ATV Helmet Laws by State (All 50 States)

Common questions

ATV helmet laws — frequently asked

Short answers to the questions riders ask most about helmet, eye protection, and passenger rules. Each state’s exact citation is in the matrix above.

• Is a helmet required for ATV riders in every state?+

  No. State helmet rules fall into three rough tiers: a universal mandate that covers every operator and passenger, a youth-only mandate that applies to operators and passengers under a stated age (commonly 18, sometimes 16 or 21), and no state mandate at all (typically meaning local-jurisdiction or trail-system rules still apply). The matrix above flags which tier each state falls under and links to the operative statute.
• Do ATV passengers have to wear a helmet?+

  Where a state mandates helmets, passenger coverage is the default in most codes but a handful of states word the operator and passenger rules separately — some require helmets only for the operator, others extend the mandate to anyone on the machine regardless of age. The per-state notes call out any state with a separate passenger rule.
• Is eye protection required in addition to a helmet?+

  About half the 50 states require eye protection (goggles, a face shield, or DOT-compliant integrated shield) for any operator who is not riding a fully-enclosed UTV cab, and the eye-protection rule is usually written separately from the helmet rule — meaning a state can require eye protection without requiring a helmet, or vice versa. Each state's exact eye-protection requirement appears in the matrix above.
• Do helmet rules apply on private land?+

  Many state OHV statutes write the helmet requirement specifically into the public-land or public-OHV-area chapter and carve out an exemption for private property used by the owner or their family. The carveout is not universal — a few states extend the mandate to private land, especially for minors. The per-state notes flag every state with a private-land carveout.
• What helmet certification (DOT, Snell) qualifies?+

  Most states reference DOT FMVSS 218 (the federal motor-vehicle helmet standard) by code or simply require a helmet 'of a type approved by the state department of transportation.' Snell M-rated and ECE-22 helmets typically meet or exceed DOT, and some states accept any helmet that meets DOT or Snell. The per-state citation points to the operative section. See the helmet-certifications explainer for what DOT, Snell M2020/M2025, and ECE 22.06 actually test and which combination clears a roadside inspection.
• Does the helmet rule cover UTVs and side-by-sides too?+

  Most state OHV codes use a broad definition that catches ATVs, UTVs / side-by-sides, and the wider OHV category under one helmet rule, but a small number of states word the UTV requirement separately — typically by exempting a UTV operator who is using the factory seat belt inside a rollover-protective cage. The per-state note calls out any state that splits the two.

Going deeper on the certifications themselves — DOT vs Snell vs ECE 22.06, what each one tests, and the five buying pitfalls.

Precise rule per state

The exact statutory or regulatory language each state uses, plus any night-riding lighting requirement.

Alabama(AL)

Helmet required for riders under 16 on public lands; no helmet rule on private property.

Sources:[1][2]

Alaska(AK)

Operator and passenger under 16 must wear a CPSC-approved helmet; fines up to $25 first offense, $50 subsequent.

Sources:[1][2]

Arizona(AZ)

Riders under 18 must wear DOT-rated protective headgear on public or state land.

Sources:[1][2]

Arkansas(AR)

State statute contains no helmet mandate for ATVs; individual WMAs may set their own rules.

Sources:[1][2]

California(CA)

All ATV operators and all ROV occupants must wear DOT-approved helmets per California Vehicle Code §38505.

Sources:[1][2]

Colorado(CO)

Riders under 18 must wear DOT-approved helmets; exception applies only when riding in a manufacturer-installed child seat or age-appropriate restraint.

Sources:[1][2]

Connecticut(CT)

Helmets mandatory for all ATV and dirt-bike riders regardless of age.

Sources:[1][2][3]

Delaware(DE)

Operators and passengers under 18 must wear DOT-rated helmets on ATVs (DE Code §6823). All 2- and 3-wheel OHV operators and passengers must wear helmets regardless of age. Under 18 may not carry passengers on ATVs.

Sources:[1][2][3]

Florida(FL)

Riders under 16 must wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection per F.S. §316.2074.

