Indiana: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
Indiana requires helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers under 18, and for anyone riding on a motorcycle learner's permit.
Licensed riders 18 and older, and adult passengers, are not required to wear a helmet. Riders under 18 must also wear glasses, goggles, or a face shield. Learner's permit holders must wear a helmet, may ride only in daylight hours, and may not carry passengers.
Conditions
- Helmet and eye protection required under 18 (operators and passengers)
- Helmet required for learner's permit holders
What the law says
An individual less than eighteen (18) years of age who is operating or riding on a motorcycle or motor driven cycle on the streets or highways shall do the following: (1) Wear a helmet that meets the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 CFR 571.218 as in effect January 1, 1979. ... A motorcycle learner's permit authorizes the holder to operate a motorcycle upon a highway under the following conditions: (1) The holder wears a helmet that meets the standards described in 49 CFR 571.218 as in effect January 1, 2000.
Sources
- Indiana Code § 9-19-7-1 (FindLaw) Mirror of official text · codes.findlaw.com
- Indiana Code § 9-24-8-3 (FindLaw) Mirror of official text · codes.findlaw.com
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Traffic Safety Division
- Phone
- 1-800-457-8283
- Website
- in.gov
How bordering states compare
- Illinois No helmet lawIllinois has no motorcycle helmet law; riders and passengers must wear eye protection instead.
- Kentucky Only some ridersKentucky requires helmets for riders and passengers under 21, permit holders, and riders licensed less than one year.
- Michigan Only some ridersMichigan requires helmets unless the rider is 21 or older and meets experience or training and insurance conditions.
- Ohio Only some ridersOhio requires helmets for riders under 18, riders with a novice license or endorsement, and passengers riding with them.