While wearing helmets is a wise choice when cycling, it’s important to note that not all states mandate their use. In fact, bike helmet laws by state vary, with many focusing on protecting the mental development of young riders.

Bike Helmet Laws by State to Know

Understanding bike helmet laws by state can help us better prepare for bike excursions while we travel the country. The National Institutes of Health estimates that helmets reduce head injury by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, and traumatic brain injury by 53%.

It’s pretty easy to see why helmets are important, especially for kids. ProLids are designed to absorb the shock from a crash so that the head doesn’t take as much. The outer shell, the inner lining, and the straps all play a big role in protecting our heads in the event of a crash.

ProLids are also designed to be more fun for kids to wear, offering a different style of helmet they enjoy. They can even customize the helmets with stickers and artwork, making the helmet more exciting. Most states require children to wear helmets. However, state laws do differ in some states.

States That Require Helmets

Some states in the US will require people to wear helmets, though the laws vary depending on age, activity, and even the city you’re riding in. However, it is a safer choice to pack a helmet if you plan on riding in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

However, not every state has statewide helmet laws. It is important to note that statewide laws may not be implemented, but some cities may still require a helmet.

How State Laws Work

Bike helmet laws by state vary greatly. For example, some states have statewide laws that require helmets, but only for certain age groups. Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Tennessee require kids under 16 to wear helmets while riding bikes.

California, Delaware, and New Mexico all require kids and teens under 18 to wear helmets. Louisiana and Pennsylvania require kids under 12 to wear a helmet. New Jersey requires kids under 17 to wear helmets; for New York, it’s 14, and for West Virginia, it’s 15 years old.

States That Don’t Require Helmets

Most states require helmets, and things can get even trickier when looking into localities. Some states don’t even require helmets for riders. Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming don’t have state laws requiring helmets.

However, all states recommend that kids and teens under 18 wear helmets. In fact, there are no statewide laws requiring a helmet in Washington or Missouri. However, many cities in these two states require helmets, depending on age.

Wearing a bike helmet is considered a personal choice in these states. However, it’s hard to believe that some people decide not to protect themselves in a crash, especially with statistics like those above.