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Pennsylvania Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Conditional: Pennsylvania requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet.

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

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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.

Official source: legis.state.pa.us →

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

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering Pennsylvania

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 →
MarylandRestricted
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.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland 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 →
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 →
OhioConditional
Ohio requires a helmet only for riders under 18 and for novice riders and permit holders in their first year; riders 18 and older are otherwise exempt. See ORC 4511.53.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio 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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