Brain Injury Overview

Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law

On July 1, 2000, Florida passed an amendment giving motorcyclists the right to ride without a helmet. Here are the stipulations:

• A person is not allowed to operate or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle unless they are properly fitted with the appropriate headgear as outlined by Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218, which is regulated by the US Department of Transportation.
• A person cannot drive a motorcycle unless they have protective eyewear recognized by the US Department of Transportation.
• This section does not impact anyone riding in an enclosed cab or who is at least 16 years old operating or riding on a motorcycle containing an engine which:
  • Has a displacement of no more than 50 cubic centimeters or a rating no higher than 2 brake horsepower.
  • Is unable to power the bike past 30 miles per hour on a level surface.
• Despite what section 1 states, a person older than 21 is allowed to drive or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle without a helmet if they have insurance coverage that will provide at least $10,000 for medical bills in the event they are injured in a crash.
• A person younger than 16 years old cannot operate or ride on a moped unless they are properly fitted with the appropriate headgear as outlined by Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218, which is regulated by the US Department of Transportation.
• The US Department of Transportation must publicize a list of acceptable helmets, and this list must be made available upon request.

Disobeying any of these clauses is considered a noncriminal traffic violation punishable as a nonmoving infraction.