Only three states (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire) have no helmet use law. For more information about the current law or questions about representation, call us for a free consultation. Super easy. Failure to do so can result in a fine. Motorcycle Helmet Use Laws. There is nothing like taking in the culture as you cruise by delicious smells of street food stands coming up on a new town in Mexico, wind in your hair, a smile on your face. Protective apparel, such as a leather or [] 1996-2023, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, 501(c)(3) organizations | Copyright information and privacy policy, these auto insurers and insurance associations, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 1.5 or less, and a maximum speed of 25 mph, 17 and younger and passengers 17 and younger, moped, defined by the state as a pedal or non-pedal bicycle having two tandem wheels and an engine displacement of less than 55 cc or an electric motor rated between 751 and 2000 watts, if the operator is 17 or older, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph, if the operator is 16 or older, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less and maximum speed on 30 mph, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of less than 2, and maximum speed of 30 mph, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph, motorized bicycle, defined by the state as having brake horsepower of 1.5 or less and maximum unassisted speed of 25 mph; may have pedals, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less and maximum speed of 30 mph, if the operator is 19 or older, motorized bicycles, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower less than 3, and maximum speed of 30 mph, moped, defined by the state as having brake horsepower of 2 or less and maximum unassisted speed of 30 mph, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement less than 50 cc and maximum speeds of 30 mph, class C limited use motorcycle, defined by the state as having maximum speeds of 20 mph, motor-driven cycle, defined by the state as having an engine displacement greater than 35 cc but less than 150 cc or electric motor that produces more than 1000 watts moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less and maximum speed of 30 mph, motorcycle three-wheel vehicle, defined by the state as having detachable side cars, saddle-type seat, and handlebars or motorcycle-type steering, motor-driven cycle, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speed of 30 mph, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 130 cc or less, maximum speed of 30 mph, and fully operative pedals, moped, defined by the state as having an engine displacement of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speeds of 30 mph. Connecticut just passed a law raising its threshold age for motorcycle helmets. Additionally, any passenger shall wear an approved helmet if the operator is under the age of 18 or holds a novice motorcycle operator's license. Massachusetts law requires all motorcycle drivers and riders to wear helmets that conform to the minimum standards prescribed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. When the weather conditions are less than ideal, its even more important to take things slow and be extra careful. But as long as you take precautions and use common sense, it is perfectly safe to drive through Mexico. To ride safely in Mexico, you must know traffic laws. Use caution and watch out for potholes and other hazards. In Louisiana, anyone who operates or rides on a motorcycle must wear a helmet that is secured with a chin strap at all times when the bike is in motion. If you're under 18 and ride in an enclosed cab, you are not required to wear a helmet. Our friends Elena and Marco from Amigomoto in Aguascalientes, Mexico, took us for countless joyrides in their sidecars and even held a Disorderly Drifters Rally to help us complete an Iron Butt SaddleSore in Mexico! Oklahoma law requires only those motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 to wear helmets. Under Minnesota law, all motorcycle operators and riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Class 2: Electric motor controlled with a throttle. Top propulsion speed of 20 mph. Not only is riding a motorcycle without wearing a crash helmet illegal, but it is also extremely dangerous. It is highly suggested you wear: Face and/or eye protection. So if youre looking for an adventure, dont let worries about the condition of Mexicos roads stop you from starting your journey. Even if you are at half a tank and a gas station comes up, pull in and fill er up. . Get a Quick and Easy Quote for Free with Baja Bound, and get that step checked off your list!. The law further requires that helmets permit unobstructed peripheral vision to 120 degrees on each side. Partial helmet laws require a subset of riders (younger than 17-21 years old) to wear a helmet.8These laws are established by each state. In 2009, a total of 1.2 million motorcycles were registered. So I strongly recommend checking the link above for availability and locking in your rental well before your trip. New Jersey: All riders must wear a helmet. If you are curious about what types of bikes qualify for your age range, check out your options HERE. However, in Mexico, its common to see drivers using their turn signals continually, even when they are not changing lanes or making a turn. As a result, I have put together the ultimate safety guide to motorcycling in Mexico. Mississippi law requires all motorcycle operators and riders to wear helmets of the type and design inspected and approved by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. You have no transportation of your own but have a thrilling image pop into your mind of you on the open road. A "transparent shield" includes a windshield attached to the front of the bike, provided that it extends above the eyes when the driver is seated in a normal, upright riding position. Operators who are 26 and older may operate a motorcycle without protective headgear if they maintain proof of financial responsiblity. These checkpoints are there to ensure that the drivers have passed through their security checks. The Motor Vehicle Director is authorized and empowered to adopt rules and regulations covering the types of approved helmets and their specifications and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets that meet those specifications. To make sure your helmet complies with the Commissioner's requirements, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles before riding on a motorcycle in Vermont. The chip strap must be worn any time the motorcycle is in motion. The mandatory helmet law also applies to anyone riding in a sidecar. You will get this money back when you exit Mexico with your motorcycle. , Footnote 9 North Dakota's motorcycle helmet use law covers all passengers traveling with operators who are covered by the law. To be certain that your helmet meets these standards, it's best to check with the Director before riding on a motorcycle in Idaho. