Governors Highway Safety Association
The States' Voice on Highway Safety

Issue Overview

Motorcyclists are overrepresented in crashes and fatalities. In 2022 there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed, 15 percent of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since FARS started in 1975.1 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides the following statistics on motorcycle safety in the United States:

  • Helmet Use
    In states without universal helmet laws, 54 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2022 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 11 percent in states with universal helmet laws.1
  • Impaired Riding
    In 2022, there were 5.934 motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Of those, 1,705 (29%) were alcohol-impaired (BAC of .08 or higher).1
  • Speeding
    In 2022, 35% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding.1

States use both national and statewide data to find the right mix of rider education, enforcement and laws to decrease deaths and injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes.

1 National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2024, July). Motorcycles: 2022 data (Updated, Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 589). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

GHSA Policy

State Laws Overview

In 1967, the federal government required states to enact universal motorcycle helmet laws to qualify for certain highway safety funds. By 1975, all but three had complied. In 1976, Congress revoked federal authority to assess penalties for noncompliance, and states began to weaken helmet laws to apply only to young or novice riders.

Currently, about half the states require helmets for all motorcyclists. Most other states require helmets for certain riders, and a few have no helmet law. GHSA urges all states to adopt a universal motorcycle helmet law and vigorously enforce existing laws.

  • 47 states, D.C., Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have a helmet law for motorcyclists.
    • 17 states, D.C., the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have a universal helmet law, requiring helmets for all riders.
    • 29 states and Guam require helmets for specific riders.
  • Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire are the only states that do not have motorcycle helmet laws.

NOTE: GHSA does not compile any additional data on helmet laws other than what is presented here. For more information, consult the appropriate State Highway Safety Office (SHSO).

Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and SHSOs.

Last updated in May 2024. Last reviewed by SHSOs in March 2024.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

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