State-By-State Breakdown: Understanding UTV Helmet Laws Across the USA:
UTV Helmet Laws By State. This article was written in November of 2023. Please double check the links provided for each state to verify state and local laws.
Alabama
It is illegal to operate an UTV without a securely fastened helmet on the head of the operator.
Alaska
A person who is under 16 years of age may not operate or ride on an off-road vehicle unless the person wears a helmet that meets the helmet standards of the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission or other protective headgear standards required by the department.
Arizona
A person who is under 18 years of age may not operate or ride an On and Off-Highway Vehicle on public or State Land unless the person is wearing protective headgear which is properly fitted and fastened, designed for motorized vehicle use and has a minimum United States Department of Transportation Safety Rating.
Arkansas
Arkansas does not require you to wear a helmet while operating a UTV, however they STRONGLY suggest it to anyone under the age of 21.
California
Yes. California requires all passengers and the operator to wear a safety helmet while operating an ROV. Effective January 1, 2015, this law will apply only on public lands.
Colorado
Riders age 18 and over are not required to wear a helmet in Colorado. However, operators or passengers under the age of 18, MUST wear a DOT-approved helmet.
Connecticut
Connecticut does not have any helmet laws for UTVs.
Delaware
The operator and all passengers must wear a protective helmet with a chinstrap fastened.
Florida
Off-highway vehicle operators and riders under the age of 16 must wear a USDOT approved safety helmet and eye protection. It is strongly encouraged that riders of all ages wear helmets and eye protection.
Georgia
There is no law in Georgia regarding wearing a helmet while operating a UTV.
Hawaii
Driven on streets during daylight hours; provided further that while in operation, any operator and passenger of an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle shall wear a safety helmet with a securely fastened chin strap that meets the specifications and requirements established by rules adopted by the director.
Idaho
A DOT approved helmet under age 18.
Illinois
For motorcycles, Illinois does not require helmets but does require eye protection. Although a street legal UTV does not meet Illinois' legal definition of a motorcycle, we still suggest wearing eye protection as this is what local law enforcement will be most familiar with.
Indiana
In accordance with Indiana law, beginning July 1, 2017 all children under 18 years are required to wear a helmet on or in any Off-Road Vehicle (ORV). This applies to all ORVs, including but not limited to ATVs, UTV, side-by-side vehicles, and dirt bikes.
Iowa
Helmets are required for all operators and passengers on riding areas, parking, and loading areas.
Kansas
The motorcycle helmet law in Kansas requires any rider younger than 18 to wear a helmet. Although this law does not apply to occupants riding in an “enclosed cab” and although a UTV does not meet Kansas’s legal definition of a motorcycle, local law enforcement might expect occupants younger than 18 to wear helmets on public roads since that is what they are most familiar with expecting.
Kentucky
Occupants younger than 16 must wear DOT helmets. All occupants must wear eye protection if no windshield is equipped. Passengers cannot ride on trailers or other towed equipment. Driver must be at least 18 years old.
Louisiana
Louisiana does not have specific helmet laws for street legal UTVs. Occupants may be required to wear helmets in OHV areas.
Maine
A persons under 18 may not operate or be carried on an ATV without a helmet.
Maryland
Maryland's motorcycle helmet law requires all riders to wear helmets. Additionally, all riders must wear eye protection if the vehicle does not have a windshield.
Massachusetts
Persons operating, riding on, or being towed by a recreation vehicle shall wear an approved helmet.
Michigan
ORV operators and passengers must wear a USDOT-approved crash helmet. This requirement is not to be confused with Michigan's sometimes confusing motorcycle helmet law, which allows for certain motorcyclists meeting particular requirements to ride without a helmet.
Minnesota
ALL ATV and OHV riders under the age of 18 are REQUIRED to wear an approved, securely fastened helmet at all times when riding. All helmets must meet the Department of Transportation standards and display DOT approval.
Mississippi
Riders under 16 years old must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved motorcycle/ ATV helmet on public property.
Missouri
Operators and passengers of motorized vehicles must wear protective helmets that meet Department of Transportation (DOT) or ANSI Z90.1 certification. This includes all operators and passengers riding motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs and dune buggies.
