June 2026

• Texas exempts riders 21 or older if they can either show proof of successfully completing a motorcycle operator training and safety course or can show proof of having a medical insurance policy. A peace officer may not stop or detain a person who is the operator Here is an overview of current state helmet laws as of June 2026.
  Which States Can You Ride a Motorcycle Without a Helmet?
  Only three states allow helmetless riders. Police cannot cite operators or passengers in the following states for riding without a helmet:
  Illinois
  Iowa
  New Hampshire
  Illinois and Iowa had universal helmet laws but repealed them in 1970 and 1976. New Hampshire, following its state motto of “live free or die,” has never had a motorcycle helmet law.
  What States Require Motorcycle Helmets for Everyone?
  Only 17 states and Washington, D.C., have universal helmet laws, meaning everyone must wear one regardless of age. They include:
  
  Alabama New Jersey
  California New York
  District of Columbia North Carolina
  Georgia Oregon
  Louisiana Tennessee
  Maryland Vermont
  Massachusetts Virginia
  Mississippi Washington
  Nevada West Virginia
  
  There may be exceptions to these laws based on vehicle type. However, those are limited to smaller, slower-moving vehicles. If you ride a fully-powered motorcycle, expect to wear a helmet on all public roads in these states.
  Which States Have Limited Motorcycle Helmet Laws?
  A limited motorcycle helmet law restricts the requirement to an age group or certain circumstances. For example, a state may require helmet usage by all passengers and riders under 18.
  The states that place an age requirement include:
  State
  Helmet Required For State
  
  Alaska – 17 and younger Missouri – 25 and younger
  Arizona – 17 and younger Montana – 17 and younger
  Arkansas – 20 and younger Nebraska – 20 and younger
  Colorado – 17 and younger (incl. passengers) New Mexico – 17 and younger
  Connecticut – 20 and younger North Dakota – 17 and younger
  Delaware – 18 and younger + novice riders Ohio – 17 and younger
  Florida – 20 and younger Oklahoma – 17 and younger
  Hawaii – 17 and younger Pennsylvania – 20 and younger
  Idaho – 17 and younger Rhode Island – 20 and younger
  Indiana – 17 and younger South Carolina – 20 and younger
  Kansas – 17 and younger South Dakota – 17 and younger
  Kentucky – 20 and younger Texas – 20 and younger
  Maine – 17 and younger Utah – 20 and younger
  Michigan – 20 and younger Wisconsin – 17 and younger
  Minnesota – 17 and younger Wyoming – 17 and younger
  
  While these states may have reached a fair compromise between safety and freedom, these laws are often unenforceable. Officers cannot determine a rider’s age from afar, so they may choose to save their time pulling over helmetless riders.
  It’s worth noting that helmet requirements may differ for passengers. In many states, young riders and passengers are held to the same standards, but passengers may face additional restrictions if the operator is a novice or unlicensed. Riders should check their state-specific rules to ensure compliance for themselves and anyone riding with them.
  Other limited helmet laws do not depend on age. These include:
  State
  Additional Rules When Helmets Required
  Alaska
  Helmets also required for all passengers and anyone with an instructional permit.
  Delaware
  Riders 19+ must carry an approved helmet even if not required to wear it.
  Florida
  Riders 21+ may ride without a helmet only if they have medical insurance.
  Kentucky
  Riders with instructional/learner’s permits must wear helmets, regardless of age.
  Maine
  Helmet required for first-year license holders, all passengers under 18, and those riding with a helmet-required operator.
  Michigan
  Riders 21+ may go without helmets only with extra insurance and either safety training or 2+ years of endorsement; passengers must meet same rules.
  Minnesota
  Riders with instructional/learner’s permits must wear helmets.
  Missouri
  Riders 26+ may ride without helmets if they have proof of financial responsibility. Permit holders must always wear helmets. No stops solely to check for compliance.
  Nebraska
  Riders 21+ may ride without helmets only if they complete a safety course and submit proof to the DMV.
  North Dakota
  Passengers must wear helmets if the operator is legally required to wear one.
  Ohio
  Helmet required for first-year riders and their passengers, regardless of age.
  Pennsylvania
  Helmet required for first two years unless the rider completes a PennDOT- or MSF-approved course.
  Rhode Island
  All passengers and riders in their first year of licensure must wear helmets.
  Texas
  Riders 21+ may go without a helmet if they complete a safety course or carry insurance. Police may not stop solely to check for compliance.
  Wisconsin
  Helmets required for riders with instructional/learner’s permits, regardless of age.