Oregon Helmet Law and Penalty Guide

Wearing a properly fitted helmet is proven to prevent serious injuries and death. Helmet laws may differ from state to state. Because helmet laws aren’t the same across the country, people often wonder whether or not a bicycle helmet is required in the state of Oregon. Whether you ride bikes with your family as a form of recreation or you bike to work and back, it’s a good idea to understand Oregon helmet laws and the penalties associated. In this article, we’ll discuss both bicycle and motorcycle helmet laws as well as the consequences of not abiding by them. 

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Oregon Bicycle Helmet Law 

Helmets are required for any operators or passengers on a bicycle that are under 16 years of age. However, there is no such law when it comes to adults which means it’s perfectly legal to ride without a helmet if you are older than 16. 

Oregon Bicycle Helmet Law Penalties 

So if you choose not to wear a bicycle helmet, is there a penalty or fine? The answer is yes. Failure to wear a helmet is a traffic infraction with a maximum fine of $25. 

There are also two additional ways to break the mandatory helmet law.

● If you are the parent or legal guardian of someone 16 years of age or younger and are responsible for their safety, Allowing a child to ride without a helmet may be considered endangering the bicycle operator or rider and is a traffic violation. A $25 fine would be issued.

● It’s against the law to carry a passenger under the age of 16 on your bicycle if the passenger isn’t wearing a helmet. This could mean both rider and passenger could be cited for a violation and receive a $25 fine. 

Oregon Motorcycle Helmet Law 

In the state of Oregon, all motorcycle drivers and passengers are required to wear helmets. Their helmets must contain stickers showing they are compliant with the Department of Transportation (DOT) whenever they ride. Even though mopeds are not motorcycles, in Oregon, you are still required to wear a helmet while operating or riding on one.

Exemptions to the Mandatory Bicycle Helmet Law 

There are a few exemptions to Oregon law when it comes to wearing your helmet: 

1. If wearing a helmet could violate your religious belief or practice, wearing a helmet is not required. 

2. If the child who is operating or acting as passenger and is younger than 12 years old, the citation must be issued to the parent or legal guardian. 

3. If the child is 12 years or older but still under 16 years, the violation can be issued to either the minor or the parent, but not to both.

4. The first time a person is convicted of violating the mandatory helmet law, the person isn’t required to pay the fine if they can prove to the court that the person has protective headgear that is approved by the law. 

Oregon Motorcycle Helmet Law Penalties 

Failure to comply with the motorcycle helmet law in Oregon is considered a Class D. traffic violation. Deciding not to wear your helmet will land you a minimum fine of $115 and a maximum fine as high as $250. Many traffic fatalities are caused by motorcycle accidents. In order to save lives, mandatory helmet laws were passed in the 1960s.

Exceptions to the Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Law

There are a few exemptions to the mandatory motorcycle helmet law in Oregon. You aren’t in violation of the law if: 

1. You are in an enclosed cab. 

2. You are traveling in a vehicle where three wheels are in contact with the ground and your speed is under 15 miles per hour. 

Oregon Helmet Law and Penalty Guide Conclusion 

Oregon helmet laws contain important protection for cyclists and motorcycle drivers alike. Simply stated, helmets are required for anyone under 16 riding a bike. Helmets are also required for both driver and passenger when it comes to motorcycle safety. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle or motorcycle accident, you need a professional attorney by your side. Shannon Powell with Powell Law has years of experience handling personal injury cases and is the man you need to help you navigate this uncharted road. Give yourself peace of mind and contact Powell Law today!

*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.