There has been a rise in the popularity of motorcycle riding as a hobby. More and more people are hitting the streets with their motorcycles.
Hence, it is more important than ever to discuss motorcycle helmet laws. These laws exist mainly for motorcycle riders’ safety.
If you ride motorcycles, you may be tempted to ask, “Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Nebraska?” In the state of Nebraska, any rider is required to wear a helmet at any time while driving.
If that is all you are looking for, that much should be enough information.
However, if you want to further your knowledge of the nuances of Nebraska’s motorcycle helmet law, read the article until the end, as I have gone into quite a bit of detail about it.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws And Rules In Nebraska
Before the removal of the mandate, all states in the United States had to have implemented a law that enforced riders to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
There was a period after congress removed this mandate in 1976 when Nebraska’s laws for motorcycle helmets were not as strict as they are today. However, Nebraska reinforced the universal motorcycle helmet law in 1989.
Since then, Nebraska has seen a swift decrease in medical expenditure from accident injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety.
The administration (NHTSA) also has the lowest fatality rate regarding motorcycle accidents, meaning the laws do work.
This is because in the state of Nebraska, unlike many other states, no age limit comes under any exception. No matter your age, you must wear a helmet that is secured to your head with an adequately tight strap.
This also goes for passengers. Passengers on motorcycles are also legally required to wear helmets that meet the standards set forth by local law enforcement and government.
However, unlike riders, passengers are not necessarily required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their license.
So, if you are a motorcycle driver in Nebraska, you should get your motorcycle endorsement from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), so you do not get in trouble with any law enforcement.
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements In NE
The requirements for the adequacy of the helmet that a motorcycle rider has to wear are quite straightforward.
The state of Nebraska requires that riders wear helmets that meet or exceed the standards established in the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, 49 C.F.R. 571.218 (FMVSS 218).
These standards are the ones that were set by American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These are enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
This means that the DOT examines any of the helmets that are available on the market. Helmets that meet these standards usually come with a DOT sticker.
This allows you to easily identify whether the helmet that you are about to purchase is DOT compliant or not. Be careful though, the more fancy and novelty helmets are usually not DOT compliant.
To be safe, check whether your helmet has the following features, i.e., the FMVSS 218 standards. The helmet features should not extend from 2/10 inches from its surface.
The helmet should have solid rivets and a sturdy chin strap. It should have 1-inch thick inner foam layer and the weight should be 3 pounds.
Other than this, if the helmet is an open-face helmet, it must be worn with a separate face shield, eye protection glasses, or goggles.
Penalties/Legal Consequences
In a state as strict as Nebraska, you are bound to get into trouble with local law enforcement when it comes to wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
Not wearing a helmet while driving a motorcycle is seen as a traffic infraction by the court, and you are liable for a fine of up to $50.
This is also dependent on other factors, such as driving under the influence, etc. The courts in the State of Nebraska follow the rule called modified comparative negligence.
If a person files a personal injury claim, they are partially responsible for their injuries. The damages caused by the accident are arguable.
However, failure to wear a helmet exposes you to this rule, and it can be held against you, especially if a jury finds you negligent in a case where you are looking for compensation for a head injury.
Hence, with that said, insurance companies have the right to appeal your claims citing partial negligence. If proven, they may withhold some of the damages you were allowed to have if you wore a helmet.
Although, even that aside, not wearing a helmet leaves you in some serious vulnerability while driving, as more often than not, motorcycle accidents can be fatal.
How Does Motorcycle Helmet Use Affect Nebraska?
There are some serious benefits, not only to yourself in terms of safety but also to the state of Nebraska, if you wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle.
There have been a lot of documented statistics that show just how beneficial it is in the long run.
Since the reinforcement of the universal motorcycle helmet law in Nebraska in 1989, there has been a 38 percent decline in acute medical bills.
There have also been some major economic savings as well, thanks to this. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a total of approximately $3 billion saved in medical expenses.
A study was done on the Nebraska Trauma Data from the years 2008 – 2013. It showed that helmetless drivers were more likely to face severe injuries to the brain or even die from accidents.
Get In Touch With Experienced Motorcycle Attorneys In Nebraska
There is always a probability for you to get into an accident when it comes to riding a motorcycle. More so than a car at that.
If you have been involved in the unfortunate event of an accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Here are some of the best law firms in Nebraska for that.
1. Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop
Attorney Matt Lathrop of the firm Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop is a passionate and well-experienced attorney.
Especially in terms of motorcycle accident cases. Their fee is contingency based, meaning you do not need to pay anything upfront.
Phone Number: 402-281-9668
URL: https://www.lathroplawomaha.com/
2. Rensch & Rensch Injury Lawyers
Rensch & Rensch is a powerful firm dedicated to representing clients who have been involved in all sorts of motor vehicle accidents.
Motorcycle accidents are no exception. Their results and compensations speak praises for their ability and their confidence.
Phone Number: +1 800 471 4100
URL: https://www.renschandrensch.com/
3. Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, P.C.
At the firm Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, P.C, they claim to have made it their mission to provide protection and justice to victims of negligence.
They have enough experienced lawyers working to know the ins and outs of motorcycle accident claims and make sure that their clients get the compensation that they deserve.
Phone Number: +1 402 241 5020
URL: https://www.hauptman-obrien.net/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is It Ok To Wear An Open Face Helmet In Nebraska?
Open-face helmets are allowed on the road in Nebraska as long as they are DOT compliant. This can be checked with the provided sticker or if the helmet meets the standards. Do make sure to wear some separate eye protection goggles or glasses as well if you use one.
Q2. How Much Is The Fine For Not Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet In Nebraska?
Not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is considered a traffic infraction by the court. This means that you will be liable for a fine of up to $50. If you feel that you were wrongfully fined, you have the right to appeal to the court.
Q3. When Did Motorcycle Helmet Become Law In Nebraska?
The universal motorcycle helmet law was reinstated in the state of Nebraska in the year 1989. Before this, Nebraska did allow for exceptions for some specific people.
However, that is no longer the case now. All motorcycle riders or drivers are mandated to wear motorcycle helmets while riding.
Q4. Should Passengers Wear A Helmet In Nebraska?
Passengers are also among the people who have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle. However, unlike the driver, the passengers are not mandated to have a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Q5. Are Moped Drivers Required To Wear A Helmet In Nebraska?
The short answer to this question is yes. All motor vehicles which run on two wheels are required to be operated with helmets on. This also includes moped motorcycles, as stated in the Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6, 279.
Conclusion
At the end of this article, I would like to stress the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
The implementation and strictness of the universal motorcycle helmet law in the state of Nebraska speaks for itself. The state saves much more, economically and health-wise, because of this law.
It allows more people to be safe on the road and provides a much better environment for all motorists to drive in.
So, I guess it’s safe to say that the answer to the question “Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Nebraska?” is an astounding yes. And after reading this article, I hope it encourages you to wear a helmet as well.
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.
