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Wyoming Helmet Laws: What You Need to Know

Among the states in the USA, Wyoming consistently ranks in the top 10 for most motorcycle riders per capita. It’s no surprise, either. With miles and miles of rural roads, stunning mountain landscapes, and the Sturgis motorcycle rally in nearby South Dakota, the Cowboy State is the perfect place to ride.

With so many motorcycles on the road, however, comes a certain amount of risk. In the event of an accident, motorcycle drivers and passengers often suffer serious injuries and fatalities.

Helmet use is one of the most important factors impacting motorcycle accident injury and fatality rates. Wyoming, like most other states in the nation, has laws regarding the use of protective headgear while driving or riding on motorcycles.

Wyoming Helmet Law FAQs

What is Wyoming’s motorcycle helmet law?

Wyoming state law requires that all motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 years of age wear a helmet approved by the American National Standards Institute or the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Other states with similar laws include South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, and Montana. States like Utah and Pennsylvania require all motorcycle riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet.

Wyoming’s helmet law does not apply to mopeds with engine displacements of 50 cc or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and maximum speeds of 30 mph.

What kind of helmet is required in Wyoming?

DOTapproved helmets must have the following:

The safest helmets are full-face helmets, which protect the wearer’s chin and jaw. Many of them also have eye shields.

Open-face helmets protect the head and ears but lack chin protection.

What is the penalty for breaking Wyoming’s motorcycle helmet law?

Riding or operating a motorcycle as a minor without an approved helmet can result in traffic citations and fines.

What are universal helmet laws?

Some states have mandatory helmet laws for all motorcycle riders, regardless of age. These states include Nebraska, New York, Alabama, and California.

Michigan had a universal helmet law until 2012, when it was repealed. After repealing the law, the state saw a 14% increase in motorcycle accident-related head injuries.

Only three states have no helmet requirements whatsoever: Illinois, New Hampshire, and Iowa.

What equipment must a motorcycle have to be street legal?

A motorcycle should be equipped with the following:

Wyoming Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Common motorcycle accident injuries

Motorcycle Safety Guidelines

Motorcycle jacket, gloves, helmet, and sunglasses on a tableWhat other safety equipment should motorcycle riders wear?

You can protect yourself in the event of an accident by committing to wearing proper safety gear whenever you ride. The following gear is recommended for all motorcycle operators and passengers:

While helmets are not required for adults in Wyoming, it’s a good idea for all motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear. Head injuries are some of the most common (and often most fatal) wounds that motorcycle accident victims suffer.

Additionally, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident when not wearing a helmet, it could damage your injury case. The at-fault party’s insurance company may try to argue that you failed to protect yourself from injury. An attorney can help you understand whether you have a case and what damages you may be able to seek.

Is lane splitting legal in Wyoming?

Lane splitting is the practice of motorcycles riding the dotted line between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. In recent years, more states have legalized lane splitting and filtering in an effort to alleviate traffic problems.

Under Wyoming Statute 31-5-115 (g), lane splitting and lane filtering are prohibited. No operator of a motorcycle may drive their motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent lines of vehicles.

How can drivers of other motor vehicles help protect motorcyclists?

Keeping our roads safe for everyone is a shared responsibility. Each driver must obey local laws and treat other motorists with respect to prevent accidents. Drivers of passenger cars and trucks can help keep motorcyclists safe by committing to the following:

When Should I Contact a Wyoming Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for victims and their families. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, it may be time to call a personal injury lawyer.

The motorcycle accident lawyers with The Wyoming Advocates are here for you. We have been representing injury victims for more than 30 years, so we understand the difficulties you face in the wake of an accident. We will provide individualized care that meets your unique needs.

From helping you access medical care and motorcycle repairs to negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance provider, your Advocate will do everything in their power to get your back on the road.

After your motorcycle accident, you deserve an attorney who will put you first. You deserve an Advocate.