Universal vs Partial Helmet Law States
Universal, partial, and no-helmet-law states explained — see which states require motorcycle helmets and which exempt older riders.
U.S. motorcycle helmet laws fall into three categories. Universal states require every rider to wear a helmet; partial states exempt older riders; none states have no statewide law at all.
Universal helmet law states
These 22 states require all riders and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet, with no age exemption.
Partial helmet law states
These 25 states require helmets only for younger riders (typically under 18 or 21); older riders may ride without one, sometimes with insurance.
No helmet law states
These 3 states have no statewide helmet requirement for any rider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a universal helmet law?
A universal helmet law requires every motorcycle rider and passenger — of any age — to wear a DOT-approved helmet, with no exemptions.
What is a partial helmet law?
A partial helmet law requires helmets only for younger riders (commonly under 18 or 21). Riders above that age may ride without one, and some states also require proof of insurance.
Which states have no helmet law?
Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no statewide motorcycle helmet law, so no rider is required by state law to wear a helmet.