A ride out west "helmet or no helmet"
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Marquette MI.
I don't mean to change your post but you might want to
Check with your insurance company to make sure the'll cover you without a helmet. I recently had someone tell me that riders that ride in states that don't require helmets pay for an extra rider on their insurance policy and that if your from a state that requires a helmet and you get in an accident without one, there might be some claim issues. Has any one else heard of this?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
Yeah. here in Oregon, the "requirement" is a DOT lid, but my wife & I wear novelty ones. Never been pulled over for that. In Washington, make sure it at least LOOKS like a bona-fide DOT (meh) brain bucket.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Yes, you may want to look up what the laws are for those states. You may not have a choice in the matter as most of our state gov't don't think we can handle a decision like that. Fortunately for me, I live in a "freedom of choice" state. At least SC is good for something.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 6
From: Portland, OR metro area
http://usff.com/hldl/frames/50state.html
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp
There is the link to the AMA site that I use before planing trips. DOT or Novelty is your choice. I never understood why people bitch about getting ticketed when wearing a novelty bucket. I can spot those in a heart beat going down the road at 60mph. I would think that an LEO that spends all day on the highways would be able to do the same. I don't wear one riding here in Ohio for the most part but if I am in a state that requires one I wear a legit DOT just to avoid the hassle.
There is the link to the AMA site that I use before planing trips. DOT or Novelty is your choice. I never understood why people bitch about getting ticketed when wearing a novelty bucket. I can spot those in a heart beat going down the road at 60mph. I would think that an LEO that spends all day on the highways would be able to do the same. I don't wear one riding here in Ohio for the most part but if I am in a state that requires one I wear a legit DOT just to avoid the hassle.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 38
From: The real N.CA (not S.F. Bay Area)
I live in No. CA and I have a few friends who wear non DOT helmets. They've never been pulled over for it, but just suppose you did. The cop who pulls you over and writes you for it is not going to let you continue on down the road without a proper helmet. It's your choice.
Last edited by max56; Jul 19, 2010 at 02:17 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: Bastrop, LA
Here is a good website that stays abreast of the current helmet laws by state: http://usff.com/hldl/frames/50state.html
They also list the Statute, Fine, Standards, and Court Decisions by state.
They also list the Statute, Fine, Standards, and Court Decisions by state.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 32,562
Likes: 2,577
From: Shit Weather USA
Well,I hate having to wear helmets here in Va.I would just like it to be my choice.That said anytime on the highway or riding for a long time.I would always wear my helmet if I were you.Better to be safe,than sorry.