Every state in the United States has different laws when it comes to motorcycle helmets. In Hawaii, it is also obligatory to wear helmets and follow all the rules and regulations to avoid trouble.
If you ignore these rules, then there are chances you will end up paying a huge amount of fines or even end up serving jail time.
So, do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Hawaii? According to the Hawaii Revised Statutes, you must wear a motorcycle helmet to ride.
However, this law applies to riders as well as passengers that are under the age of 18 years old, as it will protect them during an accident.
Now, if you want to ride safely, you should stick around until the end of this article and make sure not to miss out on the frequently asked questions section. It will be beneficial for you and help you understand better.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws And Rules In Hawaii
When it comes to helmet laws in Hawaii, you must know that any passenger, as well as a rider under the age of eighteen, must be properly seated and wear a motorcycle helmet for protection.
It is also worth mentioning that utilizing helmets with Department of Transportation approval is advised by Hawaii’s motorcycle owner’s manual. So make sure you check your manual beforehand.
Moreover, it is said that only passengers in Hawaii are required to use a motorcycle helmet. If you do not wear a helmet and your motorcycle has been in one serious accident, you may be able to initiate a civil lawsuit.
According to a legal principle known as comparative negligence, it is said that damages are proportionally reduced based on the plaintiff’s fault.
If the jury determined that you were 40 percent responsible for your injuries despite being rewarded $20,000 in damages, the jury would only award $2,000.
You must also know that if the motorcycle lacks a windshield, it is said that additional eye protection such as a face shield and goggles is also instructed.
Remember that one of the most crucial protection articles is a motorcycle helmet.
If you wear one, the likelihood that you will be killed or suffer a major injury in a motorbike accident can be significantly reduced, so make sure you always wear one whenever you go for a ride on your motorcycle.
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements In HI
As you know, riders under the age of 18 must ride with a motorcycle helmet. You should also know that there are some important helmet requirements that everyone must meet in the state of Hawaii as well.
The helmet must have the appropriate inner lining starting with the first factor. It is explained that helmets that have received federal approval often feature a thick polystyrene foam lining.
The padding must be at least 1 inch thick and be detectable, whether or not it is visible.
Moving on, it should also have a DOT-approved chin strap and reliable rivets. This will help secure the helmet and deliver extra protection to the rider during an accident.
Other than that, it is worth mentioning that the weight of unsafe helmets is lower than that of FMVSS 218-approved models.
A sturdy, as well as safety helmet typically weighs about three pounds because of the construction as well as padding.
And lastly, to maintain other safety requirements, helmets must allow riders to look as far into their surroundings as possible.
To protect against flying objects, full-face helmets come with eye shields. You must know that eye shields are not required for three-quarter and open-face helmets.
However, they can only be allowed if they meet other legitimate rules.
Penalties/Legal Consequences
The motorcycle helmet regulations in Hawaii are set for riders to follow every time they ride on a motorcycle.
If you do not respect them, you can have serious consequences. It is worth mentioning that if you violate the motorcycle helmet laws in Hawaii, you will have to pay fines of up to $1000.
Other than that, you can also end up spending time in jail, depending on how serious the situation is.
That’s not all. Riding without a motorcycle can also risk your and your passenger’s lives during a collision. So it is always best to follow all the rules and regulations and be safe than to be sorry.
Some Facts And Importance Of Wearing A Helmet In Hawaii
Wearing a motorbike helmet is not merely a technique to avoid a possible citation, despite Hawaii’s rules regarding its use. It may be a matter of life or death.
You must know that a car provides greater external protection than a motorcycle does. This is because the car’s body bears the majority of the consequences of any kind of collision.
But on the other hand, the rider of a motorcycle absorbs that force in an accident. Additionally, head injuries can be deadly, but they can be easily prevented by wearing a helmet that has received DOT approval.
According to assessments, since the 1960s, there have been much fewer motorcycle fatalities and fewer riders without helmets on the road, thanks to legislation that has been established.
