Oregon · OR · Vehicles
Oregon: Do adults have to wear motorcycle helmets?
All riders
Oregon requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear a motorcycle helmet.
Separate offenses cover operators and passengers, with no age limit. Not wearing a helmet is a Class D traffic violation. The only exemptions are for riders in an enclosed cab, or on a three-wheeled vehicle going under 15 mph.
What the law says
(1) A person commits the offense of failure of a motorcycle operator to wear a motorcycle helmet if the person operates a motorcycle and is not wearing a motorcycle helmet. ... (1) A person commits the offense of failure of a motorcycle passenger to wear a motorcycle helmet if the person rides as a passenger on a motorcycle and is not wearing a motorcycle helmet.
Sources
- ORS 814.269, 814.275 and 814.290 (2025 Edition) Official · oregonlegislature.gov
- ORS 814.290 (public.law) Mirror of official text · oregon.public.law
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Oregon Department of Transportation, Motorcycle Safety Program
- Website
- oregon.gov
How bordering states compare
- California All ridersCalifornia requires every motorcycle driver and passenger to wear a safety helmet, regardless of age.
- Idaho Only some ridersIdaho requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and riders under 18.
- Nevada All ridersNevada requires every motorcycle and moped driver and passenger to wear a helmet.
- Washington All ridersWashington requires every motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped rider to wear a helmet, regardless of age.