Louisiana Motorcycle Helmet Law

Louisiana’s motorcycle helmet law makes it one of 19 states that require helmet use for all motorcycle riders and passengers. This law is in place to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by motorcycle accidents by requiring helmets to meet certain specifications and imposing penalties for riders who don’t comply.

Understanding the specifics of Louisiana’s motorcycle helmet law is essential for all riders in the state, whether they’re Louisiana residents or visitors.

Who Needs to Wear a Helmet While Riding a Motorcycle in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets regardless of age, experience, or riding location. Some states allow exemptions based on age, such as requiring riders and passengers under 21 to wear helmets. However, Louisiana has a universal motorcycle helmet law that applies to everyone.

This law also applies to those riding motorized bicycles, mopeds, motorized scooters, and other motor-driven cycles.

What Are the Required Motorcycle Helmet Specifications?

Louisiana’s motorcycle helmet law specifies that the helmets riders and their passengers wear must meet specific standards to be valid. According to the law, all motorcycle helmets must:

• Be of a type and design manufactured for use by motorcycle riders (no bicycle or other types of helmets)
• Be properly secured while the vehicle is in motion
• Include lining, padding, a visor, and a chin strap
• Meet other specifications established by the commissioner

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a guide on choosing the right motorcycle helmet and spotting unsafe helmet designs. In general, you should avoid helmets that:

• Are less than one inch thick
• Don’t have a sturdy chin strap
• Weigh less than three pounds

Penalties for Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet in Louisiana

Failure to comply with Louisiana’s motorcycle helmet law can result in financial penalties. Motorcyclists and their passengers caught riding without a helmet may face $50 fines. However, the more significant risk comes in the event of an accident.

According to the NHTSA, wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of death by 37 – 42 percent. Additionally, motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets are three times more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury.

Riders who don’t wear helmets risk jeopardizing their motorcycle insurance coverage in the event of a crash, forcing them to pay out-of-pocket for their medical treatments. If another motorist hit you while you were not wearing a helmet, speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately.

Exemptions from Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet in Louisiana

The one main exemption from Louisiana’s motorcycle helmet law is for those participating in parades or other public events. Local authorities can grant exemptions to these riders. However, it’s still recommended that riders participating in these events follow all other best practices for safety, such as wearing long pants and riding boots and gloves.

Protect Your Rights with Law Tigers

Understanding Louisiana motorcycle helmet law is vital for staying safe and compliant on the road. But even with the best precautions, motorcycle accidents can happen. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana, trust Law Tigers, the motorcycle accident attorneys who ride. We’re here to help you navigate Louisiana’s motorcycle laws, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Law Tigers Louisiana today at 1-800-LAWTIGERS, or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. Ride safe, and remember—we’re with you every step of the way!