Massachusetts · MA · Vehicles
Massachusetts: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
All riders
Massachusetts requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet.
The rule covers riders in a sidecar too. An operator may not carry a passenger who is not wearing a helmet. The only exception is for riders 18 or older taking part in a properly permitted public parade.
Conditions
- Helmet must meet Registry of Motor Vehicles standards
- Parade exception applies only to riders 18 or older in a permitted parade
What the law says
Every person operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle shall wear protective head gear ... except that no protective head gear shall be required if the motorcyclist is participating in a properly permitted public parade and is 18 years of age or older.
Sources
- Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 7 Official · malegislature.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
- Website
- mass.gov
How bordering states compare
- Connecticut Only some ridersSince October 1, 2025, Connecticut has required helmets for motorcycle drivers and passengers under 21.
- New Hampshire Only some ridersNew Hampshire requires helmets only for motorcycle riders under 18.
- New York All ridersNew York requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet that meets the federal safety standard.
- Rhode Island Only some ridersRhode Island requires helmets for operators under 21, all new operators for their first year, and every passenger.
- Vermont All ridersVermont requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
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