If you ride a motorcycle anywhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you must comply with all the rules and restrictions under state law. One of the most important of these rules is the one addressing the use of protective helmets by riders. Helmets are crucial in preventing life-altering injuries in the event of an accident.
If you were recently injured in a motorcycle wreck caused by someone else, talk to an experienced lawyer about the relevant Bensalem motorcycle helmet laws and regulations. Regardless of the circumstances, Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can review your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Do Motorcycle Riders Have to Wear Helmets?
Although many states require all motorcycle operators and riders to wear helmets, Pennsylvania is not one of them. Pennsylvania law requires helmet use for all riders under the age of 21. The law only requires helmets for riders over 21 if they have been operating motorcycles for less than two years or have not completed a safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Furthermore, Pennsylvania law does not require anyone operating or riding inside an autocycle or a three-wheeled motorcycle with an enclosed cab to wear a helmet, regardless of age or experience level. Any passenger over the age of 21 who is riding with a motorcyclist exempt from the helmet requirement can also ride without a helmet on.
Specific Requirements for Motorcycle Helmets
Anyone legally required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Bensalem must specifically wear a helmet approved by the federal Department of Transportation. It should have a “DOT” sticker somewhere on the outside, as well as a label on the inside or the exterior including the following information:
- The helmet’s size
- The manufacturer’s name
- The identifying number or figure for the helmet’s manufacturer model
- The month and year that the helmet was manufactured
Pennsylvania law also requires all riders to wear eye protection while riding unless they are wearing a helmet with a windscreen attached. While other motorcycle-safe equipment like a leather or denim jacket, closed-toed shoes, leather gloves, and fitted long pants can all help reduce the risk of serious injury from a motorcycle accident, no law in Pennsylvania requires that operators or riders wear them.
Talk to a Bensalem Attorney About Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Even if you are not legally required to wear a helmet while on your motorcycle, doing so is highly advised. Proper safety equipment can protect you from a traumatic brain injury or serious facial laceration if you get into a wreck. This can be especially important if your wreck was caused by someone else acting recklessly or carelessly. In this situation, a seasoned attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for the harm you should’ve never suffered.
If you have further questions about how Bensalem motorcycle helmet laws could potentially affect your civil claim, one of the dedicated attorneys at our firm can answer them during a free consultation. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to discuss your case.
