if you always wear a helmet, you should still have motorcycle insurance coverage that can help you handle expenses if an accident happens.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws By State, 2022
| State | Motorcycle Helmets | Motorcycle-type vehicles that are not under coverage by the motorcycle helmet laws |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 20 and younger | All under coverage |
| Texas | 20 and younger | All under coverage |
| New Jersey | All riders | All under coverage |
| California | All riders | All under coverage |
| Washington | All riders | All under coverage |
Not surprisingly, helmets are widely used in states with universal helmet laws. In states that have universal helmet laws, helmets are used by 98 percent of riders.
Sadly, helmets are used less frequently in states that don’t have such laws. Only 48 percent of riders use them in states that don’t have tough helmet laws. Opponents of these laws claim that they do little to protect riders, but statistics show that motorcycle deaths drop when states enact these laws and rise when helmet use is no longer mandatory.
What States Don’t Have Motorcycle Helmet Laws?
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire are the only states without helmet laws for motorcycle riders. However, the GHSA urges every state to follow helmet laws for the safety of passengers.
Need Legal Help? Get in Touch with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Give us a call at (267) 314-6039 or fill out our contact form to discuss your case with our accident law firm in Pennsylvania. We will review your case and may be able to answer your legal questions.