[decipral]

Bradleyd beat me with the AMA Link. I'm in AZ and no helmet law unless under the age of 18.

And to the comment of the gov. shouldn't be mandating safety laws, why do we have a mandatory seat belt law then??? The NTSB's job is to minimize the amount of highway accidents.

 

[shinday]

I agree that it is the responsibility of the rider to wear a helmet, law or not I will protect my melon. It was wierd seeing people without 'em, I had to do a double take. Also, last time I was in Cali...lane splitting...bumper to bumper traffic, I was envious of the bikes that just rode on along not having to sit in it. I don't know if I'd have the balls to lane split though.

 

[Edski]

I agree that it is the responsibility of the rider to wear a helmet, law or not I will protect my melon. It was wierd seeing people without 'em, I had to do a double take. Also, last time I was in Cali...lane splitting...bumper to bumper traffic, I was envious of the bikes that just rode on along not having to sit in it. I don't know if I'd have the balls to lane split though.

We had this debate a little while back... posting old stuff would get you called 'Hitler bike' over here:smilielol5: lane splitting is called filtering here, perfectly legal:thumbsup:

 

[chuxter]

AZ

In AZ, if you are below a certain age, you must wear one. Otherwise, eye protection is the only requirement of the law. (Protect the eye, but not the jello which controls the functions of the eye????)

I personally believe if there are seat belt laws, there should be helmet laws. I believe a (state or fed) government's primary purpose is to serve its people. Secondary is to protect its people...even if it's from themselves. Ironically, m'cycle cops are required to wear helmets on duty, why is that?

Besides, if anything could give you the slightest chance of surviving an accident, why would you not want it, if one claims to love this activity so much???? Live to ride another day, and like it was stated above, the gear is a freakin' awesome compliment to the bike.

I rarely ride to work, but when I do, many stop to make comments about riding ("donor-cycle", "I know so-and-so who died", etc), but they all were initially attracted by the gear hanging up. I could still see the excitement in their eyes, and how they secretly wished they had the courage to do it too. Some even try on the helmet, while lecturing me on how dangerous m'cycling is, but they all say "At least you wear the gear", as they feel the texture of my jacket and "ooh-ah" at my m'cycle calendar.

After every single ride I look at the minute chips in the face shield from the many insects that exploded on it, and I also notice the chips from bouncing rocks that hit the helmet and just thank myself for wearing more than a napkin on my face and some sunglasses.

 

[BlackStreak]

NO HELMET LAWS IN HAWAII. Personally I think even seat belt laws should be at the individuals discretion. AS WELL AS helmet laws. I think the government has an obligation to protect its citizens FROM OTHER CITIZENS, Such as DUI/Assaults/Etc. But when it comes to self protection, I.E. Seat Belt and Helmet laws, they should shut the hell up. What are they gonna ban next? Smoking? Drinking? Sky Diving? they could all fucking kill you, so your not allowed to do them. Now don't get me wrong I wear my helmet every time I get on my bike. Even if it is just to the store down the road for smokes. I wear it partly cause I want to, and partly cause the army says I have to. I would NEVER get on a highway without one. BUT there are the rare occasions when you are riding the strip where I just wish I could skip the lid and cruise.

True Story

 

[rideco]

Oh they are working on smoking too. A new tax goes into affect Apr 1st which is going to raise the cost of a pack by 1$. Which after the last tax increase in CO less then a month ago will bring them to above 6$ a pack. :sifone: while you can....

rideco

 

[punkindave]

I used to live in PA (family still does) They have no helmet laws...

Pennsylvania Law requires that any person who operates or rides a motorcycle must wear protective headgear unless he or she is​

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21 years of age or older and has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calendar years OR has completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. All individuals operating a motorcycle on a learner's permit must wear a helmet regardless of age.
The operator or occupant of a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab is exempt from wearing a helmet. In response to this law the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation developed regulations for the minimum performance requirements for helmets
designed for use by motorcyclists. Additionally, the regulations specify how the helmet shall be labeled to help identify a helmet that meets both the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 218) and Pennsylvania regulations (Title 67, Chapter 107) for helmets.

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-pub7206.pdf
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[nickmweb]

http://www.bikersrights.com/states/50state.html

 

[Juggz675]

NO HELMET LAWS IN HAWAII. Personally I think even seat belt laws should be at the individuals discretion. AS WELL AS helmet laws. I think the government has an obligation to protect its citizens FROM OTHER CITIZENS, Such as DUI/Assaults/Etc. y

I thought this was an interesting statement. So if the government has an obligation to protects its citizens FROM OTHER CITIZENS, such as DUI, do you not think that requiring a seltbelt law does that? Just curious.

