Table 2-5: Helmet Use Laws: 2004

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¹ Laws in effect as of July 1, 2004; ² Alaska's motorcycle helmet use law covers passengers of all ages, drivers younger than 18, and drivers with instructional permits; ³ Florida, Kentucky, and Texas provide exceptions for riders over a certain age. In Florida and Kentucky, the law requires that all riders younger than 21 years wear helmets, without exception. In Florida, those 21 years and older may ride without helmets only if they can show proof that they are covered by a medical insurance policy. Texas exempts riders 21 years and older if they can prove they either have successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or if they can show proof of having a medical insurance policy; ⁴ Motorcycle helmet laws in Kentucky, Minnesota, and Wisconsin also cover drivers with instructional or learner's permits; ⁵ Law became effective August 15, 2004; ⁶ Maine's motorcycle helmet use law covers passengers 14 years and younger, drivers with learner's permits, and passengers if their drivers are required to wear a helmet;

⁷ North Dakota's motorcycle helmet use law covers all passengers travelling with drivers who are covered by the law; ⁸ Ohio's motorcycle helmet use law covers all drivers during the first year of licensure and all passengers; ⁹ Pennsylvania's motorcycle helmet use law covers all drivers during the first two years of licensure unless the driver has completed the safety course approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation; ¹⁰ Rhode Island's motorcycle helmet use law covers all drivers during the first year of licensure and all passengers; ¹¹ Bicycle helmet use laws in Massachusetts and New York prohibit people from transporting passengers younger than 1 year old.

SOURCE: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety-Highway Loss Data Institute, Helmet Use Laws, available at http://www.hwysafety.org/safety_facts/state_laws/helmet_use.htm as of July 22, 2004.