Helmet laws are a hot topic of discussion among people who ride bikes. Should we be required to wear helmets and what about the safety of our heads being exposed?
In reality, helmets are crucial for our safety, and the law ensures that every biker uses them. The states in US have different helmet laws. This makes things very confusing for those that have recently shifted states or are new motorcyclists.
Out of all, one commonly asked question is: “Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Missouri?” The answer is yes, but this only applies to people 25 years or younger.
The law may seem very simple, but there is much more to it. This article will go into the details of the helmet laws of Missouri, so you can know everything important.
So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Motorcycle Helmet Laws And Rules In Missouri
Missouri is one of the few states that have recently revised their helmet law.
The state decided that only riders under the age of 25 were required to wear a helmet when on the road, but if above 25, you need health insurance to ride without a helmet.
The original law required all riders to wear helmets regardless of health insurance or a proper license. That is a pretty big change in legislation.
However, introducing that law proved to be a not-so-great decision. You will read below why introducing this law was not a good decision.
In 2020, Missouri decided that only riders under 25 must wear a helmet when on the road. This change was made because motorcycle accidents are more likely among young drivers and riders than older ones.
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements In MO
Missouri has some of the most stringent laws regarding motorcycle helmet safety. All riders must wear helmets that have been tested and meet the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
These helmets have been tested thoroughly before being available for consumer use. So, all you need to do is find one with this specific DOT approval sticker. If it does, then you have nothing to worry about.
These helmets greatly reduce your chances of suffering a serious head injury in an accident.
The best part is that these helmets are readily available at all motorcycle dealerships, so you won’t have to break the bank just to keep yourself safe!
Penalties/Legal Consequences
If you are over 25, you don’t need to read this section. But, if you are not, and you’re caught not wearing a helmet in Missouri, you’ll be fined a maximum of $25.
And I know what you’re thinking: “That’s it?” The truth is that the state does not enforce the law. Missouri considers this a secondary offense.
So if you were pulled over for weaving in and out of traffic or speeding through a school zone, the officer would still have to issue a ticket for breaking the helmet law before moving on to other issues.
Strangely, the state has a recently revised law for helmets but is still not enforcing it too much. This can be called negligence and is dangerous for the public, as people don’t wear a helmet as often.
Why Missouri’s New Helmet Law Was The Wrong One
The public well received Missouri’s new motorcycle helmet law, but it also led to more accidents.
As people became aware of the law, they started using helmets less often, resulting in more accidents. According to a report in 2021, the number of accidents increased by 33% after the law was passed.
While some may argue that this is a good thing because it will force motorcyclists to be more responsible for their safety, others don’t feel it is right to take away their freedom of choice regarding their health and safety.
Regardless, the increase in accidents suggests that introducing this law was not a good decision.
Get In Touch With Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys In Missouri
If you’re a motorcyclist in Missouri, you know how important it is to have the right protective equipment. But what happens if you end up in an accident?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to get in touch with an experienced motorcycle attorney as soon as possible.
Let’s take a look at the best out of them.
1. Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to find out about your legal options. A reputable law firm can help you get through the process and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Bradley Law is one of the best firms in Missouri for motorcycle injury cases. With over 30 years of experience, they have experienced trial lawyers who will work hard to get you maximum compensation.
They also offer a free case evaluation at St. Louis and Kansas offices. So, you can visit them and see how good they are.
Phone Number: (314) 582-9035
URL: https://thebradleylawfirm.com/
2. Sansone & Lauber Trial Lawyers
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, there’s no doubt that the last thing you want is to be stuck dealing with insurance companies and lawyers who don’t seem to care about your health or well-being.
When you choose Sansone & Lauber Trial Lawyers, you can rest assured that your case will be handled by one of the best firms in Missouri.
Sansone & Lauber has an excellent track record of happy clients who have shared their thoughts and rated them.
The firm also claims to have the top trial lawyers in the country and will only ask for fees after you get your compensation—making them trustworthy.
Phone Number: (314)-863-0500
URL: https://www.missourilawyers.com/
3. Beck & Beck Attorneys
If you are looking for a motorcycle accident attorney in Missouri, Beck & Beck Attorneys is the place to go. They have been in business for many years.
They claim to be the only firm in Missouri focusing on auto accident law and are pretty experienced in this field. Many people have given them positive ratings on Google.
Moreover, they will deal with lawyers and insurance companies, so you can get the maximum compensation for your injuries caused by accident.
This will allow you to rest while not worrying about medical and other bills to keep your house running.
Phone Number: (310)-200-1229
URL: https://www.becklawmo.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Ok To Wear An Open Face Helmet In Missouri?
The only requirement for motorcycle helmets in Missouri is that they be DOT-approved. This means they meet specific safety standards the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) set.
There are no other requirements for the style or design of a helmet, so you can wear any kind of helmet you like, including an open-face one.
Q2. How Much Is The Fine For Not Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet In Missouri?
The fine for not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Missouri is up to $25. That may seem not that much, but you risk getting your license suspended if you are under 25 and keep violating this law repeatedly. So, you should keep one on your head at all times.
Q3. When Did Motorcycle Helmet Become Law In Missouri?
Until recently, the state required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. However, in 2020 the law was revised to allow riders that were above the age of 25 to drive without wearing a helmet. The old law had been around for quite some time and forced all people to wear a helmet.
Q4. Should Passengers Wear A Helmet In Missouri?
In Missouri, only people under the age of 25 are required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. This law applies to all riders, regardless of whether they are driving or being driven by someone else. In addition to this law, anyone riding without a helmet must have medical insurance coverage.
Q5. Are Moped Drivers Required To Wear A Helmet In Missouri?
Unlike other states, which enforce the same motorcycle laws on mopeds, Missouri does not require moped drivers to wear helmets.
However, it is still recommended that a helmet be worn to ensure riders are safe in case of an unfortunate accident. It should be DOT approved for maximum protection.
Conclusion
The answer to the question of “Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Missouri?” is yes, but only if you are 25 or younger. It’s the law, and it’s there for your own protection.
The state of Missouri has some pretty poor statistics when it comes to motorcycle accidents. This means that wearing a helmet is more than just a good idea—it’s a necessity, regardless of what the law states.
You should opt for a DOT-approved one, so your chances of a serious head injury go from 100% to 31% only. Yes, that’s how much of a difference a helmet can make. So, make the right decision and wear one wherever you go.
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.
