Are motorcycle helmets required as a matter of law? It depends on who you are and where you are riding. While some states mandate that all motorcyclists must wear properly-fitting safety helmets, Wisconsin only requires motorcycle helmets of minors. Here, our Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers explain the key things you should know about our state’s motorcycle helmet laws.
Minors Must Wear a Motorcycle Helmet (Even as a Passenger)
Wisconsin takes the safety of young motorcyclists very seriously. Under Wisconsin law (Wisconsin Statutes § 347.485), all minors—defined as people under the age of 18—are mandated to wear a motorcycle helmet while riding. To be clear, the statute is not restricted to motorcyclists alone, it also applies to motorcycle passengers. If you are a motorcycle rider with a minor as a passenger, it is your obligation to ensure that they are wearing a proper safety helmet.
Motorcycle Helmets are Not Required for Adults—But Eye Protection is Mandatory
While adults are granted more leeway in their choice to wear a helmet, Wisconsin law does not entirely discard safety measures. Though helmet use for adults is optional, eye protection is not. Any person riding a motorcycle is required to use eyewear that meets the standards of the Department of Transportation (DOT). In Wisconsin, a motorcyclist must always wear one of the following:
- Safety glasses;
- Safety goggles; or
- A face shield.
Every Motorcyclist in Wisconsin Should Wear a Helmet (Prevents Brain Injuries)
Regardless of the fact that motorcycle helmets are not always required by law in Wisconsin, it is strongly advised that all motorcyclists wear a helmet. You should wear one every single time that you ride. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of death by nearly 40 percent and the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) by nearly 70 percent.
We Help Injured Motorcyclists Recover Full and Fair Financial Compensation
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be daunting. You do not have to take on insurance companies alone. We are dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists secure full and fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, our Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process, handle insurance negotiations, and, if necessary, aggressively represent you in court. Whether or not you chose to wear a helmet, we understand the gravity of your situation and are committed to fighting for your rights and your recovery.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin motorcycle accident attorneys have the legal and professional expertise that you can trust. We fight tirelessly to protect the rights of injured victims. Contact us right away for a free, no obligation consultation. With law offices in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Onalaska, we fight for the rights of motorcycle accident victims throughout the region.