It does not make sense for someone new in a state like Maryland to commute using a motorcycle and not know about the rules that prevail there about the preventive measures that are to be taken.
Maryland, a state not as popular as others in the US, has its fair share of laws to which you must adhere. It is rare to find someone who knows much about Maryland if you do not live there.
You might find many people coming up to you and asking, “do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Maryland?”. To keep it simple, everyone must wear a motorcycle helmet in Maryland.
If you want to know about all the penalties, legal consequences, exceptions, legal help, and additional information concerning this topic, then I would advise you to read this article till the very end.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws And Rules In Maryland
In simple words, the motorcycle helmet laws in Maryland are quite simple. The law’s gist is that all Maryland citizens have to wear a motorcycle helmet at any cost.
It does not matter how old you are, how much experience you have, and neither does it matter if you are new there.
If anyone from any age group is seen riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, they will be facing the consequences.
As far as eye protection is concerned for the law in Maryland, you need to wear it. However, the only case you might be exempted from this would be if your motorcycle has a proper windshield.
How interesting is the fact that earlier in Maryland, the motorcycle helmet laws were not taken that seriously, and there were many exemptions as well?
With time, the laws became stricter. When this happened, the accidents caused by riding motorcycles were reduced from 70% to 40%.
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements In MD
Even though the laws are different about motorcycle helmet laws in different areas of the US but the helmet requirements are more or less the same.
The first and foremost thing you must remember at all times is that the helmet needs to be of the perfect size for your head. It should not be uncomfortable in any way.
You need to protect your chin with a strap, and if you are found without this protection because it is too hot outside, you will face penalties.
Moreover, you must wear something to protect your eyes, such as goggles or sunglasses. This can be avoided if your motorcycle has a windshield.
This is because it prevents the glass and other small allergic components from always coming near your face. The helmet you wear needs to be approved by DOT.
You need to make sure that the helmet is not uncomfortable for you. For that, make sure that you do not sweat in it, you can breathe fine, etc.
To make sure the policy does not stop you and question you about your helmet, try buying a helmet that has a DOT sticker on the back of it.
Just like that, there are many MVA regulations that you must follow as well. You need to wear a full leather jacket, boots that would cover your feet completely, etc.
This would ensure not only your safety but also those who are riding motorcycles with you.
Penalties/Legal Consequences
Among all the other states, people believe that Maryland does not put heavy penalties on its citizens if they do not abide by the rules.
However, it is important to realize that what might be inexpensive for you could be expensive and out of range for someone else.
In Maryland, the lawbreakers are charged with a ticket ranging from $50 to $500. Yes, the distribution is quite diverse, but it depends on how severely your consequences have impacted something.
This fine comes under Section 27-101 (b) and needs to be adhered to at all times. As far as legal consequences are concerned, you cannot be taken to court if your only crime was not wearing a helmet.
If any sort of wrongful death or injury has been caused by you not wearing a helmet or being careful enough, then that party can take action against you in court.
So, try to remain within your limits and adhere to the laws if you cannot afford the penalties afterward.
Components Of Motorcycle Helmets That Make Them Best For You
It has been established that motorcycle helmets need to meet the set DOT standards. However, a few things differentiate a good helmet from the best one.
These have been listed down below:
- The Toughness Of The Outer Layer: The outermost layer needs to be tough enough to withstand pressure and repelling energy. It can be made up of polycarbonate.
- Shock Absorbing Layer: On the inner workings of the helmet, the lining must be at least 1 inch thick for it to be able to withstand different magnitudes of shocks before they reach your brain and face.
- Inner Padding: To ensure that your sweat is absorbed completely when you wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in the scorching heat, you need to have inner padding for your helmet.
Get In Touch With Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys In Maryland
Being stuck in a situation where you have been wronged by someone and are not being compensated for it can be difficult to tackle.
If you have experienced similar issues, consult the attorneys talked about below:
1. Miller & Zois
If you have recently experienced a motorcycle accident and need an online free consultation with an attorney, then you need to contact Miller & Zois.
They have a lot of expertise in this field and even more compassion to offer to the clients that they receive. On their website, the client reviews tell exactly how popular they are.
Phone Number: +1 800-553-8082
URL: https://www.millerandzois.com/
2. Law Offices of Adam M. Smallow
If you want to sign the deal with the most popular attorneys in town who accept no stars if they are not a perfect five, you must try talking to them. They will be available to serve you regarding your motorcycle case 24/7.
Phone Number: (410) 784-4604
URL: https://www.mdaccidentlaw.com/
3. Sussman Simox
They are known for having a lot of experience with motorcycle accident cases. They are quite dedicated to their mission of retaining your money and getting the maximum amount out of the pockets of those who have been accused.
Phone Number: +1 844-389-6899
URL: https://www.sussmanandsimcox.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Ok To Wear An Open Face Helmet In Maryland?
In Maryland, wearing an open-face helmet is not allowed as it might go against the MVA rules and regulations.
For adults, there might be an exception in some cases, but for those under 18, it is not appreciated as it is not as safe as a closed-face helmet.
Q2. How Much Is The Fine For Not Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet In Maryland?
As discussed, the fine you must pay in case you get caught not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Maryland can be as low as $100 or as high as $500.
Any amount above that would not be charged. Moreover, they have not talked about their legal consequences anywhere.
Q3. When Did Motorcycle Helmet Become Law In Maryland?
It was not until 1992 when the motorcycle helmet laws in Maryland changed for the best, asking everyone to wear a helmet.
Ever since 1992, many amendments have been made to this law. In this case, the statistics show that the number of accidents has dropped to a great extent.
Q4. Should Passengers Wear A Helmet In Maryland?
In Maryland, the supervisors, operators, and passengers must always wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
You need to do this no matter how much cash you have in your account at that particular moment. Just make sure the helmet meets the desired standards.
Q5. Are Moped Drivers Required To Wear A Helmet In Maryland?
Yes, it is required by the moped drivers to wear a helmet in Maryland as well. There is no exception to this case either, considering how everyone wants to take an easy way out. You would be able to ride your motorcycle if you do not have good connections.
Conclusion
If you were wondering, “do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Maryland” then I am pretty sure that this article would have erased all the questions you might have about this topic.
It not only tells you the correct law in Maryland pertaining the motorcycle helmets but also the exceptions, which in this case is only one, which is of the bike’s windshield.
This tells us that wearing a motorcycle helmet or not is a very simple question that most people fail to answer because they consider it to be a minor issue. Little do they know it can cause them a hefty fine.
Moreover, do not forget to follow the pre-set standards of the motorcycle industry. Do not make others question this much.
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
