Michigan’s helmet law generally requires that a motorcycle operator and rider “wear a crash helmet on his or her head.” Anyone under age 21 who operates or rides on a motorcycle must wear a crash helmet. Operators and riders over age 21 are not required to wear a crash helmet if they meet certain conditions.

Regardless of whether they were wearing a helmet, people involved in motorcycle accidents often experience severe, debilitating injuries. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Michigan, you might be entitled to compensation. The personal injury attorneys at Muth Law, P.C., can help.

For over 40 years, our law firm has represented injured people throughout Michigan. We promise to give you an honest and forthright evaluation of your case, explain your options, and help you pursue whatever course of action makes the most sense for you.

Contact our law office today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation.

Does Michigan Have a Helmet Law?

Unlike some states, Michigan does not require that all motorcycle riders wear helmets.

Michigan helmet laws “apply to a person 21 years of age or older operating or riding on a motorcycle.” Generally, a person over 21 can ride without a crash helmet on his or her head if they meet certain licensing and insurance requirements.

Anyone under age 21 who operates or rides a motorcycle must wear a helmet.

History of the Michigan Helmet Law

From approximately 1972 to 2012, anyone riding a motorcycle — including riders and operators, regardless of age and insurance coverage — was required to “wear a crash helmet on his or her head.”

In March 2011, lawmakers proposed repealing the Michigan motorcycle helmet law, claiming “the easing of the helmet requirement will have a positive effect on the state’s economy. The current law discourages out-of-state motorcyclists from traveling to Michigan. Changes to the state’s helmet laws are likely to increase tourism spending, as well as increase the sales of vehicles and accessories.”

People in favor of repealing the law claimed the decision to wear a helmet should be a personal choice, not a legal mandate, and believed helmets are not effective in preventing death or serious injury in a motorcycle crash.

The House Fiscal Agency reported:

• “Insurance industry representatives in previous sessions have testified that an unhelmeted rider is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury compared to a rider with a helmet and helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries (citing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics). They say that motorcyclists impose disproportionate costs on the state’s No-Fault insurance system, particularly the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association.”
• “Hospital officials have said that an unhelmeted rider is 37 percent more likely to need ambulance services, be admitted to a hospital as an inpatient, have higher hospital costs, need neurosurgery, intensive care, and rehabilitation, be permanently impaired, and need long-term care.”

Do You Have to Wear a Helmet in Michigan?

In Michigan, a person 21 years of age or older who operates or rides on a motorcycle is not required to “wear a crash helmet on his or her head” if:

1. The motorcycle operator has had a motorcycle endorsement on his or her operator’s license for at least 2 years or passed a motorcycle safety course;
2. The motorcycle operator or rider has insurance that provides “first-party medical benefits payable in the event he or she is involved in a motorcycle accident” in the following amounts:
   1. Not less than $20,000 for a motorcycle operator without a rider;
   2. Not less than $20,000 per person per occurrence for a motorcycle operator with a rider;
   3. If the rider has insurance in an amount not less than $20,000, the operator is only required to have insurance in an amount not less than $20,000.

Motorcycle Operators Must Wear Goggles

Regardless of whether a motorcycle operator wears a helmet, Michigan law requires that motorcycle operators wear eye protection when traveling at speeds greater than 35pmh.

“When a motorcycle operated on the public highways of this state in excess of 35 miles per hour is not equipped with a windshield, the operator shall wear goggles with transparent lenses or a transparent face shield or eyeglasses, which goggles, eyeglasses, or face shield shall be of shatter-resistant material and of sufficient size to protect his eyes against insects, other airborne material, and highway surface water and debris.”

Penalties for Violating the Michigan Helmet Law

Motorcyclists who violate the helmet or goggle law may receive a civil infraction, but no points will go on their license.

For motorcyclists involved in an accident, violation of the helmet law does not disqualify an otherwise eligible person from receiving No-Fault PIP benefits.

Helmets Save Lives

Even though Michigan motorcycle riders and operators are not required to wear crash helmets, research shows that wearing a helmet substantially reduces the likelihood of being seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident. Riders who do not wear helmets are nearly twice as likely to be seriously injured in a crash than riders who do.

How a Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney at Muth Law Can Help

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other losses. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Muth Law can analyze your situation, advise you of your legal rights and options, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact Muth Law Today

Muth Law represents injured people in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and throughout Michigan. Please call us at 734-481-8800 or fill out our form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We look forward to serving your family.