Sources:[1][2]

Georgia(GA)

Georgia statute does not mandate ATV/UTV helmets; local ordinances may.

Sources:[1][2]

Hawaii(HI)

HRS §291C-207 requires every ATV/UTV operator and passenger to wear a safety helmet with securely fastened chin strap meeting DLNR rules.

Sources:[1][2]

Idaho(ID)

Idaho Code 49-666 requires DOT-approved helmets for operators and passengers under 18.

Sources:[1][2]

Illinois(IL)

Helmets are required for operators and passengers in state-designated nature trails and OHV sites; no statewide helmet mandate for ATVs.

Sources:[1][2]

Indiana(IN)

Indiana Code §9-18.1-14-11 requires a DOT-approved helmet for any rider under 18 on or in an ORV — public OR private property — except when used for farm purposes.

Sources:[1][2]

Iowa(IA)

No statewide ATV helmet mandate on trails, but Iowa DNR OHV parks require all occupants to wear helmets.

Sources:[1][2]

Kansas(KS)

No helmet mandate for four-wheeled ATVs. Three-wheeled ATVs fall under motorcycle rules (K.S.A. §8-1598): operators under 18 must wear a helmet and eye protection.

Sources:[1][2][3]

Kentucky(KY)

KRS 189.515: operators under 16 must wear a helmet whenever the ATV is moving. Operators 16+ must wear a helmet on public roads / land but are exempt on private property when engaged in farming, mining, logging or other business activity.

Sources:[1][2]

Louisiana(LA)

No statewide ATV/UTV helmet mandate; OHV areas may require helmets per park rules.

Sources:[1][2]

Maine(ME)

12 MRSA §13157-A(13)/(14): no person under 18 may operate an ATV without protective headgear, and no one may carry an under-18 passenger without headgear. Violations: $100-$500 fine; repeat offenses Class E crime.

Sources:[1][2]

Maryland(MD)

All ATV/UTV operators must wear a DOT-approved helmet on public and private property. Goggles are also required on public lands when the vehicle lacks a windshield.

Sources:[1][2]

Massachusetts(MA)

MGL c. 90B §20: every operator, passenger, and towed person on a recreation vehicle (incl. ATV) must wear an approved helmet — no age cutoff.

Night-riding lighting: When operated after sunset, each recreation vehicle must have one or more headlights, a red rear light, and red rear reflector.

Sources:[1][2]

Michigan(MI)

All ORV operators and passengers must wear a DOT helmet and protective eyewear (or helmet with face guard). Riders under 16 must wear a helmet at all times on public lands per NREPA Part 811.

Sources:[1][2]

Minnesota(MN)

Anyone under 18 operating or riding on an ATV on public land, public waters, or a public road right-of-way must wear a DOT-certified helmet (MN Stat. §84.9256).

Sources:[1][2]

Mississippi(MS)

MS Code §63-31-3: anyone under 16 operating or riding an off-road vehicle on public property must wear an NHTSA-compliant crash helmet.

Sources:[1][2]

Missouri(MO)

RSMo 304.013: any operator or passenger under 18 must wear a securely fastened safety helmet. Violation is a class C misdemeanor.

Sources:[1][2]

Montana(MT)

MCA 61-9-417: operators and passengers under 18 must wear DOT-approved helmets.

Sources:[1][2]

Nebraska(NE)

No statewide ATV helmet requirement; local ordinances (e.g., Wakefield) impose under-18 helmet rules per Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,279 / 60-6,280.

Sources:[1][2][3]

Nevada(NV)

Helmets required only when operating on roads/trails open to plated street-legal vehicles. No statewide ATV-only helmet mandate; check city/county rules.

Sources:[1][2]

New Hampshire(NH)

RSA 215-A:29: operators and passengers under 18 must wear FMVSS-218 helmet plus eye protection. Over 18 must wear eye protection unless OHRV has windshield/screen. Under 18 may not carry passengers on an ATV.

Sources:[1][2]

New Jersey(NJ)

NJSA 39:3C-19 / 39:3C-24: all ATV operators and passengers must wear a helmet — no age exemptions.

