Which states require motorcycle helmet use and do those laws come with other compliance standards? While there are some 6 million motorcyclists riding the open highway, the laws of motorcycle helmet use vary from state to state. Certain states mandate everything from the style, material to the grade of thickness of a helmet. In 21 states, laws require motorcyclists to wear helmets:
• Alabama
• California
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over fifty percent of American motorcyclists used DOT-compliant helmets in 2006. That's roughly a three percent growth rate from 2005. On the contrary, the same research study showed that the non-compliant helmet use continues to hold at 14 percent.
Non-compliant helmets include any of the following:
• Insufficient thickness
• Inadequate protection coverage
• Lack of cushion and head trauma protection
Across the country, the number of motorcycle riders using a helmet during rush hour has plummeted to 42 percent.
During 2006, the west coast saw a significant improvement in the use of DOT-compliant helmets (72 percent)
