It is a common misconception that motorcycle riders are not required to wear helmets in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to title 75 § 3525 “no person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle… unless he is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by the department”.

What Is Approved Headgear?

In Pennsylvania, approved helmets must be DOT (Department of Transportation) certified. The government does not administer testing on these helmets. It is up to the manufacturer to test that their helmets meet the standards of DOT certification.  The DOT sticker must be clearly visible on the back of the helmet. Other information that must be visible on the helmet is the make and model of the helmet, the size of  the helmet, and the month and year of when the helmet was manufactured.

Exceptions to the Helmet Requirement

There are a few exceptions to the helmet law.

  1. The operator and occupants of a three-wheeled motorcycle with an enclosed cab are exempt from wearing a helmet.
  2. A person twenty-one years of age or older with at least two years of having a class M license are exempt from wearing a helmet.
  3. A person twenty-one years of age or older who has completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are exempt from wearing a helmet.
  4. A passenger of a motorcycle operator who is exempt from wearing a helmet is also exempt if they are twenty-one years or older.

Eye Protection Requirement

All riders and passengers are required to wear eye protection, regardless of whether they are exempt to wear a helmet or not. Eye protection could be safety glasses or the visor for the helmet. It is not required, but shatter-proof eye protection is recommended.

Law Office of Vincent J. Caputo

Here at the Law Office of Vincent J. Caputo, we are dedicated to inform our friends and clients of current laws, as to avoid getting into legal trouble. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident at not fault of their own, please contact our experienced legal team immediately. You may be entitled to financial compensation Your future? Our priority!