Idaho: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
Idaho requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and riders under 18.
Adults 18 and older, whether driving or riding as a passenger, are not required to wear a helmet. The under-18 rule also covers motorbikes, UTVs, and ATVs, but not riding on private property or farm use. The fine is $50 and does not add points to a driving record.
Conditions
- Helmet required under 18 (operators and passengers)
What the law says
No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall ride upon or be permitted to operate a motorcycle, motorbike, utility type vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle unless at all times when so operating or riding upon the vehicle he is wearing, as part of his motorcycle, motorbike, UTV or ATV equipment, a protective safety helmet of a type and quality equal to or better than the standards established for helmets by the director.
Sources
- Idaho Code § 49-666 Official · legislature.idaho.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Idaho Transportation Department, Office of Highway Safety
- Phone
- (208) 334-8000
- Website
- itd.idaho.gov
How bordering states compare
- Montana Only some ridersMontana requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and passengers under 18.
- Nevada All ridersNevada requires every motorcycle and moped driver and passenger to wear a helmet.
- Oregon All ridersOregon requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a motorcycle helmet.
- Utah Only some ridersUtah requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and passengers under 21.
- Washington All ridersWashington requires every motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped rider to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
- Wyoming Only some ridersWyoming requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and passengers under 18.