New Mexico: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
New Mexico requires helmets only for motorcycle riders and passengers under 18.
Operators under 18 must wear a helmet that meets state standards, and no one may carry a passenger under 18 who isn't wearing one. Adults 18 and older, whether driving or riding as passengers, are not required to wear a helmet. Autocycles are exempt from the helmet rule.
What the law says
A. No person under the age of eighteen shall operate a motorcycle unless the person is wearing a safety helmet that is securely fastened on the person's head in a normal manner as headgear and that meets the standards specified by the secretary. ... No person shall carry any passenger under the age of eighteen on any motorcycle unless the passenger is wearing a securely fastened safety helmet, as specified in this section, meeting the standards specified by the secretary.
Sources
- NMSA 1978, § 66-7-356 (FindLaw) Mirror of official text · codes.findlaw.com
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- New Mexico Department of Transportation, Traffic Safety Division
- Website
- dot.nm.gov
How bordering states compare
- Arizona Only some ridersArizona requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and passengers under 18.
- Colorado Only some ridersColorado requires helmets only for motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18.
- Oklahoma Only some ridersOklahoma requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and riders under 18.
- Texas Only some ridersTexas requires helmets for riders under 21; riders 21 and older are exempt with a safety course or health insurance.
- Utah Only some ridersUtah requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and passengers under 21.
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