Of the fifty states, there are only four that do not have any helmet laws in place. In Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire riders and their passengers can ride without a helmet at any age and any time. Most states have some type of helmet laws in place often requiring wear by minor riders and passengers. There are twenty states that have helmet laws requiring wear by all riders including Alabama.
In addition to the requirements for all riders and passengers to wear helmets the law also expressly addresses wear by minors. In Alabama it is unlawful for a parent or guardian to knowingly allow a minor to ride or be a passenger on a motorcycle without wearing a helmet.
Helmet Specifications
Many riders in states that require helmets attempt to circumvent the requirements of helmet laws by wearing "novelty" helmets. Novelty helmets are come in many shapes and sizes but typically are of a design with a low profile on the riders head. These helmets do not meet the safety specifications of the Department of Transportation and do not carry a DOT or SNELL endorsement.
The state of Alabama has strict requirements on the specifications of helmets for wear by riders and passengers. In Alabama it is illegal for anyone to sell a helmet that does not meet the design specifications established by Alabama law and the Director of Public Safety. The requirements for design and use are:
• Design - helmets must be specifically designed for motorcycle use
• Exterior Shell - A hard shell of nonshatterable material that is resistant to impact and penetration
• Cradle - A firmly secured shock absorbent cradle for the head designed to support the helmet and maintain separation between the head and outer shell
• Padding - Impact-resistant, absorbent padding of substantial thickness in all areas where the head is in close proximity with or may contact the outer shell
• Chin Strap - A permanently attached adjustable chin strap that will hold the helmet securely in place. When the motorcycle is in motion the chin strap must be firmly in place on or under the chin
• Visor - Not required, but if a helmet is equipped with on the visor must be flexible or of a snap type
Helmet laws like seatbelt laws are enacted by states in an effort to keep the riding and driving population safe. There is ample data available on the benefits of wearing a helmet if involved in a collision or spill.
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