Does Iowa Have a Helmet Law?

When riding your motorcycle in a US state, you need to comply with any applicable helmet laws. Fortunately, following motorcycle helmet laws in Iowa is incredibly easy — there aren’t any. Iowa is one of only three states in the US that doesn’t have mandatory helmet laws, the other two being New Hampshire and Illinois. Motorcycle riders in Iowa do not have to wear helmets, regardless of age, and you won’t face legal consequences for riding without a helmet. 

History of Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Iowa

US federal law does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, so the issue is left up to individual states. Congress passed a law in the 1960s stating that states without mandatory motorcycle helmet laws would lose federal highway funding but removed funding penalties in the 1970s after facing significant backlash from the states.

Iowa did actually have a mandatory motorcycle helmet law once—but only for about a year. The Iowa legislature passed a universal helmet law in September 1975, only to repeal it less than a year later, on June 30, 1976. During the time the law was active, Iowa saw many protests from motorcycle groups opposed to the helmet mandates. 

Iowa still doesn’t have any laws requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets on the road, and also doesn’t require riders to wear eye protection. 

Does Iowa Have a Helmet Law?

No, Iowa does not have a helmet law. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. However, our attorneys at Law Tigers highly recommend that riders wear helmets when on their bikes for a few major reasons: 

Even though Iowa doesn’t mandate helmets, insurance companies can still use the fact that you weren’t wearing a helmet against you in a personal injury claim. Iowa uses comparative fault rules, so any fault you bear for your injuries can reduce your total settlement. For instance, if you are 15 percent at fault for the accident, then the insurance company will reduce your settlement by 15 percent.

If you sustain an injury and you likely wouldn’t have sustained it if you had been wearing a helmet, the insurance company might judge you partially at fault. So, wearing a helmet is a simple way to avoid any compensation reduction when making a claim. 

Motorcycle Helmet Stats

Regardless of the insurance benefits, wearing a motorcycle helmet in Iowa is safer. Iowa’s motorcycle fatality rate is about ten times the national average, and a shocking 74 percent of fatalities were not wearing helmets. Moreover, about 35 percent of Iowa motorcycle fatalities involved alcohol or drug impairment. 

According to analysis from the NHTSA, motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of fatal head injuries during accidents by as much as 42 percent. Helmets also reduce the risk of brain injury by as much as 69 percent.

njured in a Motorcycle Accident in Iowa? Law Tigers Can Help!

At Law Tigers, we understand that accidents happen, helmet or no helmet. Our Iowa motorcycle lawyers are ready to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let concerns about your helmet use deter you from seeking legal help. Contact Law Tigers today for a free consultation, and let us take care of the legal details while you focus on recovery.