Virginia motorcycle helmet Laws 

 

Without a protective helmet, a rider cannot operate or ride a motorcycle or autocycle in Virginia. The helmet should be approved by the federal DOT, the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the American National Standards Institute, Inc.

As per Virginia state motorcycle helmet use laws, all autocycle and motorcycle operators and riders need to wear safety helmets. Additionally, every operator of a motorcycle or autocycle needs to wear safety goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield if they do not have a safety glass or windshield on their bike.

All this protective gear must exceed or meet the specifications and standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the federal DOT, or the American National Standards Institute, Inc. This law exempts people riding a motorcycle or autocycle with wheels having a diameter of 8 inches or less or 3 wheels with enclosed bodies, windshields, and fixed roofs. It also excludes people riding in a parade at a speed equal to or less than 15 mph.

Virginia motorcycle helmet laws were enacted in 1970. Anyone riding a motorcycle in Virginia must wear a face shield and safety glasses or goggles, or have their motorbike equipped with safety glass or a windshield, according to Virginia Code 46.2-910. This regulation also mandates the use of protective helmets by all motorcycle drivers and passengers.

Motorbike drivers and passengers in Virginia should wear an authorised motorcycle helmet that exactly matches the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., or the United States Department of Transportation’s requirements and guidelines, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (DOT).

Virginia motorcycle helmet laws are subject to change as state helmet laws across the USA are periodically revised. Click here to check for any changes to Virginia motorcycle helmet laws, as this is the best Virginia state government source for motorcycle helmet laws and regulations we know of. 

If you know of a better online government resource for Virginia motorcycle helmet law information, please use the “Contact Us” link at the top of the page and we’ll be happy to include your resource.     

Virginia motorcycle helmet law EXEMPTIONS

Fact: Approximately 60% of US states offer exemptions to motorcycle helmet laws that allow a rider to decline to wear a motorcycle helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. Common exemptions are allowed for the age of the rider, the experience of the rider, if the rider has proof of adequate health insurance, or if the rider has taken a certified motorcycle driving safety course. 

EXEMPTIONS For Age

None

EXEMPTIONS for experience

None

EXEMPTIONS for taking a safety course

None

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