Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Laws (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
If you’ve ever taken a look at motorcycle helmet laws by state, you know that there’s a considerable amount of variation. Michigan motorcycle helmet laws are some of the strictest in the country, but it’s for good reason: they are designed to reduce your risk of serious injury and ensure you can access medical care if you’re hurt.
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Are Motorcycle Helmets Required in Michigan?
In Michigan, motorcyclists under age 21 are required to wear helmets. Riders 21 and over may ride without a helmet if they meet certain qualifications. Similar stipulations apply to both operators and passengers.
Helmet Requirements by Age, Insurance, and License Type
Many states only require motorcycle helmets based on the operator’s age. However, Michigan requires operators to wear helmets unless they have met specific age, insurance and license qualifications.
Age
You must be at least 21 years old before you can legally ride without a helmet.
Insurance
In order to ride without a helmet, you must have at least $20,000 in first-party medical insurance. First-party insurance pays for your injuries if you’re hurt in a crash.
Licensing
One of the following must also apply for you to legally operate a motorcycle with no helmet:
- You’ve taken and passed a motorcycle safety course
- You’ve had a motorcycle endorsement on your license for at least two years
Riding with no helmet puts you at greater risk for serious motorcycle accident injuries. That risk is even greater if you’re inexperienced. This final requirement is meant to ensure that brand-new motorcyclists have the extra protection of a helmet in case they’re involved in an accident.
Notably, while passengers 21 and up must meet age and insurance requirements to ride without a helmet, they are not required to have a motorcycle license or pass a safety course.
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Approved Helmet Standards in Michigan
Like most states, Michigan requires motorcycle helmets to be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Specifically, helmets must be compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218). This regulation establishes safety standards for helmets.
Penalties for Violating Helmet Laws in Michigan
A violation of Michigan motorcycle helmet laws is considered a civil infraction. It may result in a fine, but the exact amount of the fine may vary.
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Exceptions or Special Cases in Michigan
Aside from allowing operators and passengers to not wear helmets if they meet certain requirements, Michigan motorcycle helmet laws don’t have any exceptions.
Legal Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Michigan
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, a Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer might be able to help you recover compensation. However, not all lawyers are equally effective, and your choice of legal representative has a significant impact on your case.
ConsumerShield can help you find the right lawyer for you. Fill out our contact form below to start with a free case evaluation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Michigan does not add points to your license for violations of motorcycle helmet laws.
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Yes. However, in these cases, recovering compensation is usually more difficult.
