Before you hit the road on your motorcycle, you need to know the law—especially when it comes to helmets. Missouri’s helmet requirements aren’t as straightforward as you might think. Whether you are required to wear one depends on your age, licensing status, and insurance coverage.
Who Must Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Missouri?
Missouri law requires certain riders to wear protective headgear whenever their vehicle is in motion on any state highway. If you are under 26 years old, you must wear a helmet—whether you are operating the motorcycle or riding as a passenger. This applies to both motorcycles and motor-tricycles. Additionally, anyone operating a motorcycle with only an instruction permit must wear a helmet, regardless of age.
However, if you are 26 or older and have a full license, you can ride without a helmet as long as you carry health insurance that covers medical expenses from motorcycle accident injuries. This exemption applies to both operators and passengers who meet the age and insurance requirements.
Missouri also has standards for what counts as proper protective headgear. A compliant helmet should weigh around three pounds and have:
- Roughly one-inch-thick foam lining
Sturdy chin straps - Solid rivets
When shopping for helmets, look for a DOT label on the back. This indicates the helmet meets federal safety standards.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Seek Legal Help From a Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Attorney
How Is Missouri’s Motorcycle Helmet Law Enforced?
In Missouri, police officers cannot pull you over solely to check whether you are wearing a helmet. Instead, they can only cite you for a helmet violation after stopping you for another traffic infraction, such as speeding, running a red light, or having faulty equipment.
Once stopped, if you are under 26 or riding with only an instruction permit, the officer can issue a helmet violation citation. If you are 26 or older, you may be asked to provide proof of health insurance to justify riding without a helmet.
The penalties are relatively minor. A helmet law violation won’t add points to your driving record, but you may face a fine. For first-time offenders, the maximum fine is $25.
Can Failure to Wear a Helmet Affect an Accident Claim?
Not wearing a helmet—even when legally permitted—can influence how juries and insurance companies view your claim. Some may see riding without a helmet as reckless, while others will focus on how a helmet might have reduced your injuries. The at-fault driver’s legal team will likely emphasize your decision to ride without head protection in an effort to minimize their client’s liability.
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation after an accident can be reduced if you are found partially liable. If your case goes to trial, a jury might assign you a percentage of fault. For instance, if they find you 25% responsible, you’ll only recover 75% of your damages.
Speak with a Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Whether you ride with or without a helmet in Missouri, the legal landscape following an accident can shift based on the circumstances of your crash. Questions about liability, comparative fault, and how helmet use affects your motorcycle accident claim in Kansas City requires careful legal analysis.
Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe helps injured motorcyclists navigate these nuances while countering any attempts to diminish the value of their valid claims. Contact us at (816) 876-2600 to discuss your situation with our Missouri motorcycle accident attorneys.