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Virginia Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Restricted: Virginia requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective helmets.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Virginia requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective helmets. See Va. Code 46.2-910.

Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

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

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering Virginia

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

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 →
KentuckyConditional
Kentucky requires a helmet for riders under 21, for permit holders, and for anyone licensed less than a year. See KRS 189.285.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky 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 →
North CarolinaRestricted
North Carolina requires the operator and all passengers to wear a safety helmet meeting the FMVSS 218 standard, at any age. See N.C.G.S. 20-140.4.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
TennesseeRestricted
In Tennessee, every motorcycle driver and passenger must wear a crash helmet. See TCA 55-9-302.
Verified Aug 2, 2026 · Source: capitol.tn.gov · Full Tennessee 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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