However, this applies to other states because they have universal helmet laws. Unfortunately, it is not available in the state of Hawaii.
As a result, 74 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents in Hawaii in 2019 involved riders who were not wearing helmets. On the other hand, it usually hovers around 9 percent in states with universal helmet regulations.
Get In Touch With Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys In Hawaii
If you ever get into a road accident, you probably know how difficult it is to deal with it on your own.
Well, here I will be mentioning the top motorcycle attorneys that might be able to help you fix these motorcycle accident issues, and there will also be a chance you could get paid back in some way.
1. Recovery Law Center
The attorneys working at the Recovery Law Center will make sure to provide you with their best services and help you deal with motorcycle accident litigation by giving you a proper overview, so you do not get confused at all.
They will make sure to treat you like their own family and help you relax, and give you the willpower to handle the situation confidently.
Phone Number: +1 808-427-3088
URL: https://www.recoverylawcenterhawaii.com/
2. Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner
At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, you will be provided with the services 24 hours a day and 7 days a week regarding motorcycle accident cases.
They claim to offer their clients transparent as well as honest information from the beginning so they can fully understand everything that is going on regarding their case, plus the firm is known for specializing in motorcycle accidents so you can trust them.
Phone Number: +1 808-537-2525
URL: https://www.lyslaw.com/
3. Potts & Potts Hawaii Trial Attorneys
For more than 50 years, Potts & Potts has committed to providing its clients with knowledgeable legal counsel as well as tenacious defense.
They are said to be highly experienced with motorcycle accident litigation as they have dealt with a lot of cases and have a great winning rate, so you can trust them completely with your case as well.
Phone Number: +1 808-537-4575
URL: https://www.pottsalc.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Ok To Wear An Open Face Helmet In Hawaii?
There is no mention of wearing open-face helmets in the state of Hawaii, nor are there any explanations regarding this question.
This suggests that you can wear an open-face helmet in Hawaii. However, it is best to contact the authorities and get your doubts answered before you end up injuring yourself.
Q2. How Much Is The Fine For Not Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet In Hawaii?
According to the laws in the state of Hawaii, it is said a person who does not wear a motorcycle helmet in Hawaii will have to pay a fine of up to $1000.
It is also said that the fines in Hawaii are quite high compared to many other states in the United States. You should follow the rules and avoid paying fines.
Q3. When Did Motorcycle Helmets Become Law In Hawaii?
According to rumors, Hawaii passed a law requiring all riders to wear helmets on June 4, 1967.
An analysis of statistics on fatal motorcycle accidents revealed that Hawaii had the fewest motorcycle fatalities while the state’s universal helmet requirement was in effect.
Q4. Should Passengers Wear A Helmet In Hawaii?
Yes, every passenger on a motorcycle should wear a helmet. However, according to the law, it is said that passengers under the age of 18 should wear a helmet.
People above 18 have the option to wear or not to wear a helmet. But you should do as it will be for your safety.
Q5. Are Moped Drivers Required To Wear A Helmet In Hawaii?
Although it is not necessary for a moped driver, wearing a helmet is still highly advised.
Nobody ever plans to crash, but if you somehow do end up in a situation like that, a helmet will help save your attractive features, as well as your teeth, eyes, skull, as well as brain.
You must also learn that the best protection is offered by a full-face helmet.
Conclusion
If you have made it this far into the article, then I hope you got the answer to the question, “do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Hawaii”.
Anyone under the age of 18 is obliged to ride with a helmet that fits well on the head and has a chin strap to keep it secured in place so, during a collision, it does not come off.
Make sure that before you use a helmet, it has been DOT approved so you can stay out of trouble and not end up paying high fines.
It’s also important to note that even if the state cites helmet requirements for those under the age of 18, it’s still preferable for you to wear a helmet even if you’re over the age of 18 because it will ensure your safety at all times.
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