All Comparison Tables

Bicycle Helmet Laws by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

State-level bicycle helmet requirements for minors, including penalty amounts and whether the requirement is statewide or left to local jurisdictions.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: March 2025

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Required AgePenaltyScope
Under 16$50 fineStatewide
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
Under 18$25 fineStatewide
NoneN/ALocal only
Under 16Warning onlyStatewide
Under 18$25 fineStatewide
Under 16$15 fineStatewide
Under 16Warning onlyStatewide
Under 16$25 fineStatewide
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
Under 12$50 fineStatewide
Under 16Warning, then $25Statewide
Under 16$25 fineStatewide
Under 17Warning onlyStatewide
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ANone
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ANone
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
Under 16Warning onlyStatewide
Under 17$25 fineStatewide
Under 18$10 fineStatewide
Under 14$50 fineStatewide
Under 16Warning onlyStatewide
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
Under 16$25 fineStatewide
Under 12$25 fineStatewide
Under 16Warning onlyStatewide
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ANone
Under 16$2 fineStatewide
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ALocal only
Under 15$10-100 fineStatewide
NoneN/ALocal only
NoneN/ANone
Under 16$25 fineCitywide

Many cities and counties have stricter local ordinances than the state baseline. Always check municipal code where you ride.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.