What the Law Says

Michigan law now allows motorcyclists to decide for themselves, if certain conditions are met, whether or not to wear a helmet.

To legally not wear a helmet, a motorcycle operator must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits.
• Have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, or have passed an approved motorcycle safety course.

The law also allows for motorcycle passengers to not wear a helmet. Passengers also may not wear a helmet as long as they:

• Are at least 21 years old.
• Have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance in addition to the insurance that is required of the motorcycle operator.

A person younger than 21 years old still must wear a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation when operating or riding on a motorcycle. The requirement that an individual younger than 19 years old must wear a helmet if operating a moped on a public roadway is unchanged.

Learn More About Using a Helmet

To read more about properly using a motorcycle helmet, please see the video linked to above or this informational article from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which recommends wearing an approved helmet as well as over-the-ankle footwear, long pants, a long-sleeved jacket and full-fingered motorcycle gloves.

According to the article, "Since head injuries account for a majority of motorcycle fatalities, protection is vital.  . . . Even the best helmet is no guarantee against injury. However, without a helmet you are more likely to have serious head injuries than a rider who is wearing one."

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a nationally recognized group devoted to safe riding, has produced an informative video about helmet use.