For motorcycle enthusiasts, obtaining your Arizona motorcycle license is an exciting opportunity to enjoy many of the scenic motorcycle rides through the desert. Before hitting the road on your bike, it is important to know Arizona motorcycle helmet laws in order to keep yourself safe and prevent catastrophic injuries. The Phoenix personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys review those laws and offer some additional motorcycle safety tips.
What Are Arizona Motorcycle Helmet Laws?
According to A.R.S. 28-964, helmet use is only required for riders and passengers who are under the age of 18. If you are over the age of 18, the law does not require you to wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury, neck injuries, and even paralysis.
If you decide to wear a helmet, here are some things to consider when selecting one:
- Only purchase motorcycle helmets manufactured in the U.S. The helmet must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218. Helmets that do not meet these standards will have a label on the back that reads, “DOT FMVSS 218 Certified”.
- Shop for helmets and safety gear from reputable stores and companies. Try on your helmet and other gear in person to ensure a proper fit.
- A helmet should be one inch thick minimum and weigh at least three pounds.
- Look for a helmet with a sturdy chin strap and solid metal rivets, not plastic. Helmets with plastic buckles are more likely to break or come apart during an accident.
- Look for features that enhance safety and comfort like adequate ventilation, a removable and washable liner, anti-fog visor or face shield, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Purchase a proper-fitting helmet.
- Maintain your helmet properly by following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care. Always replace your helmet if it has been involved in a crash and has sustained significant damage.
Although not everyone is required to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, A.R.S. 28-964 stipulates safety gear requirements for riders and passengers, including:
- Protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is equipped with a protective windshield. This is not required if the rider and passenger are in an enclosed cab.
- Motorcycles and ATVs must be equipped with a rearview mirror and seat and footrests for both the operator and passenger.
- Motorcycles must be lit with at least one head light between 22 and 54 inches tall. Only two headlights are allowed per vehicle.
Arizona motorcycle helmet laws apply to motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and any motor-driven cycle (including most scooters and mopeds). Failure to follow Arizona motorcycle helmet laws can result in traffic citations and fines.
How Not Wearing a Helmet Can Affect Your Accident Claim
The best reason to wear a motorcycle helmet is because it greatly reduces your chances of injury or death while riding your motorcycle. Along with safety, not wearing a helmet can reduce the amount of compensation available to you should you ever be injured in a motorcycle accident—even if the accident was caused entirely by another driver’s negligence.
The other party’s insurance company could try to deny your claim on the basis that you would not have been injured if you had been wearing a helmet. While Arizona motorcycle helmet laws do not require those over 18 to wear a helmet, if someone under 18 is hurt or killed in an accident without a helmet, or if the rider or another passenger does not wear the other required safety gear, it can be used against you in your accident claim. The opposing party may argue that you were negligent by not following the legal requirement, which can impact the outcome of your claim.
When medical bills, lost income, and other expenses are piling up after a wreck, the last thing you need is another roadblock between you and the compensation you deserve. Avoiding this situation is simple: always wear a helmet when you ride!
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Lerner and Rowe.
We hope everyone who rides a motorcycle stays safe and adheres to Arizona motorcycle helmet laws. Even when you follow all safety precautions, accidents can still happen and if they do, Lerner and Rowe can help. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident in Arizona, reach out to our motorcycle accident attorneys today and begin your free, no obligation consultation.
Our lawyers have more than 240 years of combined experience winning maximum compensation for injury victims. In fact, our attorneys have won more than $1-billion in the last 5 years for clients nationwide. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to providing top-notch legal services, our compassionate and award-winning legal team is committed to helping victims carry the emotional burden of an injury so that they can focus on recovery.
To start your free case review, contact our attorneys by calling 602-977-1900. You can also get in touch with a representative online using our LiveChat service, or by filling out this simple questionnaire to be forwarded to our office.