Florida: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
Florida requires helmets for riders under 21 and for older riders without at least $10,000 in motorcycle-crash medical insurance.
The general rule requires every operator and passenger to wear a helmet meeting federal standard FMVSS 218. Riders over 21 may skip it if an insurance policy gives them at least $10,000 in medical benefits for motorcycle crash injuries. Riders 16 and older on motorcycles of 50cc or less, and riders in an enclosed cab, are exempt. All operators must wear eye protection.
Conditions
- Riders under 21 must wear a helmet
- Riders over 21 without $10,000 in medical coverage for motorcycle crashes must wear a helmet
- All operators must wear eye protection
What the law says
A person may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head which complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218 promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation. ... Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head if such person is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
Sources
- Fla. Stat. § 316.211 Official · flsenate.gov
- FLHSMV Motorcycle Safety Official · flhsmv.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Phone
- 850-617-2000
- Website
- flhsmv.gov