Oklahoma · OK · Vehicles
Oklahoma: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
Only some riders
Oklahoma requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and riders under 18.
Anyone under 18 who operates or rides on a motorcycle must wear a helmet meeting federal standard FMVSS 218. Riders 18 and older are not required to wear one. Operators must wear eye protection or face shields if the motorcycle has no windshield.
Conditions
- Eye protection or face shield required for operators of motorcycles without a windshield
What the law says
B. No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall operate or ride upon any motorcycle unless such person is properly wearing a crash helmet of a type which complies with standards established by 49 C.F.R., Section 571.218.
Sources
- 47 O.S. § 12-609, as set out in Enrolled House Bill 1021 (2025) Official · oklegislature.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Oklahoma Highway Safety Office
- Phone
- 405-523-1570
- Website
- oklahoma.gov
How bordering states compare
- Arkansas Only some ridersArkansas requires protective headgear for motorcycle operators and passengers under 21.
- Colorado Only some ridersColorado requires helmets only for motorcycle drivers and passengers under 18.
- 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.
- New Mexico Only some ridersNew Mexico requires helmets only for motorcycle riders and passengers 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.