Alabama · AL · Vehicles
Alabama: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
All riders
Alabama requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear approved protective headgear, regardless of age.
The rule covers motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, and riders must also wear shoes. People riding inside an enclosed cab are exempt, and autocycle operators are currently exempt too. A 2026 bill (HB56) proposed ending the autocycle exemption; its outcome was not confirmed.
What the law says
No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he or she is wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by Section 32-12-41. ... This section shall not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab.
Sources
- Code of Ala. § 32-5A-245, existing text as reproduced in 2026 HB56 (introduced) Official · alison.legislature.state.al.us
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- Website
- alea.gov
How bordering states compare
- Florida Only some ridersFlorida requires helmets for riders under 21 and for older riders without at least $10,000 in motorcycle-crash medical insurance.
- Georgia All ridersGeorgia requires every motorcycle operator and rider to wear approved protective headgear, regardless of age.
- Mississippi All ridersMississippi requires every motorcycle and motor scooter rider to wear a helmet.
- Tennessee All ridersTennessee requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet, regardless of age.