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New York Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Restricted: New York requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear an approved helmet — one meeting the FMVSS 218 standard — at any age.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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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.

Official source: dmv.ny.gov →

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

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering New York

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 →
MassachusettsRestricted
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.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: malegislature.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
New JerseyRestricted
New Jersey requires helmets for all motorcycle operators and riders, at any age. See N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.7.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey 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 →
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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