Motorcycle Rider Education & Endorsements

Helmet Exemption

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In an effort to answer questions our department has received regarding the motorcycle helmet exemption law, we provide the following information.

Exemption eligibility

Only the following individuals are eligible for the motorcycle helmet exemption law:

  • 21 years of age or older and
  • covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits…

The exemption law went into effect…

The law went into effect on July 1, 2000.

Proof of insurance required

The department is advising law enforcement to accept a health insurance card (or actual policy or declarations page) from a HMO or Blue Cross/Blue Shield or some other recognized health insurance provider as proof. The card must show current insurance.

In addition, limited motorcycle medical coverage will also suffice. Contact your insurance carrier for more information. However, PIP coverage under a personal passenger vehicle policy would be insufficient for either the operator or passenger on the motorcycle.

Can I get stopped by law enforcement just for not wearing a helmet?

A trooper or other law enforcement officer may stop a motorcycle operator or passenger riding without a helmet based on reasonable suspicion the operator or rider is under 21. A law enforcement officer should not stop someone riding a motorcycle without a helmet only to check his or her age.
Read the department’s legal opinion in its entirety. You will need Acrobat reader to view.