As dedicated advocates for injured motorcycle riders, the attorneys at Bohanan & Associates P.C. stay up to date on all laws pertaining to the safety and protection of motorcyclists. On this page, you will find the Alabama motorcycle helmet law statute.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we are here to protect your rights. Contact us today online or by telephone at 888-343-5114 to speak with an experienced Birmingham motorcycle accident lawyer.
The Alabama motorcycle helmet law reads as follows:
Alabama Code - Section 32-5A-245
Headgear and shoes required for motorcycle riders; approval of headgear; responsibility for juvenile riders; sale of helmets.
- (a) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he is wearing protective headgear, which complies with standards established by Section 32-12-41.
- (b) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he is wearing shoes.
- (c) This section shall not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab.
- (d) The Director of Public Safety is hereby authorized to approve or disapprove protective headgear, and to issue and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval thereof. The Director of Public Safety shall publish lists of all protective headgear, which have been approved by him.
- (e) No person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or she is a parent or guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle while not wearing a protective helmet of the kind authorized by Section 32-12-41.
- (f) No person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or she is a parent or guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle while not wearing shoes.
- (g) No manufacturer, retailer or other person shall sell or offer for sale motorcycle helmets that fail to comply with the standards established by the Director of Public Safety pursuant to this section.
Helmet Specifications
Also under Alabama law, the motorcycle helmet must meet certain specifications, including the following:
- The helmet must be designed specifically for motorcycle riders and passengers.
- The exterior shell must be made of a nonshatterable material, resistant to impact and penetration.
- Helmets must contain a firmly secured, shock-absorbent cradle that maintains separation between the head and the outer shell.
- The helmet must contain padding in all areas where the head is in close proximity to the outer shell.
- Helmets must contain adjustable chin straps and riders must have the chin strap firmly in place at all times the vehicle is in motion.
- A visor is not required. However, if the helmet has a visor, it must be flexible and project no more than a quarter inch above the surface of the exterior shell.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have questions about motorcycle helmet laws in Alabama, we are here to help. Contact us today online or by telephone at 888-343-5114 to speak with an experienced Birmingham motorcycle accident lawyer. We offer free initial consultations and bill on a contingent fee basis — you won't have to pay us a fee unless we win results for you.
