Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Louisiana 2023
As per the state laws of Louisiana, if you’re going to ride a motorcycle you should wear a helmet and protective gear. Since the statistics reflect that a total of 1000+ people alone in Louisiana were injured or killed in 2022 while riding the bike — you should take the responsibility of being a responsible citizen and must follow traffic laws and motorcycle safety rules.
Louisiana is a great place to ride a motorcycle all year round. However, the potholes on the roads of Louisiana continue to serve as a hurdle for the motorcyclists. The continuously changing conditions of weather are also an emergent cause of motorcycle accidents throughout the state of Louisiana.
To avoid fatal motorcycle accidents, a rider must abide by motorcycle helmet laws in Louisiana.
Breaking Down Louisiana Helmet Laws 2023
At Welborn & Hargett Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have seen first-hand a wide variety of injuries that occur in a variety of accidents involving cars, trucks, and other motorcycles.
Whether you’re considering buying a motorcycle, recently bought one, or have been riding one for years, knowing more about Louisiana motorcycle laws can be life-saving.
Below you will find the importance of wearing motorcycle helmets, penalties, and exceptions of breaking motorcycle helmet laws in the state of Louisiana.
1. Are Motorcycle Helmets Required in Louisiana?
Louisiana law requires everyone to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, motorbike, electric bicycle, or even while riding as a passenger. The law defines approved head protection as one with a visor, padding, liner and chin strap, which the wearer must fasten while riding.
Now, there are two exceptions to this rule. If you are attending a parade or other public exhibition, your local police may grant you special permits valid only for the duration of the event.
Another is if your bike has struts that provide as much or more safety than a helmet, roll bar or roll cage. However, Louisiana makes no exceptions to helmet laws for factors such as age, insurance policy, and type of motorcycle.
2. Importance of Wearing Motorcycle Helmet
Whether you have been riding your motorcycle for 20 seconds or doing it for 20 years, it’s essential to protect your head from spine and brain damage as it is the most fatal injury from a motorcycle accident. This is why the effectiveness and safety of motorcycle helmets have improved dramatically over the past decade.
According to Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, wearing a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of head injuries by 69% and the risk of accidental death by 42%. This is why wearing helmets is highly important according to the Louisiana motorcycle laws.
Related Article: The Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle Around Louisiana
Do You Have to Wear Motorcycle Helmets in Louisiana?
The rules in Louisiana are simple and there are no two opinions about them. Everyone, including passengers and riders must wear protective headgear while riding a motorcycle on the streets of Louisiana.
In the state’s motorcycle helmet laws of Louisiana, Headgear must include lining/padding, visor, and chin strap. Drivers must wear some form of eye protection to avoid anything from going directly into their eyes. According to RS 32.190.1 eye protection can be anything from goggles or translucent shields.
3. Exceptions to the Helmet Law
There are no exceptions to Louisiana’s motorcycle helmet laws. Helmets are mandatory for all drivers regardless of age, liability insurance or vehicle class.
4. Penalties for Breaking Louisiana Motorcycle Helmet Law
Violating the Louisiana motorcycle helmet law will result in a $50 fine and additional court costs. Helmet law violations will not appear on your driver’s license as a minor violation. However, it is better and highly advised not to break any rules.
Statue 32 Revised under Louisiana
Louisiana is one of those states in the US where the law-and-order situation sets a benchmark for other states. The law states under LA R.S.32:190, It is illegal to operate or ride a motorcycle without wearing a safety helmet properly fastened with a chin strap. Violating any of the rules will result in a legal fine of $50.
The Louisiana Helmet Law also clarifies that protective helmets must be manufactured specifically for motorcyclists and consist of a liner, visor and padding. Protective equipment must also comply with other specifications established and published by officers.
Safety Tips Every Motorcyclist Should Know
Have you recently purchased a bike and want to ride it across the streets of Louisiana? If yes, then it is important to understand the different riding challenges that you may encounter on public roads. Our expert Louisiana motorcycle accident attorney has compiled some safety tips below to reduce your chances of being injured in an accident.
- Before obtaining a motorcycle license, please take a motorcycle safety course. This will give you more experience in riding a bike on the streets.
- Always wear protective gear, such as a helmet and a jacket with sturdy panels. Leather can withstand the road and affect the severity of injuries so wear a biker jacket. Lastly, wear durable boots/shoes for better protection.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Avoid driving bike in the rain. It is difficult to maintain your vehicle’s control on slippery surfaces.
- Focus on the road, not on your phone or bike.
- Be very careful at intersections. Crossroads are one of the deadliest places on your journey. You may not see a driver making a left or right turn, or you may be hit by someone who ran a red light. All this is possible in a car, but it is more likely to lead to wrongful death for motorcyclists.
Featured Article: Choosing the Best Personal Injury Attorney in Louisiana
Discuss Your Case with Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys at Welborn & Hargett Law Firm
Motorcycle accident attorneys at Welborn & Hargett Law Firm in Lafayette, LA have raised dollars in verdicts and settlements for motorcycle accident victims. We are here for the legal representation that is necessary to obtain compensation for physical injury and emotional distress.
Do not hesitate to contact the motorcycle accident attorney today to find out if you are entitled to compensation.
