Motorcycle Helmets - The rules and regulations

The end of World War II ushered in an era of motorcycles as many veterans feeling nostalgic of their war days littered the streets with the machines. Before the second world war, motorcycles were used for different civilian purposes and were not so popular. But motorcycles became an important part of world war II after the mass production of military-grade bikes.

And so, when the veterans returned from war, especially the scouts and message runners, it wasn't difficult to integrate riding into their ex-military life. This made it even more popular among civilians.

Early Motorcycle regulations

As the popularity of motorcycles increased between the 50s and 60s, some states implemented universal Motorcycle helmet and safety laws. However, the first main federal legislation on motorcycle safety was created in the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (NTMVSA).

This law targeted different areas of vehicle safety, including motorcycle helmet laws. NTMVSA provided incentives for states to pass their helmet laws, and many states fell in line.

The Reason for Motorcycle Helmets

The incentive provided by the US government for states to implement the universal helmet laws was more of a threat. The government threatened to cut highway funding for states who didn't pass the laws. When the government relaxed its rules about helmet requirements for funding in the 1990s, some states abandoned the helmet laws. These states argued that motorcyclists need the right to choose to ride without a helmet.

However, this created a discussion on the importance of motorcycle helmets when riding motorcycles.

Do you have to wear a helmet on a motorbike?

How important is it? Let's find out!

Researchers conducted studies on how the helmet laws relate to the behavior and safety of motorcyclists.
This gave researchers a perfect opportunity to study the relationship between helmet laws and motorcyclist behavior and safety. From findings, it is clear that when an accident occurs, the chances of developing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are three times higher for motorcycle riders and passengers without helmets.

Helmets that have received certification from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) double your chances of protection during an accident than unapproved helmets.

Therefore, you must wear a helmet to protect yourself from serious injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident.

States with Motorcycle laws

Motorcycle laws encourage motorcycle riders to use helmets. The states with greater helmet usage and compliance all have universal helmet laws.

Regardless of your position on wearing helmets, you need to know what states have motorcycle helmet laws. 

The rule in the majority of the states is that all adults 21 and above can legally ride their motorcycles without a helmet. The universal motorcycle helmet laws that mandate every motorcycle rider to wear a helmet are only available in 18 states and the District of Columbia.

Many of the states with helmet laws stipulate that riders wear DOT-approved helmets with varying costs and quality. You can get several of these kinds of helmets from many stores.

Using a helmet may not affect your motorcycle insurance rates, but it prevents you from having severe injuries and filing more expensive claims in the long run.

Almost all the states have some form of motorcycle law. However, there are no motorcycle helmet laws in Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire.

Some states have only limited helmet laws which mandate helmet use for riders below 18 or 21.

Confirm from the state you're living or visiting to ensure you do not break existing helmet laws.

The Cost of a Motorcycle Helmet

If you're planning to buy a motorcycle helmet, your budget depends on your preferences. What style do you like, and how well does it meet safety standards? You have to consider if you need extra features like Bluetooth speakers.

It costs about $125 to get a standard DOT-approved new motorcycle helmet. Some stores like BikerLid have offers that are more affordable with no reduction in quality.

Do you need a DOT Approved Motorcycle Helmet

If you have decided to buy a motorcycle helmet, you may be wondering, does a motorcycle helmet have to be DOT approved?

The answer to that question depends on the helmet laws and regulations in the state where you're riding. Some states requiring motorcycle users to have a helmet before riding often stipulate that they use DOT-approved helmets. DOT-approved helmets are those that meet the standards of the Department of Transportation.

These DOT helmets can either be full face or half face, and you can choose any of them. But bear in mind that full-face helmets offer better protection against injuries during accidents.

The DOT standards are created to measure how well the helmet absorbs and retains energy as well as its resistance to penetration.

You can still receive protection from non-DOT motorcycle helmets; however, you need confirmation from your state's regulations to know if it is legal. Most states consider riding motorcycles with non-DOT helmets as illegal. Some other states demand that motorcycle riders wear eye protection while riding.

Besides DOT standards, Snell is another motorcycle helmet regulatory body. If you're keen on buying only the safest helmet, then think about choosing a helmet that is both DOT and Snell approved. These helmets are generally more expensive than those with only DOT approval, but it is mainly due to Snell's higher standard.

If you are also buying a helmet, do well to stick to brand new helmets. Buying used helmets is counterproductive. While they may be cheap, they often come with visible wear and tear. A brand new helmet is more expensive but worth it as it prevents you from spending a lot on head injuries.

While you consider the quality of your helmet, ensure you stick to helmets that fit closely to your chin. Buy only helmet styles from brands that consider sizes. Ensure you confirm the size and quality of a helmet before buying.

Are you looking to buy a new helmet?

If you need a new motorcycle helmet, you should buy from brands that supply quality, DOT-approved, and safe motorcycle helmets like BikerLid. You can shop different styles and designs of motorcycle helmets, including other biking accessories from BikerLid store.