I personally believe that gear is essential and those that do not wear it are.... where is Canyondancer on this topic???lol.

But, its their noggin. I do think that if a rider does not choose to wear minimal gear, then taxpayer dollars/insurance premiums should not be placed on us. The rider decided not to wear gear, THEY are responsible for all the $$$ obligations.

 

[TimTuned]

Everyone is entitled to their own say. When it comes to personal safety, I will take all the necessary precautions to ensure my own health (I will always wear a helmet, even for a test ride around the block). Even though I think everyone should wear a helmet, I don't agree that everyone should be mandated to (freedom of choice/expression, the construct of the constitution and federal regulations imply the least restrictive means while states may go on to further protect rights). It could be that not wearing a helmet is seen as symbolic speech or speech plus?

Using my state for an example, we have seat belt laws; however, an officer may not pull you over and issue a seat belt violation by itself. A seat belt violation must be coupled with another "legitimate" traffic infraction/violation. Kind of weird, eh? Actually, my city is having a debate over legislation about helmet laws now! The argument was that a no helmet law would bring in more motorcycle tourism. :smilielol5:

Lastly, please wear a helmet! It's your fundamental right of choice, but come on! We already take a huge risk by riding a machine that only has two wheels with the capability to exceed 100+ mph in seconds. There's no need to take anymore additional risks!

 

[Edski]

Oh they are working on smoking too. A new tax goes into affect Apr 1st which is going to raise the cost of a pack by 1$. Which after the last tax increase in CO less then a month ago will bring them to above 6$ a pack. :sifone: while you can....

rideco

£5.70 pack of 20 here - roughly - that's $8 at today's exchange rate. It doesn't bother me in the least as I hate smoking.

Sorry for the derail, back on track - helmet law - not questioned here at all, it's been compulsory since the early 1970s.

 

[DecepticonDon]

Here in Georgia helmets are mandatory for all motorcyclists but in South Carolina...your head magically gets harder after you turn 21 so you don't have to wear a helmet.

So you can use it as a frame slider.

 

[tritriple]

Illinois has rider discretion for helmets as well. I wear one most of the time, but do enjoy putting around the back roads on one of my vintage bikes w/o a helmet on a nice summer morning. I've always been one to roll the dice even with my personal safety.

 

[old blue]

Helmets are mandatory with no rider discretion/age clauses over here in the land of Oz.

I always wear one. Spent a long time staring at the smashed front of the AGV I was wearing when a Volvo took me out back when I was 16. I'd be dead/even uglier/eating baby food through a nose tube had I not been wearing it. I won't even risk an open face helmet - I wear the very best full face lid I can buy, every ride.

How did the old catchcry go....."If you've got a $10 head, where a $10 helmet."

Sermon ends (HERE)

O.B

 

[DieselDan]

In Mass we must have a helmet but in Rhode Island where I ride alot we dont but I still wear mine.

 

[benroe]

We have a helmet law here in TN, but go to KY and the helmets mysteriously fall off.

 

[Grady]

Ths is the type of debate the Peoples Front of Judea would have if they rode motorcycles and didn't want to wear a lid.

 

[nb_mitch]

No helmet laws here in Florida.... all kinds of idiots out running around without them, mainly Harley's and the like but you see crotch rockets without them too

Actually Florida does have a helmet law. You have to wear a helmet if you are under 21 and you have to wear eye protection at all times, but beyond that I think you can be pretty much naked w/sunglasses and still be legal :nod:

Now here in Arkansas, we have the same law as Florida:

"All passengers and operators of motorcycles and motor-driven cycles used upon the public streets and highways of this state shall be equipped with the following equipment under standards set forth by the Office of Motor Vehicle of the State of Arkansas:
(1) Protective headgear unless the person is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; and

(2) Protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields."

But, I see we may have a new law coming, one I wouldn't mind either, if you want to ride w/o a helmet, you should have insurance :nod:

Arkansas Helmet Law

 

[fabtaco05]

well there you have it, lol. I guess I didnt pay that much attention to it because I always wear one anyway and I am over 21 so it wouldn't effect me anyway. But you see ALOT of squids running around with no helmet's around here!

 

[fast4fun]

Too many replies to read them all so I apologize if this is repeat information. But, the AMA has a page on their site dedicated to helmet laws. It's easy to use and essential information if you're planning a multi state trip.