TABLE 1—
Helmet Use Requirements by State: United States, 2006
| States That Require Helmet Use For All Agesa | States That Require Helmet Use for Minors or Some Ridersb | States That Do Not Require Helmet Usec |
| Alabama | Alaska | Colorado |
| California | Arizona | Illinois |
| District of Columbia | Arkansas | Iowa |
| Georgia | Connecticut | |
| Maryland | Delawarea | |
| Massachusetts | Floridab | |
| Michigan | Hawaii | |
| Mississippi | Idaho | |
| Missouri | Indiana | |
| Nebraska | Kansas | |
| Nevada | Kentuckyc | |
| New Jersey | Louisianad | |
| New York | Mainee | |
| North Carolina | Minnesota | |
| Oregon | Montana | |
| Puerto Rico | New Hampshire | |
| Rhode Islandh | New Mexico | |
| South Carolina | North Dakota | |
| South Dakota | Ohiof | |
| Tennessee | Oklahoma | |
| Texasi | Pennsylvaniag | |
| Vermont | ||
| Virginia | ||
| Washington | ||
| West Virginia |
aRequired for riders aged younger than 19 years and helmets must be in the possession of other riders, even though use is not required.
bRequired for riders aged younger than 21 years and for those without $10|000 of medical insurance that will cover injuries resulting from a motorcycle crash.
cRequired for riders aged younger than 21 years, riders operating a motorcycle without an instruction permit, riders with less than one year’s experience, and riders who do not provide proof of health.
dRequired for riders aged younger than 18 years and for those who lack $10 000 in medical insurance coverage. Proof of such an insurance policy must be shown to a law enforcement officer upon request.
eRequired for riders aged younger than 15 years, novices, and those with learner’s permits.
fRequired for riders aged younger than 18 years and for first-year operators.
gRequired for riders aged younger than 21 years and for those aged 21 years and older who have had a motorcycle operator’s license for fewer than 2 years or who have not completed an approved motorcycle safety course.
hRequired for riders aged younger than 21 years and for first-year operators.
iRequired for riders aged 20 years and younger and for those who have not completed a rider training course or who do not have $10 000 of medical insurance coverage.
Source. National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Traffic Safety Facts: Motorcycle Helmet Laws.1