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Massachusetts Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Restricted: Massachusetts requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear protective head gear, with an exception for parades for riders 18 and older.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Massachusetts requires every motorcycle operator and passenger to wear protective head gear, with an exception for parades for riders 18 and older. See MGL c.90 s.7.

Official source: malegislature.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering Massachusetts

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutConditional
Connecticut requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 18. See Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-289g.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: cga.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
New HampshireConditional
New Hampshire requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 18 — there is no helmet law for adults 18 and older. See RSA 265:122.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: gc.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →
New YorkRestricted
New York requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear an approved helmet — one meeting the FMVSS 218 standard — at any age. See NY VTL 381.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dmv.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
Rhode IslandConditional
Rhode Island requires a helmet for operators under 21, for all passengers, and for first-year operators. Operators 21 and older are otherwise exempt. See RIGL 31-10.1-4.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
VermontRestricted
Vermont requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle without approved headgear, at any age. See 23 V.S.A. 1256.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legislature.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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