Motorcycle · Riding gear

What is true about motorcycle helmet laws in the United States?

Correct answer: Helmet laws vary: some states require helmets for all riders, most require them only for certain riders such as young or new ones, and Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire have none.

Answer options

  1. AHelmet laws are the same nationwide: no state requires riders to wear a helmet.
  2. BHelmet laws vary: some states require helmets for all riders, most require them only for certain riders such as young or new ones, and Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire have none. Correct
  3. CHelmet laws are the same nationwide: every rider in every state must wear a helmet.

Why

No single national rule exists: 17 states and DC require a helmet for every rider, most other states require one only for certain riders (such as those under 18 or 21, permit holders or new riders), and Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire have no helmet law at all. Whatever your state's rule, a properly fitted helmet that meets DOT standards is your best protection against a serious head injury.

Tip Check the back of a helmet for the DOT label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards.

About this question

Topic: Riding gear   License: Motorcycle

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Where it applies: Asked in every state.

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