Pennsylvania Helmet Law Attorney

Motorcycle riders over the age of 21 aren’t legally required to wear a helmet in Pennsylvania. However, the Pittsburgh helmet law attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates have seen many injury cases caused by motorcycle riders without a helmet. Experts say about one third of motorcycle riders around the country don’t wear helmets, but the trend has led to a rise in head and facial injuries. If you are injured in a motorcycle or bike accident, contact the Pennsylvania motorcycle helmet law lawyers at Hal Waldman & Associates to discuss your case.

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Helmet Law

While the helmet law has been in place for years, there are some qualifications before you can ride without a helmet:

Who Can Ride Without a Helmet in Pennsylvania?

Motorcyclists who are 21 year or older are generally not required to wear a helmet so long as they meet one of two criteria. First, motorcyclists who are 21 years or older who have been riding a motorcycle for 2 years or more are not required to wear a helmet. Or, second, a motorcyclist (who is 21 years or older) who has completed a rider safety class that has been approved by the PA Department of Motor Vehicles or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

Do Passengers Need to Wear Helmets?

Certain motorcycle passengers may also ride without a helmet. Motorcycle passengers who are 21 years or older may ride without a helmet so long as the driver of the motorcycle is not required to wear a helmet. Put another way, if the motorcycle operator must wear a helmet, the same goes for the passenger.

Under 21 Motorcycle Drivers

All motorcycle operators under 21 years of age are required to wear a helmet regardless of whether or not they have taken and passed a driver safety course.

Motorcycle Learner’s Permits

Motorcycle operators who are still subject to a learner’s permit are required to wear a helmet. When the learner’s permit period ends, the motorcyclist is then subject to the other rules set forth above in this article (regarding age, length of riding experience or passage of safety class).

Eye Protection on Motorcycles

Every operator or passenger on a motorcycle must wear eye protection that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles.

3-wheeled Motorcycles

People who operate or are passengers in a 3 wheeled motorcycle do not have to wear a helmet, so long as the vehicle has an enclosed cab.

How to Choose a Helmet Law Attorney

If you or a family member have been injured in an accident as a result of Pennsylvania helmet law, contact our attorneys to set up a free consultation. Our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys will fight to win you the biggest settlement possible.