Are you a biker in the Pelican State? Do you know the ins and outs of Louisiana motorcycle laws regarding helmets?
If you don’t, you could be setting yourself up for an annoying fine down the road. You could even make it harder to get the compensation you need in the event of a collision.
Does Louisiana Have a Helmet Law?
The Louisiana motorcycle helmet law is in Subpart G of section 32:190 of the state’s revised statutes. This law states that no one, regardless of age, shall operate or ride on a motorcycle or motorized bicycle unless they are wearing an appropriate safety helmet. The helmet must have a lining, padding, visor, and chin strap. Anyone who violates this rule can be fined $50.
The law, which went into effect in 2004, is not without its critics. In fact, during the 2024 legislative session, the House Transportation Committee voted 10-3 to repeal the law, with one representative saying he did not think the government “should be the ones to say you have to wear a helmet,” according to the Louisiana Radio Network. While the House eventually voted to repeal the law, the Senate failed to take the legislation to a vote, leaving the helmet mandate the law of the land in Louisiana.
Exceptions to Louisiana’s Motorcycle Helmet Law
There are several exceptions to Louisiana’s protective headgear requirement, including the following:
- Police authorities of a village, town, city, or parish can exempt members involved in parades and other public exhibitions from wearing helmets while participating in those activities.
- Riders and passengers of autocycles (for example, the popular Polaris Slingshot) do not have to wear a helmet if the vehicle is equipped with a rollbar, roll cage, or safety support that provides more protection than would be provided by a helmet.
Can I File a Motorcycle Accident Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Not wearing a helmet does not prevent injured bikers from pursuing motorcycle accident claims. After all, your failure to wear a helmet is not what caused the motorcycle accident in the first place. However, there’s a good chance that the at-fault party’s insurance provider will claim that you worsened your injuries by not wearing a helmet and that they shouldn’t have to pay for excess damage you could have prevented. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can push back on attempts to blame you for your injuries and help you demand a fair amount for what you’ve suffered.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in Louisiana? You could be owed compensation from the person who hit you, regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet at the time. Contact The Thibeaux Firm to speak with a respectful, understanding attorney who’s ready to work hard to get you the money you deserve. We won’t charge you a fee to get started on your case, and if we win, you’ll only pay us a flat 25% – far less than the competition charges. Call us today for your free consultation.
