Helmet laws in New York

Wearing a helmet while on your motorcycle can greatly reduce the chances of extreme injuries and death. It can also reduce the impact of concussions and prevent other head injuries, and in the state of New York, it is the law for motorcyclists to wear helmets at all times while on their bike. While most other states require motorcyclists to wear helmets to an extent, there are only three that do not have such laws: New Hampshire, Iowa and Illinois.

Even if the law was not in effect, it still plays to motorcyclists’ advantage to invest in proper safety gear. Motorcycle accidents happen all the time in New York, and it is possible to circumvent many injuries with proper protection.

They save lives

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmets have saved thousands of lives over the years. In 2016 alone, helmets were responsible for saving around 1,859 lives. Hundreds of other people could have saved their lives had they worn a helmet at the time of the collision.

NY laws concerning helmets

Even if one does not end up in an accident while not wearing a helmet, New York law enforcement will have no problem issuing a ticket to any motorcyclist found to be in violation of the law. Motorcyclists can receive a fine of no more than $100 and/or jail time of up to 30 days. The only exception involves acquiring a permit that exempts individuals from wearing such helmets for a given event, such as a parade.

NY requirements for motorcycle insurance

Similar to other motorists, motorcyclists need to carry a certain amount of insurance. Any motorcycle insurance policy needs to have the minimum requirements for a rider to drive legally in the state:

• $10,000 for property damage

• $25,000 for bodily injury to every person involved in a crash

• $50,000 for the death of an individual

• $50,000 for complete bodily injury for multiple people sustaining injuries in an accident

• $100,000 for death if an accident results in multiple fatalities