Comprehensive Legal Guidance, Across New York

Does New York have a mandatory helmet law?

On Behalf of | May 2, 2019 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

The subject of donning a helmet before you start off on your motorcycle can be a contentious one since many riders prefer to ride with the wind coursing through their hair. However, no matter where one stands on the issue, riders should be aware that many states have a law that has something to say about who should put on a helmet while riding a motorcycle, including the state of New York. In fact, New York’s helmet law may be farther reaching than most states.

Ride Apart explains that helmet laws are distinguished by who is required to wear a helmet while riding on a motorcycle. A few states do not require anyone to wear a helmet, but for those states that do, the exact parties who need to wear helmets vary. Some states necessitate that you must wear a helmet if you are under the age of 18. Other states will bump the age up to 21. And then there are state laws that stipulate everyone who rides on a motorcycle must don a helmet.

There are not many states that impose universal helmet requirements. As of April 2019, Washington D.C. and nineteen states have these laws. If you ride a motorcycle in the state of New York, you just happen to live in one of the nineteen states. So whether you are riding through the Bronx, cross over into Long Island, or journey beyond the boundaries of metro New York City into the upstate region, state law is clear: you must wear a helmet.

Motorcycle helmets are not a failsafe against serious injury, but they can offer needed protection in the event you run into an irresponsible driver on a New York road. Motorcycle accidents can be caused by all sorts of different circumstances. For this reason, you should not read this article as legal advice. It is only intended to give you general information about motorcycle accident topics in the state of New York.

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