Motorcycle helmets are a very important part of riding motorcycles. The use of helmets has been shown to reduce the risk of death considerably, and it is estimated that helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 69%.
All states of America have some sort of laws regarding motorcycle helmets. These laws have been designed to keep riders safe at all times.
One popular question that is often asked is, do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Montana? Well, yes, they do, but only those that are under the age of 18.
This may seem like a simple law, but there is much more to it than meets the eye. This article will go into the details of this law and answer some of the commonly asked questions regarding this topic at the end of the article.
So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Motorcycle Helmet Laws And Rules In Montana
The motorcycle helmet law in Montana requires all people under 18 to wear helmets. This law applies to all motorcyclists, including passengers.
The only exception is if someone is over 18, but it is still recommended that they wear a helmet if they ride as a motorcycle passenger.
Moreover, the law also applies to anyone who operates or rides on motorcycles or motor-driven cycles in Montana.
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements In MT
Montana requires that all motorcycle riders wear helmets that meet the state’s Department of Justice’s requirements.
I could not find such requirements, so I recommend staying on the safe side and buying DOT-approved helmets only.
DOT stands for “Department of Transportation,” and it is the organization that sets standards for helmet safety in the United States.
They impact test helmets from all sides, so it can be determined if they are trustworthy enough to protect you. Only those helmets approved pass these rigorous tests and are available for consumer use.
DOT-approved helmets are a bit more expensive than non-approved ones but investing in them is worth it.
They not only allow you to steer clear from the authorities but also usually provide more features, such as better comfort and improved aerodynamics, than regular ones.
Penalties/Legal Consequences
Helmets are a great way to protect yourself from injury, but they’re not always required by law in the state.
In Montana, the fine for not wearing a helmet is almost non-existent—it’s only $5 for 18 years old or younger people riding without a license. But don’t let this small fee fool you.
If you get caught riding without your helmet more than once, there won’t be any increase in the fine, but there is a risk of your license getting suspended. Then you will not be able to ride at all, for possibly many months.
But still, the law is not properly enforced, which is not good. If the state increases the fine or stops riders under 18 and without a helmet more often, the chances of serious injuries due to accidents can and will be reduced.
Montana And Its Recent History With Motorcycle Crashes
Montana is a state that is not known for its road safety. Montana has seen an increase in motorcyclist deaths since the start of the second half of 2022.
Although not many accidents were reported in the first half of 2022, there were 35 reported in July alone. These accidents were due to people not wearing helmets, which resulted in fatalities.
A sergeant in the state advised people to wear helmets to prevent fatal outcomes. A better way would be to introduce a law, so all people would wear a helmet. Montana also has no law regarding lane filtering.
This means that driving conditions can be extremely dangerous due to traffic congestion and poor visibility when drivers filter between lanes while driving on highways.
Combining this with the fact that they are also not forced to wear helmets means there is always a risk of serious injury or even death.
Get In Touch With Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys In Montana
Motorcycles are awesome. They’re fast, fun, and a lot easier to get around on than cars in many places.
However, the risks of riding a motorcycle are also significant—and if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to know how to navigate your legal options.
This section will look at the top motorcycle injury firms in Montana.
1. Law Tigers Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Law Tigers is one of the best motorcycle injury firms in the United States. They have been in business for 30 years and have recovered more than $800 million, making them one of the most successful law firms in the country.
Many people highly praised Law Tigers. The firm offers free case evaluations and can help clients with any type of motorcycle accident.
So, if you have been in an accident, you don’t need to wait. Contact them now. You will walk away happy after they fight for you and your needs.
Phone Number: (888)-863-7216
URL: https://www.lawtigers.com/
2. Bliven Law Firm
Bliven Law Firm is an excellent firm that should be considered regarding motorcycle injury law. They have a team of experienced lawyers that have helped dozens of clients get the best compensation possible.
They will negotiate with insurance companies and allow you to get the best deal to rest and not worry about your bills.
The firm has been rated highly on Google. They also offer free consultations, so you can schedule one immediately if you’re interested in learning more about what they do and how they can help you.
Phone Number: (406)-625-0100
URL: https://www.blivenlawfirm.com/
3. Heenan & Cook, PLLC
The final firm on this list is Heenan & Cook, PLLC, and they’re also excellent. With more than 80 people giving them five stars, they have solidified their spot as a top-notch motorcycle injury law firm.
Heenan & Cook, PLLC is a personal injury law firm specializing in motorcycle accidents and other types of accidents.
They will give you a free case evaluation and help you get the compensation you deserve after your accident.
Furthermore, they also have recovered tens of millions of dollars for their clients and have dedicated personal injury lawyers working on each case.
They will work day and night to make sure you can get the compensation you deserve. If you decide to work with them, you can rest assured that you will be in very capable hands.
Phone Number: (406) 351-7609
URL: https://www.lawmontana.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Ok To Wear An Open Face Helmet In Montana?
It is completely OK to wear an open-face helmet in Montana. As long as it is DOT-approved and meets the state’s regulations, you can ride around with a wide-open face and not worry about repercussions. You can find one easily on Amazon or at a physical retailer specializing in helmets.
Q2. How Much Is The Fine For Not Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet In Montana?
In Montana, if you’re under 18 and not wearing a motorcycle helmet, you’ll be fined $5. That’s it! But there’s more news: this fine will not increase on repeated offenses.
So even if you don’t wear a helmet every time you ride your motorcycle in Montana, your fine will still be just $5.
Q3. When Did Motorcycle Helmet Become Law In Montana?
Motorcycle helmet laws in Montana have been around for a long time. Before 1977, all people were required to wear a helmet.
This law was met with a lot of negativity, so the state changed it: only people under 18 were bound to wear helmets.
Q4. Should Passengers Wear A Helmet In Montana?
Yes, passengers should wear a helmet in Montana, but only if they are younger than 18 years old. The same laws apply to riders and passengers alike.
Q5. Are Moped Drivers Required To Wear A Helmet In Montana?
As a moped driver in Montana, you are required to wear a helmet. The same motorcycle law applies to mopeds, which means if you are under 18 years old, you need to wear a helmet regardless of whether you are driving.
Conclusion
To sum up, Montana does not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets. You will only need to wear a helmet if you are under 18.
You are free to do whatever you want, but I would recommend investing in a DOT-approved helmet, so you can be safe at all times when on the road.
Wearing a helmet is not bad; it is always better to be safe than sorry. But you can decide for yourself what is better for you.
I hope this article clarified the answer to your question, “Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Montana?” Now, you can finally ride in this state’s streets without worrying about the authorities.
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.
