While passenger cars have airbags, seatbelts, and various other safety features designed to protect occupants from serious injury during collisions, motorcycles have no built-in safety devices whatsoever—at least, none that are meant to shield a rider from the forces generated by a traffic crash. This is why it is crucial for motorcyclists to take responsibility for their own safety by wearing appropriate clothing and gear while riding, including and especially a helmet designed for motorcyclist use.
In recognition of the unique risk of head and brain injury that motorcycle riders and passengers face, state legislators require that certain types of riders wear motorcycle helmets and that all riders wear certain other safety gear. If you are a motorcyclist, it is important that you are familiar with the current Tucson motorcycle helmet laws. If you have questions about any aspect of these laws, a motorcycle injury attorney from Phillips Law Group is available to help.
Which Motorcyclists Are Required by Law To Wear Helmets?
According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-964, all operators and passengers on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, and certain types of all-terrain vehicles who are under the age of 18 must wear properly fitted and secured safety helmets at all times. This rule does not apply to riders and passengers over the age of 18, nor does it apply to anyone riding a motorcycle or similar vehicle for agricultural work, riding on private property, or riding inside an electric three-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cab, such as a Slingshot.
If someone 16 or 17 years old is found to have been operating or riding on a motorcycle without a helmet on, a police officer can ticket that operator or rider personally for this offense. If a rider under 16 is on a motorcycle without a helmet, motorcycle helmet laws allow Tucson police officers to issue citations to any rider over the age of 18 who is either transporting the minor in question as a passenger on their own motorcycle or part of the same group or riding party as the minor.
Other Equipment Requirements for Motorcyclists
The same section of state law mentioned above also requires all motorcycle operators and riders of any age to wear some form of transparent and shatterproof eye protection while riding. Riders can meet this requirement by wearing protective glasses, goggles, a face shield, or a motorcycle safety helmet with a visor attached. Alternatively, separate face protection is not required for people riding motorcycles with built-in protective windshields.
As for safety helmets themselves, the state requires riders to wear helmets that are specifically designed for use on motorcycles and meet basic safety standards set by both the Arizona and United States Departments of Transportation. A seasoned lawyer can answer questions about whether a particular helmet meets the criteria set by the motorcycle helmet laws in Tucson during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Learn More About Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Tucson
Arizona is somewhat unique in the fact that it does not legally require all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets while riding. However, regardless of whether Tucson motorcycle helmet laws apply to you, there is not a single personal injury attorney in the country who would not strongly recommend helmet use for motorcyclists, primarily because they have all seen what often happens to a rider without a helmet in a wreck.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, a dedicated motorcycle injury lawyer can help you maximize the financial restitution available to you. Call Phillips Law Group today to discuss your legal options with an attorney.
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