As of January 1st, 2020, Florida does not have a law in place mandating that all motorcycle riders wear a helmet while operating their bike. This repeal of the mandatory helmet law has been a controversial topic since it was first enacted in July of 2000. Proponents of the repeal argue that it should be up to the individual rider to decide whether or not to wear a helmet, while opponents claim that the lack of a law will lead to an increase in motorcycle accidents and fatalities.
While there is no statewide motorcycle helmet law in Florida, many counties and cities have their own ordinances in place. In general, though, riders are only required to wear helmets if they are under the age of 21 or if they have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license. Additionally, some insurance companies may require riders to wear helmets in order to be covered.
Whether or not to wear a helmet while riding is a personal decision, but it’s one that should be given serious consideration. Helmets can greatly reduce the risk of injuries in the event of an accident, and they could even save your life. If you do decide to ride without a helmet, just be sure to stay safe out there!
Credit: billallenlaw.com
Is It Illegal to Ride a Bike Without a Helmet in Florida?
In Florida, there is no state law requiring cyclists of any age to wear a helmet while riding. However, many cities and counties in Florida have ordinances that require helmets for riders of all ages. For example, in Miami-Dade County, all cyclists are required to wear a helmet when riding.
So, while it is not technically illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in Florida, it is highly encouraged and may be required depending on where you are riding. Always check local laws and regulations before heading out on your bike to make sure you are following the rules.
Which States Can You Ride a Motorcycle Without a Helmet?
There are currently 19 states in the US where you are not required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. These states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In addition to these states there are also three US territories where you do not need to wear a helmet while riding; Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands.
So why is it that in some states you don’t need to wear a helmet? Well it all started back in 1967 when the federal government required all riders to start wearing helmets. However this law was met with strong opposition and in 1976 Congress repealed the mandatory helmet law.
So now each state has its own laws regarding motorcycle helmets.
Some people argue that wearing a helmet should be up to the rider and not mandated by law. They say that adults should be able to make their own decisions about whether or not to wear a helmet.
Others argue that mandating helmets saves lives and reduces health care costs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “helmets saved an estimated 1,829 lives in 2016”. The NHTSA also estimates that 740 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had been wearing helmets.
So what does the evidence say about whether or not wearing a helmet actually makes a difference? A study published in 2017 looked at data from over 8 million motorcycle crashes between 1984 and 2015. The study found that “helmet use reduces the odds of dying from a head injury by 42 percent” and “the odds of sustaining serious facial injuries by 48 percent”.
Another study found that hospitalization costs for unhelmeted riders were almost double those for riders who were wearing helmets ($15 vs $28 thousand dollars).
So there you have it! Whether or not you choose to wear a helmet while riding is up to you but hopefully this article has given you something to think about before making your decision.
Can You Get a Ticket for Not Wearing a Helmet While Riding a Motorcycle in Florida?
Yes, you can get a ticket for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Florida. The penalty for not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Florida is a $60 fine and 3 points on your driver’s license. If you have been involved in an accident, the fine increases to $120.
Wearing a motorcycle helmet is not required by law in Florida if you are 21 years of age or older and have at least $10,000 of medical insurance coverage.
Did Florida Have a Helmet Law?
Yes, Florida had a helmet law. The law required all motorcyclists to wear helmets while operating a motorcycle on public roads. The law was enacted in July of 2000 and was repealed in April of 2002.
Ask Trooper Steve: Florida does have a motorcycle helmet law
Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law 2021
In Florida, all motorcycle riders are required by law to wear a helmet while operating their vehicles. This includes both drivers and passengers. The only exception to this rule is if the rider is over 21 years of age and has proof of completion of a motorcycle safety course.
The penalties for not wearing a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Florida are severe. Riders who are caught without a helmet can be fined up to $500 and may have their driver’s license suspended for up to three months.
The Florida Highway Patrol is the agency responsible for enforcing the state’s motorcycle helmet law.
They will be on the lookout for riders who are not wearing helmets and will issue citations when necessary.
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is the best way to protect yourself in case of an accident. Head injuries are one of the leading causes of death among motorcycle riders, so it’s important to take every precaution possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Whether you’re new to riding or have been doing it for years, make sure you always wear your helmet when you’re on your bike. It could save your life!
Conclusion
Yes, there is a motorcycle helmet law in Florida. All riders are required to wear a helmet, regardless of age. The only exception to this rule is if the rider has a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a helmet.
In these cases, the rider must have a note from their doctor stating that they are exempt from the law.