Michigan: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
Michigan requires helmets unless the rider is 21 or older and meets experience or training and insurance conditions.
An operator 21 or older may ride without a helmet only if they have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least 2 years or passed an approved safety course, and carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits. A passenger 21 or older may skip the helmet if the passenger or operator has that coverage. Everyone under 21 must wear one. Separately, moped riders under 19 must wear a helmet.
Conditions
- Age 21 or older to ride without a helmet
- Operator: endorsement held 2+ years or approved safety course
- At least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage
What the law says
Except as provided in subsection (5), a person operating or riding on a motorcycle shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. ... The following conditions apply to a person 21 years of age or older operating or riding on a motorcycle, as applicable: (a) A person who is operating a motorcycle is not required to wear a crash helmet on his or her head if he or she has had a motorcycle endorsement on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license for not less than 2 years or the person passes a motorcycle safety course conducted under section 811a or 811b and satisfies the requirements of subdivision (c).
Sources
- MCL 257.658 Official · legislature.mi.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Michigan Department of State
- Website
- michigan.gov
How bordering states compare
- Indiana Only some ridersIndiana requires helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers under 18, and for anyone riding on a motorcycle learner's permit.
- Ohio Only some ridersOhio requires helmets for riders under 18, riders with a novice license or endorsement, and passengers riding with them.
- Wisconsin Only some ridersWisconsin requires helmets only for riders under 18 and for anyone riding on an instruction permit.