Maryland Motorcycle Helmets Laws
All motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a helmet in Maryland. Motorcycle operators must wear eye protection, unless the bike is equipped with a windscreen.
Helmets and eye protection gear is approved by the Maryland Department of Transportation
Which Motorcycle Helmet Should You Use?
In determining the size, you should make sure it fits comfortably and snugly, and that the chin strap is fastened for the ride.
Secondly, make sure the helmet has a DOT (Department of Transportation) label on the helmet. The DOT label on helmets constitutes the manufacturer’s certification that the helmet conforms to the federal standard. This is important because motorcycle helmets sold in the United States are required to meet a certain minimum level of protection helmets for the user.
Helmets Save Lives
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, helmets are estimated to be 37-percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41-percent for motorcycle passengers.
In other words, for every 100 motorcycle riders killed in crashes when not wearing a helmet, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn helmets.
The NHSTA has also found that helmets do not interfere with the ability of riders to see or hear when in use. Therefore, riders are encouraged to use helmets at all times, even in locations or states where it is not required.
Maryland’s Bicycle Helmet Law
Bicyclists under the age of 16 must wear a bicycle safety helmet when riding on public property in Maryland. In addition, the following counties have their own rules:
- Allegany County – under 16
- Howard County – under 17
- Montgomery County – under 18
- Sykesville, MD – all ages (includes adults)
How to Properly Fit a Bike Helmet
But it’s not enough to simply buy and wear one, you need to make sure it fits properly.
- According to the National Highway Safety administration, the helmet should sit flat on top of your head and should not rock side to side.
- The helmet should sit level one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow.
- Although the helmet should feel comfortable, it should also feel snug.
- Your chin strap should also be snug as possible.