Is it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in PA? Penalties for breaking any traffic law in Pennsylvania are steep. That makes it important to understand Pennsylvania law. The personal injury law firm of Randy H. Kaplan Law Offices explains whether it’s legal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in PA.
Is it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in PA?
No, it is not illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in PA. Motorcycle drivers who are over 21 years old and who have been licensed to drive a motorcycle for two years may ride without a helmet. A driver who is over 21 years old may complete a safety course instead of the two-year requirement. In addition, a passenger may ride without a helmet if they are at least 21 years old. Only in these cases, it is not illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in PA.
Do you need a helmet to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania?
Some riders need a helmet to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania. Helmet laws apply to all drivers and passengers under the age of 21. They also apply to drivers over 21 who have not completed an approved safety course or who have not had their motorcycle license for at least two years. The general rule is that adults over 21 do not need a helmet to ride a motorcycle in Pennsylvania as long as they meet the requirement of having a license for two years or taking a valid safety course.
Motorcycle helmets and accidents in Pennsylvania
Whether or not a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet may become a very important question in the event of an accident. The motorcyclist may argue that it shouldn’t matter that they weren’t wearing a helmet especially if the law doesn’t require them to wear it. The at-fault driver may argue that the motorcycle rider may have had fewer injuries and damages if only they had worn a helmet. Each side may have very strong opinions about whether or not evidence of the motorcyclist not wearing a helmet should come in at trial.
In Pennsylvania, the answer isn’t entirely clear. Some states answer the question by creating a direct, written law about whether the jury can consider whether or not the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a law like that for motorcycle helmets. If you’re in an accident, and not wearing a helmet is an issue, it’s extremely important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney in order to protect your interests and fight for your rights.
Talk to our personal injury law firm
The personal injury attorney team at Randy H. Kaplan Law Offices is accepting new cases. If you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident, get the experienced lawyers who fight for justice. There’s no cost to talk to our legal team, and we’re prepared to fight for you. Call us today.
