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Maryland Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Restricted: Maryland requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle without protective headgear, at any age.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Maryland requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle without protective headgear, at any age. See Md. Transp. 21-1306.

Official source: mgaleg.maryland.gov →

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

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering Maryland

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

DelawareConditional
Delaware requires every rider to have a helmet, but only riders under 19 — and newly endorsed riders, for their first two years — actually have to wear one. See 21 Del. C. 4185.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: delcode.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
District of ColumbiaRestricted
The District of Columbia requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle without an approved helmet, at any age. See 18 DCMR 2215.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dcregs.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
Pennsylvania requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older are exempt if they have been licensed for at least two years or have completed a safety course. See 75 Pa.C.S. 3525.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective helmets. See Va. Code 46.2-910.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle without a secured helmet, at any age. See WV Code 17C-15-44.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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