Nebraska: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
Nebraska requires helmets for riders under 21 and for adults who haven't completed a required safety course.
Since 2023, operators 21 or older may ride without a helmet if they completed an approved safety course (which course depends on when they got their Class M license) or hold another state's motorcycle license. A passenger 21 or older may skip the helmet only if the operator also qualifies. All operators must use eye protection, such as glasses, goggles, a face shield or a windshield.
Conditions
- Age 21 or older to ride without a helmet
- Operator must have completed an approved safety course or hold another state's motorcycle license
- Eye protection required for operators
What the law says
(1) A person shall not operate a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless such person is: ... (b)(i) At least twenty-one years of age; and (ii)(A) Has a Nebraska Class M license and received such Class M license prior to May 1, 2024, and has completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation three-hour Basic eCourse and submitted proof of such completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles. ... (2) A person shall not be a passenger on a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless: (a) Such person is wearing a protective helmet described in subdivision (1)(a) of this section; or (b)(i) Such person is at least twenty-one years of age; and (ii) The person operating the motorcycle or moped is a person described in subdivision (1)(b) of this section.
Sources
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,279 Official · nebraskalegislature.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
- Phone
- 402-471-3985
- Website
- dmv.nebraska.gov
How bordering states compare
- Colorado Only some ridersColorado requires helmets only for motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18.
- Iowa No helmet lawIowa has no motorcycle helmet law for riders or passengers of any age.
- Kansas Only some ridersKansas requires helmets only for motorcycle riders and passengers under 18.
- Missouri Only some ridersMissouri requires helmets for riders under 26 and for anyone riding on an instruction permit.
- South Dakota Only some ridersSouth Dakota requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and passengers under 18.
- Wyoming Only some ridersWyoming requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and passengers under 18.