In New Hampshire, motorcycle helmets are not required for riders and passengers ages 18 and older. The only exception is that riders under 18 must wear protective headgear under state law.
Even though helmets are not mandatory for most riders, motorcycle accidents often result in severe, life-changing injuries. Knowing the helmet law is important, but so is understanding how safety choices can affect both your health and your legal rights after a crash.
At DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have represented motorcycle accident victims across New Hampshire for more than 20 years. Our personal injury attorneys provide skilled legal guidance with compassion and experience, helping clients recover the compensation they need to move forward. Call 855-342-3552 (855-DiBella) or contact us online today for a free evaluation.
Do You Have To Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, helmets are not required for adult riders, but they are strongly recommended as a vital safety measure. The law only applies to minors; anyone under the age of 18 must wear protective headgear when operating or riding on a motorcycle.
Even though the law does not mandate helmets for adults, choosing not to wear one can increase the risk of severe or life-threatening injuries. Importantly, riders injured in accidents without a helmet still retain legal rights, including the ability to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
At DiBella Law, we help riders understand the safety implications and the legal consequences of New Hampshire’s motorcycle helmet laws, ensuring that victims know their rights after a crash.
How Helmet Use Can Impact Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Helmets dramatically reduce the severity of injuries and fatalities in motorcycle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing rider deaths and 41 percent effective for passengers. In 2017 alone, NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists, and that another 749 lives could have been spared if every rider had worn one.
At DiBella Law, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating motorcycle crashes can be, regardless of whether a helmet was involved. Our attorneys carefully document the medical, financial, and emotional consequences of each accident to fight for maximum compensation. Determining who is liable for your motorcycle accident is a key part of the process, and we hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable.
Other Motorcycle Safety Laws in New Hampshire
Helmet use is only one part of riding safely in New Hampshire. Motorcyclists also need to follow several additional rules designed to protect both riders and passengers:
- Eye protection: If a motorcycle does not have a windshield, the operator and any passenger must wear approved eye protection.
- Lane splitting: Riding between lanes of traffic, commonly called lane splitting, is not permitted in New Hampshire.
- Licensing and education: New Hampshire also emphasizes motorcycle rider education, requiring riders to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license by passing both a written exam and a road skills test to legally operate a motorcycle.
- Passenger rules: A motorcycle carrying a passenger must have a proper seat and footrests designed for passenger use.
Understanding these laws helps reduce the risk of crashes and strengthens your position if you ever need to pursue a legal claim after a motorcycle accident. Taking the right steps in the aftermath, such as seeking medical care and preserving evidence, can significantly protect your rights.
How DiBella Law Can Help Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle crashes often leave riders facing overwhelming medical bills, time away from work, and long-term injuries that disrupt daily life. At DiBella Law, we have decades of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and understand what it takes to secure full compensation for our clients.
Our team investigates every detail of an accident, gathering medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to build the strongest possible case. We also manage every interaction with insurance companies, pushing back against low settlement offers and negotiating for results that truly reflect the full extent of your losses. When insurers refuse to act fairly, we are fully prepared to take cases to trial.
Many clients have shared in their testimonials how our dedication, compassion, and results made a difference in their recovery. With offices throughout New Hampshire, including our Portsmouth location, we proudly serve the local communities where we live and work.
You should not have to face the aftermath of a motorcycle crash alone. Call 855-342-3552 (855-DiBella) or contact us through our online form today for a free evaluation. There is no upfront cost, and you only pay if we win your case.