Sources:[1][2]

New Mexico(NM)

Operators under 18 must wear a safety helmet that complies with the OHV Act and eye protection. Parent/guardian who knowingly permits violation is jointly liable.

Sources:[1][2]

New York(NY)

Every operator and passenger must wear a USDOT-approved helmet regardless of age.

Sources:[1][2]

North Carolina(NC)

G.S. 20-171.19: ATVs on public streets/highways require DOT helmet + eye protection for all operators. Off-road, operators and passengers under 18 must wear DOT helmet + eye protection. Operators born on/after 1990-01-01 need an ATV Safety Institute certificate.

Sources:[1][2]

North Dakota(ND)

NDCC 39-29-09.9: operators and passengers under 18 must wear a USDOT-standard helmet on an OHV.

Sources:[1][2]

Ohio(OH)

All operators and passengers on Ohio state-forest APV areas must wear FMVSS-218 helmet + eye protection.

Sources:[1][2]

Oklahoma(OK)

47 OS §47-11-1117: operators and passengers under 18 must wear a 49 C.F.R. §571.218-compliant crash helmet. Max fine $25.

Sources:[1][2]

Oregon(OR)

ORS 821.202: operators and passengers under 18 in Oregon OHV areas must wear a DOT-approved helmet with chin strap. Children under 12 — citation goes to parent under ORS 821.203.

Sources:[1][2]

Pennsylvania(PA)

Title 75 §7721 (effectively): every operator, passenger, or towed person on an ATV must wear a securely fastened DCNR-approved helmet. No age cutoff.

Sources:[1][2]

Rhode Island(RI)

RIGL 31-3.2: all ATV/UTV operators must wear a securely fastened helmet and face guard. No age cutoff.

Sources:[1][2][3]

South Carolina(SC)

SC Code §50-26-30: anyone 15 or younger operating or riding an ATV must wear an FMVSS-218 helmet and eye protection. 15-and-under must also possess an ATV Safety Institute hands-on safety certificate.

Sources:[1][2]

South Dakota(SD)

Operators and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet on ATVs. UTV adult drivers/passengers are not helmet-required on street-legal UTVs.

Sources:[1][2]

Tennessee(TN)

TCA 55-9-302: operators and passengers must wear a helmet on streets/roads/highways. In OHV areas, occupants under 18 must wear helmets.

Night-riding lighting: ATV operation restricted to 1/2 hour after sunrise to 1/2 hour before sunset; headlight + taillight must be illuminated.

Sources:[1][2]

Texas(TX)

Transportation Code Ch. 663: operators under 18 must wear a DOT helmet and eye protection. Failure to wear required apparel on public OHV land is a Class C misdemeanor (Parks & Wildlife Code Ch. 29).

Sources:[1][2]

Utah(UT)

UCA 41-22-10.8: Type I OHV (straddle-seat ATV) operators and riders under 18 must wear a DOT helmet on public land. Type II OHV (Side-by-side with roll cage + seat belts) helmet not required if restraints are used.

Sources:[1][2]

Vermont(VT)

VASA trails require DOT helmet for traditional ATVs and ANSI helmet for UTV/SxS with roll cage + seat belts.

Sources:[1][2]

Virginia(VA)

VA Code §46.2-915.1: any person operating an ATV must wear a State-Police-approved motorcycle helmet — no age cutoff.

Sources:[1][2]

Washington(WA)

RCW 46.09.470: a fastened motorcycle helmet is required for every operator and passenger on a nonhighway road — unless the ORV has seat belts + roll bars or enclosed passenger compartment.

Sources:[1][2]

West Virginia(WV)

WV Code §17F-1-1: riders under 18 must wear ANSI Z90.1 / FMVSS-218 size-appropriate helmets. Parents/guardians who knowingly permit violations are guilty of a misdemeanor.

Sources:[1][2]

Wisconsin(WI)

Operators and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet on public lands, except riders 12+ traveling for fishing or hunting; no helmet required on private land owned by rider's immediate family.

Sources:[1][2]

Wyoming(WY)

WS 31-5-124(a)(i)(B): operators and riders under 18 must wear an approved helmet.

Sources:[1][2]