Minnesota Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcyclists over the age of 18 can choose whether or not to wear a helmet in the state of Minnesota.
Written by Joshua Levy
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
According to Minnesota law, any motorcyclist under the age of 18 must wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet. Additionally, any rider learning to use a motorcycle is required to wear a helmet on the road.
In 2019, motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To reduce the number of traffic fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents, many states have instituted laws that require motorcyclists to wear helmets.
We know it’s hard to understand your state’s helmet laws. That’s why the car insurance broker and comparison app
Jerry
has compiled everything you need to know about helmet laws, from what kind of helmet you should wear to the penalties for failing to comply.RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Do you have to wear a motorcycle helmet in Minnesota?
If you’re under the age of 18, you must wear a helmet while riding your motorcycle. Anyone learning to use a motorcycle must also wear a helmet until they’re officially licensed. In addition, all helmets must be approved by the Department of Transportation in Minnesota.
Of course, once you’re older than 18 years old, you can choose whether you’d like to wear a helmet or not.
Exceptions to Minnesota’s motorcycle helmet law
The only exception to Minnesota’s helmet law is that riders under the age of 18 may use their motorcycles without a helmet while participating in a parade.
However, those who wish to disregard the helmet laws must get a permit from their local government. Otherwise, they may still face fines and citations for failure to comply with the law.
Penalties for breaking Minnesota’s motorcycle helmet law
Failing to comply with Minnesota’s helmet law is a minor offense. While there are no set penalties for breaking the helmet laws, violators may face fines if they’re caught.
Why it’s important to wear a motorcycle helmet
While Minnesota won’t penalize you severely for failing to wear a helmet, it’s important to take the proper safety measures when getting on a motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents account for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, and the
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
believes that number could be reduced if more riders used helmets. In 2016, more than 1,850 motorcyclists were saved by wearing helmets. The CDC specifically states that 802 more lives could have been saved if the drivers had chosen to wear helmets.
The NHTSA claims that helmets mitigate motorcycle fatalities and injuries by 37% and 69%, respectively. That said, motorcycle laws prevent hundreds of fatalities each year in the United States.
Wearing a helmet may not always be convenient, comfortable, or even required, but they’re one of the best preventative measures you can take against motorcycle injuries and fatalities. As a general rule, motorcyclists should try to wear a helmet every time they hit the road.
“This app is all about savings!Jerryjust saved me $193/month on my car insurance. They literally found me the cheapest policies out there and with better coverage! Seriously, just sit back and watch Jerry work its magic.” —Rachel B.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
