Map of Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Before embarking on a long-distance ride, check out our list of which states have universal laws requiring helmet use. Some states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and Michigan has clauses that require insurance coverage for riders 21 and older who choose not to wear a helmet. The best move is to keep things simple and safe: Wear a quality, DOT-approved helmet even if it’s not the law in your state or wherever you are traveling.

State	Motorcycle law
Alabama	All riders
Alaska	17 and younger
Arizona	17 and younger
Arkansas	20 and younger
California	All riders
Colorado	17 and younger riders and passengers
Connecticut	17 and younger
Delaware	18 and younger
District of Columbia	All riders
Florida	20 and younger
Georgia	All riders
Hawaii	17 and younger
Idaho	17 and younger
Illinois	No law
Indiana	17 and younger
Iowa	No law
Kansas	17 and younger
Kentucky	20 and younger
Louisiana	All riders
Maine	17 and younger
Maryland	All riders
Massachusetts	All riders
Michigan	20 and younger
Minnesota	17 and younger
Mississippi	All riders
Missouri	All riders
Montana	17 and younger
Nebraska	All riders
Nevada	All riders
New Hampshire	No law
New Jersey	All riders
New Mexico	17 and younger
New York	All riders
North Carolina	All riders
North Dakota	17 and younger
Ohio	17 and younger
Oklahoma	17 and younger
Oregon	All riders
Pennsylvania	20 and younger
Rhode Island	20 and younger
South Carolina	20 and younger
South Dakota	17 and younger
Tennessee	All riders
Texas	20 and younger
Utah	17 and younger
Vermont	All riders
Virginia	All riders
Washington	All riders
West Virginia	All riders
Wisconsin	17 and younger
Wyoming	17 and younger