Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Helmet Law

D.C. law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets of a type approved by the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles. At a minimum, the helmet must meet The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Specifications for Protective Headgear for Vehicle Users, Standard Z90-.1-1966.

• Learn more about American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

D.C. law also requires motorcycle helmets to have permanent, weather-proof reflectors on each side that cover an area of at least four inches. Helmets must also be equipped with either a neck or chin strap. The law further requires that helmets permit unobstructed peripheral vision to 120 degrees on each side. Helmets must also permit unobstructed hearing.

In addition to the helmet law, all motorcycle operators must wear goggles or a face shield, unless the bike is equipped with a windscreen, or unless the operator wears eyeglasses with safety glass lenses.