Montana
Helmets must meet DOT or Snell standards and be worn by those under 18 who operate or ride a motorcycle or quadricycle on streets or highways (MCA 61-9-417). Helmets are strongly recommended for ALL OHV operators and riders.
Nebraska
Nebraska does not require a helmet to be worn but strongly suggests it.
Nevada
Helmets are required for ALL OPERATORS AND RIDERS when operating on a county, town, or city maintained road, including side-by-sides. All traffic laws of the State of Nevada must be complied with during operation of an OHV.
New Hampshire
No person shall operate or be a passenger in a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) who is less than 18 years of age unless they are wearing a seat or safety belt which is properly adjusted and fastened, if the UTV is so equipped with safety belts. Helmets will still be required in addition to safety belts.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, all OHV occupants are required by law to wear helmets at all times while operating.
New Mexico
All operators and passengers younger than 18 years of age must wear helmets and eye protection
New York
NYS law requires all ATV drivers and passengers to wear USDOT-approved helmets and eye protection while using ATVs. Either a motorcycle helmet or motocross helmet are acceptable types of helmets to wear while using an ATV.
North Carolina
North Carolina state law requires all riders wear protective eye wear and a proper helmet.
North Dakota
Any person under the age of 18 MUST wear a helmet while driving or riding any ATV or UTV. ATVs and UTVs are required to be licensed for use through the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
Ohio
No Ohio ATV driver under the age of 16 can operate an ATV on public roadways. Ohio also requires the use of helmets and eye protection for riders younger than 18 driving on public lands and roadways. There is no regulation of headwear or eye protection on private property.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma state law requires that all individuals under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Keep in mind that on public land, riding double is prohibited unless the ATV has been specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers.
Oregon
Class IV (side by side) – Helmets required for all youth under 18
Pennsylvania
It is illegal to operate an ATV or UTV without a securely fastened helmet on the head of the operator.
Rhode Island
While Rhode Island does not have specific helmet laws for street legal UTVs, helmets are required for UTVs and other off-highway vehicles that are not street legal in the limited circumstances they are allowed to use public roads
South Carolina
Anyone 15 years and younger is required to wear a DOT approved helmet.
South Dakota
Eye protection is required for ATV/UTV operators on all public roads unless a windshield is in place. Helmets are advised for all ATV/UTV operators and riders on all roads. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18. Operators on roads must be able to provide registration and proof of insurance.
Tennessee
Tennessee state law stipulates that all riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. On off-road trails, riders over the age of 18 can wear helmets at their own discretion. However, on any public road, such as the ones listed above, every ATV operator and passenger must wear an approved helmet.
Texas
Looking to off-highway vehicle laws, OHVs that have not been street legalized can only be driven on public roads in Texas in limited circumstances during which all occupants are required to wear helmets, eye protection, and seat belts if the vehicle has them.
Utah
All ATV riders should wear an approved helmet at ALL times when riding their ATV, regardless of their age or experience level. In Utah, a helmet is mandatory for all riders (operators AND passengers) under the age of 18. Helmets must have at least a "DOT Approved" safety rating for motorized use.
Vermont
Vermont requires helmets for ATV riders who are on public right of ways, VASA trails, or public land. While VASA, Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Motor Vehicles will need to develop precisely what helmets are required under this law, the intent is for traditional ATV users to have more protective, full face helmets, while those in side-by-side ATVs will be allowed to use lighter less restrictive helmets in recognition of the protection provided by roll bars and seat belts.
Virginia
Any person operating an ATV vehicle must wear a protective helmet.
Washington
Washington does not have any specific helmet laws for UTVs.
West Virginia
West Virginia places no minimum age restrictions on riding ATVs. However the following rules apply to riders under 18: Any riders under age 18 must complete a state-accredited free vehicle rider safety awareness course. ATV operators under age 18 must wear a protective helmet that is size-appropriate.
Wisconsin
Any person under 18 must wear a DOT approved helmet for both ATV and UTV. Seat belts are required to be worn by all passengers in a UTV.
Wyoming
ll (ORVs) must display a current State of Wyoming ORV sticker, regardless if the ATV or Motorcycle has a current license plate. WS 31-2-703 (a) 0perators and riders under 18 years old must wear an approved helmet.
Make sure to double check the links provides for each state to get the most up to date information.
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