Pennsylvania Motorcycle Helmet Law

Pennsylvania repealed its mandatory helmet law in 2003.

Motorcycle operators 21 years of age and older, who have either been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or who have completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, are not required to wear helmets.

Passengers who are 21 and older are permitted to ride on motorcycles without helmets, so long as the operator of the bike is not legally required to wear a helmet.

Riders with a motorcycle learner’s permit are required to wear a helmet.

Those riding in a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab are not required to wear helmets.

All motorcycle operators and riders under 21, however, must wear helmets, regardless of how long the operator has been licensed or whether he or she has completed a safety course.

All motorcycle operators and riders are required to wear eye protection that is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles.