Here’s what IL law says about who is required to wear helmets, gear on motorcycles
Illinois has seen 111 motorcyclists killed in crashes so far this year, and helmet use has been shown to reduce death rates and the severity of nonlethal head injuries in motorcycle crashes.
The metro-east has been the site of several of these fatalities, including the death of 21-year-old Highland emergency medical technician and firefighter Gavin Schlarmann in August. The East St. Louis area saw a crash Sept. 13 that caused serious injuries and hospitalization for a motorcyclist.
Forty-seven states across the nation have some type of motorcycle helmet law, and 29 states and Guam require helmets for specific riders, such as those under a certain age. But does Illinois law require you to put on a helmet before heading out for a ride on your motorcycle?
Motorcyclists comprise a disproportionately high percentage of those killed in roadway accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports motorcycle helmets are 37% effective in preventing death for riders in crashes and 41% effective for passengers, and helmet use decreases the chance of moderate and severe injuries.
“Weakening legal requirements for helmet use has been shown to decrease helmet use and increase injury and death from motorcycle crashes,” the CDC website says.
The NHTSA estimates motorcycle helmets saved 1,872 lives in 2019.
Missouri state law requires motorcyclists younger than age 26 to wear a helmet, as well as those 26 or older who only have their instructional permit rather than their full motorcycle license.
Here’s what to know about legal requirements for motorcyclists in Illinois.
Does Illinois state law require motorcycle helmets?
“Motorcyclists are not required to have a helmet,” Teri Ross, executive director of Illinois Legal Aid Online, said in an Aug. 8 interview with the News-Democrat.
Illinois state law does require motorcyclists and people riding mopeds to wear glasses, goggles or a transparent shield. Contact lenses are not acceptable eye protection, the law says. This law also applies to motorcycle passengers.
Motorcyclists are required to follow all traffic laws, signs and signals, just like any other driver, Ross added.
“It looks like Illinois is one of only three states that doesn’t have some kind of helmet law for motorcycle riders,” Ross said.
Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire are the nation’s three states that do not have a motorcycle helmet law. The Land of Lincoln did previously, but it was found unconstitutional and was overturned by the state’s supreme court in 1969. Donald Fries, the appellant, was originally convicted of operating a motorcycle without a helmet in Madison County.
Although state law does not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet, the Illinois Department of Transportation encourages motorcyclists to wear a bright, reflective DOT-approved helmet, full-fingered gloves, a motorcycle jacket, pants and boots, in addition to the legally required eye protection.
Along with wearing protective gear, the Illinois State Police reports motorcyclists should follow best safety practices, including riding defensively, avoiding speeding, using turn signals, avoiding alcohol use and being ready to use brakes when needed.
Illinois motorcyclists are required to earn a “M” classification to be properly licensed.
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