New Hampshire · NH · Vehicles
New Hampshire: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
Only some riders
New Hampshire requires helmets only for motorcycle riders under 18.
New Hampshire is often listed as having no helmet law, but riders and passengers under 18 must wear one. Adults 18 and older may ride without a helmet. An operator who carries an unhelmeted passenger under 18 commits a violation.
Conditions
- Riders under 18 must wear a helmet with a neck or chin strap
What the law says
I. No person less than 18 years of age may drive or ride upon a motorcycle or autocycle unless he or she wears protective headgear of a type approved by the director.
Sources
- N.H. RSA 265:122 Official · gc.nh.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
- Website
- dmv.nh.gov
How bordering states compare
- Maine Only some ridersMaine requires helmets for riders under 18, new riders on a permit or in their first licensed year, and their passengers.
- Massachusetts All ridersMassachusetts requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet.
- Vermont All ridersVermont requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a helmet, regardless of age.
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