Ok, let’s talk about more than just seatbelt laws...let’s add motorcycle helmet laws to the equation. In many states motorcycle helmets are not mandatory, especially for adults. Kansas is one of those states. Why the descrepency? Why is wearing a seatbelt more important than wearing a helmet? In states like Kansas where the helmet is optional, why not seatbelts optional?
Here are the motorcycle helmet laws by state...
State Motorcycle law
Alabama - all riders
Alaska - 17 and younger
Arizona - 17 and younger
Arkansas - 20 and younger
California - all riders
Colorado - 17 and younger drivers and passengers
Connecticut - 17 and younger
Delaware - 18 and younger
District of Columbia - all riders
Florida - 20 and younger
Georgia - all riders
Hawaii - 17 and younger
Idaho - 17 and younger
Illinois - no law
Indiana - 17 and younger
Iowa - no law
Kansas - 17 and younger
Kentucky - 20 and younger
Louisiana - all riders
Maine - 17 and younger
Maryland - all riders
Massachusetts - all riders
Michigan - all riders
Minnesota - 17 and younger
Mississippi - all riders
Missouri - all riders
Montana - 17 and younger
Nebraska - all riders
Nevada - all riders
New Hampshire - no law
New Jersey - all riders
New Mexico - 17 and younger
New York - all riders
North Carolina - all riders
North Dakota - 17 and younger
Ohio - 17 and younger
Oklahoma - 17 and younger
Oregon - all riders
Pennsylvania - 20 and younger
Rhode Island - 20 and younger
South Carolina - 20 and younger
South Dakota - 17 and younger
Tennessee - all riders
Texas - 20 and younger
Utah - 17 and younger
Vermont - all riders
Virginia - all riders
Washington - all riders
West Virginia - all riders
Wisconsin - 17 and younger
Wyoming - 17 and younger
I am of the opinion that state may only enact laws that prevent one person from doing harm to another. Shortsighted, I know, but that’s just me, apparently. I’m old enough that I still revere the word liberty.