Helmet Laws in Wyoming: What Motorcycle Riders Need to Know

The numbers are clear: helmets save the lives of motorcycle riders. However, many states, including Wyoming, refrain from creating a blanket rule requiring all motorcycle riders, including passengers, to wear helmets. Instead, helmet laws in Wyoming state that helmets are only necessary in certain cases.

There are also rules relating to the types of helmets required and the types of motorized vehicles that are exempt from helmet requirements. Knowing these laws will help keep you safe and will also safeguard your right to compensation if you are ever in a crash.

Basic Helmet Laws in Wyoming

In Wyoming, all motorcycle riders and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while on a motorcycle. The helmet must be of a certain type to be valid, and the helmet must also have a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker on the outside.

For adults, there is no helmet mandate. However, many experts in the motorcycle safety industry recommend their use due to their ability to prevent significant head and brain injuries and death.

Exceptions

As with most laws, there are exceptions to helmet laws in Wyoming. Not only are riders and passengers over the age of 18 exempt from wearing a helmet, but there is also an exception for mopeds, which are not considered to be motorcycles by the state.

Finally, minor motorcycle riders in official parades are also exempt from the helmet requirement, as are minor riders on private roads.

Are Specific Types of Helmets Approved for Motorcycle Riders?

Wyoming law makes it clear that not all helmets are created equally. To satisfy the helmet law in Wyoming, a helmet must have:

• An Acceptable Inner Liner: This inner liner should be about one inch thick in order to provide proper cushioning for the head
• Durable Chin Straps: Sturdy chin straps are essential to keep the helmet on the head of the rider or passenger
• A Certain Weight: Motorcycle helmets need to be around three pounds in order to adequately protect riders
• An Acceptable Design: The motorcycle helmet should not have anything jutting out more than two-tenths of an inch from the surface of the helmet

For riders who are unsure of whether a certain helmet complies with the motorcycle helmet law in Wyoming, many helmet and motorcycle sellers can help. Police and sheriff officials are also capable of providing you with a reliable helmet evaluation.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking Wyoming Helmet Laws?

If a person is caught driving or riding on a motorcycle without a helmet, they may be subject to traffic fines, which vary from locality to locality. Keep in mind that if a motorcycle passenger does not have a helmet but should, the motorcycle’s operator can face penalties for riding without a helmet.

Additionally, riding without a helmet could result in negative repercussions for any subsequent civil actions for compensation. Failure to wear a helmet, even for those over 18 years of age, may be viewed as contributory negligence and could lead to reduced compensation payouts.

Why Motorcycle Helmets Are Essential for Rider Safety

Data supports the idea that motorcycle helmets save lives and help riders avoid catastrophic injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), helmets are quite successful in protecting riders and passengers from fatalities. The CDC’s numbers show helmets to be 37% effective against rider death and 41% effective for passengers.

As far as head injury in general, the CDC states that helmets have an overall prevention rate of 69%.

The Negligence of Others

Many motorcycle riders are justifiably confident in their abilities to transit the roads safely on a motorcycle. However, it is often very difficult for these same riders to always keep themselves safe from the negligence of others.

A negligent truck driver, for example, can cause an accident that harms even the safest and most alert of motorcycle riders. In other words, no matter how safe a motorcycle rider may be, the negligence of others gives a good argument for the use of a helmet by all motorcycle riders, regardless of age. 

What to Do if You’re Hit While Riding a Motorcycle

If you are ever hit while riding a motorcycle, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself, safeguard your right to compensation, and avoid criminal liability.

Call First Responders

After being hit while on a motorcycle, you will want to immediately call first responders, especially if injuries are involved. First responders are capable of providing immediate life-stabilization treatment and can get you or your passenger to the hospital for more extensive treatment.

File an Accident Report

Drivers and riders involved in a traffic accident must file an accident report if an injury, death, or $1,000 or more of property damage occurs. If a police officer arrives on the scene, they will likely file an accident report, which relieves you from filing a report of your own.

However, if a police officer does not file a report, both drivers must do so. If they do not, each could be fined up to $750. Furthermore, this accident report will be crucial for your claim for compensation against the other driver’s insurance company.

Meet With an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Meeting with an experienced motorcycle lawyer is vital after an accident. Since it costs nothing to attend a free consultation, all victims of these or any other type of traffic accident should meet with an attorney.

FAQ

Should I Still Wear a Helmet Even if Not Required?

All motorcycle riders can benefit from wearing a helmet. Wearing a helmet is statistically proven to prevent severe injuries.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me After an Accident?

A lawyer can evaluate your case and determine your best legal options going forward.

Should I Seek Medical Care After an Accident if I Don’t Think I’m Injured?

Yes. Seeking medical care is always a good idea, as you may not be aware of your injuries.

Contact a Wyoming Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help Today

At The Spence Law Firm, we fight hard for accident victims throughout Wyoming and have a proven track record of excellence. Contact us to schedule your free consultation and learn what we can do for you today.