Motorcycle Helmet Law

New Hampshire is one of three states, along with lllinois and Iowa, without a motorcycle helmet law.

Bills mandating helmet use have repeatedly failed to pass the Legislature. The most recent attempt (HB 1162) was proposed in 2010, but died in the House Transportation Committee.

Opponents believe adults should have the choice to wear a helmet and those who ride without one are only endangering themselves. Proponents of mandatory helmet laws say head injuries cost everyone through increased hospital costs, rehabilitation and loss of employment.

According to the Governors' Highway Safety Association, 15 NH motorcyclists and/or passengers were killed in crashes in 2017, down from 18 in 2016. 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 19 states and the District of Columbia have motorcycle helmet laws that require all riders to wear a helmet. Twenty-eight states have a motorcycle helmet law that only require some riders to wear a helmet.