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, we're here to help. There are plenty of safe places to visit in this beautiful country. The helmet law also does not apply to any person 16 or older who operates or rides on a motorcycle powered by a motor with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less or is rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and which is not capable of propelling the motorcycle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground. In Montana, motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet that meets the standards of the state's Department of Justice. Note: the toll roads take CASH ONLY! Headgear must contain lining, padding, and chin straps, and it must not distort the view of the driver. Helmets should fit snugly and be fastened securely in order to be effective. The scooter rentals in Cancun tend to sell out FAST. Since the 1960s, states have passed motorcycle helmet laws to combat the rising number of motorcycle-related fatalities. A "transparent shield" also includes a face shield that covers the wearer's eyes and face at least to the point approximately to the tip of the nose. Because these rules are regulations are subject to change, it is advisable to check with the Motor Vehicle Director before riding on a motorcycle in New Jersey. , Footnote 14 Motorcycle helmet laws in Wisconsin cover operators with instructional/learner's permits. Mexico uses many international graphic signs that should be easy to recognize. The only exception is for those riding in an enclosed cab or motorcyclists operating or riding a vehicle designed to travel with three wheels in contact with the ground at speeds less than 15 mph. Yes, you need auto insurance, specifically Mexican auto insurance, to drive any vehicle legally through the country, whether it be by car, truck, or motorcycle. New Mexico's law is relatively simple: Motorcycle riders under age 18 must wear a helmet. In addition, all operators driving a motorcycle under a learner's permit, regardless of age, must wear a helmet. There are always many random animals that wander into the road, and there are potholes and topes (speed bumps) hiding on the road in the dark just waiting to be hit. Some are only for youth under the age of 16 Passengers under 18 are also required to wear a helmet. So investing in a self-filtering water bottle makes your life so much easier. . Motorcycles have the ability to weave in and out of cars and go around other vehicles however they wish. The exception to this rule is when a person is operating or riding as a passenger in a fully-enclosed three-wheeled motor vehicle that is seven feet long or more and four feet wide or more, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more. These little bikes cant go much more than 120 miles without needing to refuel. Since we were on a budget, we even motorcycle camped, and we felt safe the entire time. Wisconsin: Under 18. Do I need a motorcycle license in Mexico? Honda Dealership. Can I drive in Mexico with a US license? Additionally, all motorcycle passengers under 18 must wear a helmet, as do passengers riding with operators holding a "novice" license, regardless of the passenger's age. According to the Colorado does not require adult motorcycle drivers or passengers to wear helmets. Under New Mexico law, all motorcycle riders who are under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Every person up to the age of 19 must wear a safety helmet and eye protection approved by the secretary. In Utah, motorcycle operators and riders under 18 must wear a helmet that complies with the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Our law firm recommends always wearing a helmet. Riders are not required to wear a helmet over 18 years of age, but must wear safety glasses or goggles or face shield in cases where the motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield. Additionally, the helmet must have a permanently attached adjustable chin strap that holds it securely in place. While having a blast riding your new scooter and motorcycle rentals through Mexico, just remember that you still have to abide by Mexican driving laws and safety. Footnote 1 Alaska's motorcycle helmet use law covers passengers of all ages, operators younger than 18, and operators with instructional permits. The helmet requirement does not apply when motorcycles are operated or ridden on private property, or when used as an implement of husbandry. After checking in to your room, you start looking around for things to do. SCOOTERS, MOTORCYCLES, AND ATVs: - Motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs require a separate license. Surprisingly, only 19 states have laws requiring a helmet to be worn while operating a motorcycle. While these practices may seem strange to drivers from the US, they are considered to be good manners in Mexico. Police authorities of cities, towns, and villages may issue permits exempting members of organizations sponsoring or conducting parades or other public exhibitions from wearing helmets while they are participating. Those riding in a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab are not required to wear helmets. In addition, eye protection is required if the motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield. I had not considered researching a safety guide to motorcycling in Mexico when planning our adventure, that is, until I crossed over the Mexican border on my trusty blue iron steed. Drivers 21 as well as over can choose not to use a helmet if they have at the very least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits and have held a motorcycle endorsement for at the very least two years, or have actually passed an approved motorcycle safety and security course. In many cases, a few miles may be the difference between an easy ride and an expensive helmet violation. Because these standards and specifications are subject to change, it's best to check with the Commissioner before riding as a driver or passenger on a motorcycle in Alaska. Bring small bills for this. Effective October 1, 2019, Connecticut motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 must wear helmets or face a fine of up to $90, but it's still a helmet-optional state for riders and passengers over 21. The only exceptions to Minnesota's helmet and eye protection laws are for those participating in an officially-authorized parade and for those riding within an enclosed cab. If you're under 18, it's best to check with the Department to make sure your helmet complies with current standards before riding on a motorcycle in Wyoming. No person is permitted to operate a motorcycle with a passenger under 18 unless the passenger is wearing a helmet. With their comprehensive coverage and affordable prices, you can rest assured that youll be protected from any unexpected mishaps on your travels. The only exception to this law is if the rider is on a private property and not operating the motorcycle on a public road. Protective headgear must meet the minimum specifications set forth by the American National Standards Institute or the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. The British Standard BS 6658:1985, while also carrying the BSI Kitemark. This is non-negotiable. 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