On this page, we address the current legalities of motorcycle riding without a helmet in New York.
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Current status on Helmet Law in New York
The state of New York requires all riders and passengers to wear helmets while riding a motorcycle (without any exceptions).
Questions & Answers on New York Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Is it legal in New York to ride a motorcycle without a helmet?
According to Section 381, it is illegal to ride (as an operator or a passenger) motorcycles without helmets in New York. The crowded streets and roads can be quite dangerous if navigated without a safety helmet by your side.
Is New York a mandatory helmet State?
Yes, New York is a mandatory helmet law state. It was one of the early adopters of this law and has reaped the maximum benefits out of it.
Are half helmets legal in New York?
Yes, half helmets are legal in New York, but only if they are DOT approved. Using illegal helmets might get you caught with officials, or worse, might be useless in events of a crash, and end up hurting more.
When did New York pass the helmet law?
New York passed the helmet laws in 1967, for all riders and passengers. This has helped the state to reduce motorcycle fatalities when compared with its neighbors which do not have such laws in place.