Utah’s Motorcycle Helmet Law

Utah is one of 28 states requiring motorcycle helmet use for riders based on age or experience. Some states have universal helmet laws that apply to all riders, and a few have no motorcycle helmet laws. Utah’s motorcycle helmet law falls in the middle.

In Utah, the law balances an individual’s right to choose whether to wear a helmet with the recognized safety benefits helmets provide. Underage riders may not understand the impact of this choice, so the state mandates that they use a helmet, but older riders can choose to wear a helmet or forgo one.

Utah’s Motorcycle Helmet Law Age Requirements

In Utah, all riders and passengers under 21 must wear a motorcycle helmet when using certain powered cycles, including:

• Motorcycles
• Motor-driven cycles
• Class 3 electric-assisted cycles
• Autocycles that are not fully enclosed

There are no exemptions to this law for underage riders or passengers, and violations of this law are considered infractions and may result in a fine.

Importance of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of death in a crash by between 37 and 42 percent. Additionally, riders who don’t wear helmets are three times more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBIs are potentially life-changing injuries that can impact a victim’s physical and cognitive abilities and may require life-long care. The best way to prevent these injuries when riding a motorcycle is to wear a helmet.

Specifications for Motorcycle Helmets in Utah

Utah’s motorcycle helmet law adopts specifications outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 49 CFR 571.218 and 16 CFR Part 1203. The regulation in 49 CFR applies to those riding motorcycles, while the regulation in 16 CFR applies to those riding bicycles, motor-assisted scooters, and electric personal-assistive mobility devices.

Motorcycle helmets must meet strict standards regarding:

• Impact attenuation
• Penetration
• Retention systems
• Configuration
• Projections
• Labeling
• Positioning

Other Utah Motorcycle Laws:

Utah has several specific motorcycle laws in place that you need to be aware of as a Utah motorcycle rider. Here are a few laws to keep in mind as you ride:

• Motorcyclists cannot ride side-by-side in a single lane. 
• Motorcycles are permitted to ride in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane.
• Motorcyclists may only ride with passengers if their bikes have separate seats and footrests for passengers. 
• Motorcyclists cannot pass moving vehicles in the same lane. 
• Motorcyclists must use their turn signals for at least two seconds before turning. 

Insurance Requirements

You must carry adequate motorcycle insurance to operate your motorcycle on public roads. According to Utah state law, all motorcyclists must carry the following liability insurance at a minimum:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability insurance per person
• $65,000 bodily injury liability insurance per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability insurance

We recommend talking to your insurance provider about the best insurance coverage to purchase as a motorcycle rider. You’ll want adequate coverage to pay for physical damage and medical bills resulting from a potential accident. 

The Role of Motorcycle Helmet Usage in Personal Injury Lawsuits

One of the most important parts of Utah’s motorcycle helmet law concerns the role helmets play in personal injury lawsuits after an accident. Although helmet use is mandatory for riders and passengers under 21, failure to wear a helmet does not impact a victim’s right to seek compensation for their injuries.

Specifically, failing to wear a helmet doesn’t establish contributory or comparative negligence, which impacts the compensation a victim could receive through a lawsuit. The fact that a rider or passenger wasn’t wearing a helmet cannot be used as evidence when considering their negligence or injuries.

However, failing to wear a helmet as an underage rider or passenger may impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries through a motorcycle insurance claim.

Trust Law Tigers: Your Utah Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Whether you’re an experienced rider or just learning about Utah’s motorcycle helmet law, safety should always come first. But even with the right precautions, accidents can happen. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Utah, trust Law Tigers, the motorcycle accident attorneys who ride. We understand Utah’s motorcycle laws and will fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call Law Tigers Utah today at [insert phone number], or visit our website for a free consultation. Ride safe, and remember—when the unexpected happens, we’re here to help!