Missouri most likely helmet optional in August.

[ozarkryder]

The Missouri General Assembly has passed a large transportation bill which includes helmet modification and will go to Governor Mike Parson. He will have 45 days to veto it (At this point this seems to be not likely, the bill is clean, and the Governor has said he will support helmet modification), sign it or do nothing. If he signs it or does nothing the bill will become law August 28. Anyone with a permit must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or motortricycle, those under 26 must still wear helmets, and medical insurance must be carried. Police cannot pull over a motorcyclist for the sole purpose of checking compliance of the age or insurance. I'm not advocating or condemning helmet use - I'll continue to wear one, but support the freedom to decide for oneself. Here's the official summary of the helmet modification portion of the bill:

HB 1963T
MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAW Currently, every person operating or riding a motorcycle or motortricycle is required to wear protective headgear (Sections 302.020 and 302.026). This bill provides that persons under the age of 26 who are operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or motortricycle shall wear a helmet when the vehicle is in motion. Similarly, a person who is 26 or older, is operating a motorcycle or motortricycle, and who has been issued an instruction permit shall wear a helmet when the vehicle is in motion. No political subdivision of the state shall impose a protective headgear requirement on the operator or passenger of a motorcycle or motortricycle. No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance with these provisions (Section 302.020.2). The bill also provides that qualified operators who are 26 or older may operate a motorcycle or motortricycle without a helmet if he or she is covered by a health insurance policy or other form of insurance which will provide the person with medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a motorcycle or motortricycle accident. Proof of such coverage shall be provided on request of law enforcement by showing a copy of the qualified operator's insurance card. No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance with these provisions. (Section 302.026)

[safecracker]

Maine has been that way for along time. Only difference is our law is 18 and older no helmet required.

[ARtraveler]

I also believe in the freedom of choice on many things. In AK no helmets were required for drivers, but passengers had to have them.

We choose to ride with helmets, all the time, and everywhere. Our choice.

Others choice...it is up to them with no criticism. Likewise on ATGATT.

[CopperSpyder]

In PA you have to have your license for two years before you get a choice. I wear one all the time. I don't agree with the ones that don't wear one but its their choice.

[Gwolf]

Florida helmets are optional for over 18 with insurance. We had no helmet laws when I first started riding. Some time in the late 60s, helmets became mandatory. In the year 2000 that changed to the optional, like it is now. I still always wear one. Been in a few bad wrecks when they were mandatory, that I am pretty sure I wouldn't have survived without the helmet. In 1982 the helmet didn't survive the wreck, but but my head did, just barely........... 750 Yamaha hit by a big Buick.

[canamjhb]

In Arizona, helmets are not required. I always wear one. But, there are many groups of mostly V-twin riders who do not. Commonly referred to as "organ donors"..... Jim

[pegasus1300]

In Utah helmets are mandatory 16 and under. After that your choice. They did add a graduated license a while ago and there may be a helmet requirement there. I started wearing one when I started riding back in the 60's and still mostly do, but it's nice to have a choice.

[Grandpot]

16, 18, and 21 have traditionally been the ages of maturity. Who the heck came up with 26 and why?

[MONK]

I used to live in Indiana where helmets were optional. I always wore one. I'm NC now where helmets are NOT optional. I still wear one. ATGATT, FTW. If you chose to go w/o a lid (or wear shorts or flip flops) be my guest just don't complain to me if you have an unintentional dismount and you're injured.

[BajaRon]

Mixed emotions on this one. I am not fond of the government telling us what to do. The entire premise of the founding of this nation was predicated on a VERY LIMITED government so as to maximize liberty for the people. That has been greatly eroded over the years. Though the 'Boiled Frog' myth has been debunked. The analogy still fits, I think.

Helmets and seat belts have saved untold numbers of lives. And many times that number of life long disabilities.

It's a tough call for me. But as much as it makes me cringe. I suppose I'd come down on the side of government for this one. I think if everyone were required to attend just 1 accident representing each of these 2 situations, sentiments might change a great deal.

[ozarkryder]

16, 18, and 21 have traditionally been the ages of maturity. Who the heck came up with 26 and why?

The provision that those under age 26 must wear helmets came from an amendment by Missouri Senator Dave Schatz. https://www.senate.mo.gov/mem26/ The reasoning was that younger people can be carried on their parents insurance until age 25. He has included this language to kill helmet modification in the past, but this time his bluff was called and the bill passed.

[Grandpot]

The provision that those under age 26 must wear helmets came from an amendment by Missouri Senator Dave Schatz. https://www.senate.mo.gov/mem26/ The reasoning was that younger people can be carried on their parents insurance until age 25. He has included this language to kill helmet modification in the past, but this time his bluff was called and the bill passed.

Thanks for the answer. Just another law written by lawyers for other lawyers to discover a loophole.