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What Is the Motorcycle Helmet Law in Minnesota?

Minnesota’s motorcycle helmet requirement is as follows:

  • All motorcycle drivers must:
    • Wear eye protection
      • Face shield
      • Goggles
      • Glasses
      • Windshield does not count as eye protection
  • Motorcycle drivers with a permit must:
    • Wear a DOT-approved helmet
  • Motorcycle drivers under the age of 18 must:
    • Wear a DOT-approved helmet

A DOT-approved helmet has an un-removable stamp on the back, and is sewn into the inside of the helmet. For a helmet to be DOT-approved, it goes through a regimen of testing regarding protection during impact, penetration and ability to stay on the rider’s head during an accident.

The Minnesota statute for these requirements is as follows:

169.974 MOTORCYCLE, MOTOR SCOOTER, MOTOR BIKE.

Subd. 2.License endorsement and permit requirements.

(c) No person who is operating by virtue of a two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit shall:

(4) drive the motorcycle without wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety.

Subd. 4.Equipment for operator and passenger.

(a) No person under the age of 18 shall operate or ride a motorcycle on the streets and highways of this state without wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety; and no person shall operate a motorcycle without wearing an eye-protective device.

To view the full statute for the complete list of requirements and exceptions, visit  https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.974.

Regardless of the debate whether to enforce a helmet law, they do save lives. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety states in their 2011 Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report, only 13 of the 42 motorcycle riders killed were known to be wearing a helmet.

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Milavetz, Gallop & Milavetz today to speak to one of our motorcycle personal injury attorneys. Call at 763-560-0000 or fill out our online contact form. We are available 24/7 to schedule your free consultation to discuss your legal options.

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