Obtaining your motorcycle license in Arizona can be a thrilling and practical addition to your life since you can commute more quickly. You’ve probably heard about all the safety advantages of wearing a helmet, whether you’re a novice rider or have been riding for years.
However, what do the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) say about using a helmet when riding? This post will provide the answer and other Arizona motorcycle helmet laws you should be aware of.
Do you need to wear a motorcycle helmet in Arizona?
Yes, but sometimes. In Arizona, riders and passengers must wear helmets only if they are under 18. That is unlike some jurisdictions that mandate helmet use for all motorcycle riders and passengers. Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and any motorized cycle (including most scooters and mopeds) are subject to A.R.S. 28-964.
According to Arizona motorcycle helmet laws, operators must always wear the helmet and fasten it to the head when operating the vehicle. You may get traffic tickets and fines for disregarding Arizona’s motorcycle helmet regulations.e
Additional requirements for safety gear
Arizona does not mandate that you wear a safety helmet if you are older than 18 years old (although it is highly recommended to do so). While riding a motorcycle, there are additional safety rules you must adhere to.
First, unless the motorcycle has a protective windshield, all riders and passengers must wear safety glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield. Only if the driver and passenger are in an enclosed cab is there an exemption to this rule.
The second requirement is that motorcycles and ATVs have a rearview mirror, a seat, and footrests for the driver and passenger. Last but not least, motorcycles must have between 22 and 54-inch-tall headlights that are at least one and not more than two in number.
How not donning a helmet can affect your motorcycle accident claim.
The greatest benefit of wearing a motorcycle helmet is that it significantly lowers your risk of an accident-related injury or passing away when operating a motorcycle. Even in Arizona, where wearing a helmet is not required for riders over 18 by law, wearing one can increase the compensation you are eligible for should you ever be hurt in a motorcycle accident.
However, if safety is not your top priority, consider the potential financial risks of not wearing a helmet. Even if the accident was the fault of another driver’s recklessness, their insurance company can try to reject your claim on the grounds that you would not have been hurt if you had been wearing a helmet.
The last thing you need after a collision is another barrier standing in your way of receiving the compensation you are entitled to due to mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. A simple solution to prevent this: always wear a helmet while you ride.
The takeaway
Even people who abide by Arizona’s motorcycle helmet requirements can occasionally suffer accidents. Calling a lawyer is all it takes to get help if you or anyone else has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Arizona.