Wearing a safety helmet while riding a motorcycle is a small act that can have a big impact on how likely you are to suffer a severe brain or neck injury in the event of a wreck. Not every state takes the same approach towards requiring—or not requiring—motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets when on public roads, and the laws governing what safety gear you have to wear can change depending on where you ride.
Understanding York motorcycle helmet laws can be key to protecting yourself from physical harm if you get into a wreck and your right to sue someone who negligently causes a collision. Our skilled motorcycle crash lawyers can go into further detail about Pennsylvania laws on head protection during a private consultation.
What Kinds of Motorcycle Gear Are Required?
75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3525 specifically addresses motorcycle helmets and other gear required for motorcycle riders in York. The actual text of this statute says that every motorcycle or motor-driven cycle rider has to wear a helmet complying with the safety standards for motorcycle helmets set by the federal Department of Transportation. There are a few exceptions to this requirement.
This statute also states that all motorcycle riders must wear some form of eye protection at all times while riding unless they’re inside the enclosed cab of a three-wheeled motorcycle. If a rider is already wearing an approved safety helmet, a shatterproof visor attached to that helmet meets this eye protection requirement. Other acceptable forms of eye protection include windshields installed onto the motorcycle, goggles, and face shields, provided they are made of shatterproof material.
Exemptions From the Motorcycle Helmet Requirements
In addition to the eye protection rule, people operating or riding in three-wheeled motorcycles with enclosed cabs aren’t required to wear motorcycle helmets while riding. Passengers on motorcycles over 21 are exempt from the helmet requirements, as are operators over 21 who have had their motorcycle operator’s license for at least two years or have completed a state-approved motorcycle safety course.
However, both operators and passengers on motorcycles who are under 21 are required to wear safety helmets no matter when they get their license or what safety courses they have completed. If applicable, our lawyers can explain specific local requirements and restrictions for motorcycle helmets in York during a confidential meeting.
Learn More About Motorcycle Helmet Laws from a York Attorney
Even if you’re not legally required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, it’s still a better idea to wear one than it is to go without. On top of reducing your risk of a catastrophic and potentially fatal injury, you can also avoid the possibility of a court finding you partially at fault for an injury because wearing a helmet may have prevented it—even if the accident itself is entirely someone else’s fault.
If you have further questions about York motorcycle helmet laws, a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer can give you the answers and information you need. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to learn more during a free, no-obligation consultation.
