Maryland · MD · Vehicles
Maryland: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
All riders
Maryland requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
The only exception is for people riding in an enclosed cab. Operators must also wear approved eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windscreen. Not wearing a helmet cannot be used to reduce damages in most unrelated civil lawsuits.
Conditions
- Enclosed-cab exception
What the law says
This section does not apply to any person riding in an enclosed cab. ... An individual may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless the individual is wearing protective headgear that meets the standards established by the Administrator.
Sources
- Md. Code, Transportation § 21-1306 Official · mgaleg.maryland.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA)
- Phone
- 410-768-7000
- Website
- mva.maryland.gov
How bordering states compare
- Delaware Only some ridersDelaware requires helmets for riders up to age 19 and for riders in their first two years of a motorcycle endorsement.
- Pennsylvania Only some ridersPennsylvania lets riders 21 and older skip a helmet if they have two years of licensed riding or completed an approved safety course.
- Virginia All ridersVirginia requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
- West Virginia All ridersWest Virginia requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet, regardless of age.