Here’s what Pennsylvania law currently says about wearing helmets while riding motorcycles.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Pennsylvania lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that will require all Pennsylvania motorcyclists to wear a helmet on the road, regardless of age or experience.
Manuel Guzman (D-Berks) announced the plans for the Universal Motorcycle Helmet Safety Act on Monday, July 21, which would require helmets across the state.
What is the current law and Guzman’s proposal?
All Pa. residents were required to wear helmets when riding a motorcycle up until 2003, when mandatory helmet laws were repealed.
Since then, all riders who are under 21 years old or have had their license for less than two years must wear a helmet.
“Pennsylvania Law requires that any person who operates or rides a motorcycle (including an autocycle) must wear protective headgear unless he or she is over 21 years of age or older and has either two years of riding experience or has completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation,” according to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This helmet exemption also applies to passengers if the driver meets the criteria to not wear a helmet.
Guzman wants to remove these exceptions and require anyone on motorcycle to wear a helmet.
“Motorcycle crashes remain a significant source of preventable death and injury in the Commonwealth,” Guzman said in the memo.
“Traumatic brain injuries, in particular, are among the leading causes of fatality and long-term disability among unhelmeted riders.”
As of 2025, 19 states and Washington, D.C., have universal helmet laws that require all riders and passengers, regardless of age or experience, to wear a helmet. These states include nearby Maryland.
Three states have no motorcycle helmet laws in place at all (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire).
Pa. Helmet Safety Tips
Pa. officials encourage motorcyclists, regardless of age and experience, to wear helmets.
“The fact is, helmets work. Riders who wear them are more likely to survive head injuries than ones who don’t,” the PA motorcycle safety program website says.
In 2023, there were 3,452 motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania, which left 908 people with serious injuries and killed 238 people, according to government data.
The Pa. Motorcycle Safety Program provides this list of appropriate riding gear on their website:
- Helmet: A full-face helmet is highly recommended to ensure the most protection for that brain of yours. Make sure it is U.S. Department of Transportation compliant, fits snugly, and is free of cracks, loose padding or other defects.
- Eye and Face protection: A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield can help protect your face in a crash, as well as from wind, dust, dirt, rain, bugs, and stones thrown from cars up ahead.
- Gloves: Gloves allow a better grip and help protect your hands in a crash. Your gloves should be designed for riding and made of leather or similar durable material.
- Jacket and Pants: Your jacket and pants should fully cover your arms and legs, and fit snugly while allowing free movement. Wear a jacket even in warm weather to prevent dehydration.
- Shoes/Boots: Boots or shoes should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ankles and give them support. Soles should be made of hard, durable slip-resistant material. Tuck laces in so they won’t catch on your motorcycle.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s current helmet laws, safety tips and more, visit here.
