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If you cross state lines do you need a helmet?

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:55 am
by flw
I found a link to a list of all states and if they require a helmet or not and by age. See http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws ... _laws.html

Safe traveling as we get closer to a traveling holiday.

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:02 am
by Andrew
Good info. Thanks.

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 2:20 am
by storysunfolding
...I thought maryland didn't have a helmet law. Is this up to date?

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:41 am
by Scoutmedic
Great Link!

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 3:56 am
by storysunfolding
storysunfolding wrote:...I thought maryland didn't have a helmet law. Is this up to date?
Checked out the Maryland MVA website. Apparently you do need a helmet in MD.. I guess I just see alot of people up there that don't wear one.

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:24 am
by Lion_Lady
storysunfolding wrote:...I thought maryland didn't have a helmet law. Is this up to date?
YES, you are required to wear a helmet in MD. Must be DOT approved, min.

P

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:57 am
by Sev
As I understand it, you need to wear your helmet if the state has helmet laws stating that you must. Doesn't matter where you are from, why you are there, or how long you're going to be there. Gotta have a lid.

However, I suspect that some places have more lax helmet laws eg. Alberta requires a DOT skullcap at the least with the 1.5 or 2 inches of foam padding. Where-as BC I've seen guys with what looks like a leather cap with a chin strap on it.

It all depends upon the laws of the state.

And personally I'll always wear my fullface... only time I don't is when I pull my bike into the garage after opening the door.

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 4:17 pm
by blues2cruise
In some states you only need a helmet if you are under 20 or under 17 or if you're a learner.
I think Colorado had no helmet law at all.

It's best to check each individual state before you go there. On the other, if you always wear your helmet, you won't have any problems. :)

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:08 pm
by jmillheiser
there is a reason why the sturgis crowd does NOT go through nebraska on their way to strugis. Nebarska is a helmet law state.

Helmet laws dont really concern me much. I always wear a fullface even if the law doesn't require it (like here in wyoming).

Wyoming only requires helmets for those under 18, colorado has no helmet law of any kind (I have seen children riding pillion in CO with no helmets), South Dakota has no helmet law, Nebraska requires a DOT approved helmet.

The Helmet State Map I Used On My Recent Cross Country Trip

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:58 pm
by CTLawyer
Try this map for a quick reference. I am confident it is correct as I checked most of the states and they have them right.
http://www.fastfreds.com/helmetlawmap.htm