Arkansas · AR · Vehicles
Arkansas: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
Only some riders
Arkansas requires protective headgear for motorcycle operators and passengers under 21.
Riders 21 and older may go without a helmet. The same section requires all riders to have protective glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield. It also covers motor-driven cycles and motorized bicycles.
Conditions
- Riders under 21 must wear a helmet
- All riders need eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield)
What the law says
All passengers and operators of motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and motorized bicycles used upon the public streets and highways of this state shall be equipped with the following equipment under standards set forth by the Office of Motor Vehicle: ... Protective headgear unless the person is twenty-one (21) years of age or older; and
Sources
- Ark. Code Ann. § 27-20-104(b) Mirror of official text · codes.findlaw.com
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Arkansas State Police, Highway Safety Office
- Website
- dps.arkansas.gov
How bordering states compare
- Louisiana All ridersLouisiana requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
- Mississippi All ridersMississippi requires every motorcycle and motor scooter rider to wear a helmet.
- Missouri Only some ridersMissouri requires helmets for riders under 26 and for anyone riding on an instruction permit.
- Oklahoma Only some ridersOklahoma requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and riders under 18.
- Tennessee All ridersTennessee requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
- Texas Only some ridersTexas requires helmets for riders under 21; riders 21 and older are exempt with a safety course or health insurance.