Missouri Motorcycle Helmet Laws (2025)

By Zane T. Cagle | November 21, 2024 | Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle helmet laws vary from state to state, and are frequently changing. In 2020, Missouri’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law changed drastically. It is important that riders understand Missouri motorcycle helmet laws, the importance of motorcycle helmets to general health and safety, and the effect that helmets can have on different aspects of an accident.

Prior to 2020, Missouri required all riders and passengers to wear proper head protection. This is called the universal law. In-2020, the long-standing mandatory motorcycle helmet law was repealed. Operators and passengers meeting certain requirements are not required to wear helmets. It’s important to realize the effect that such a choice can have on your life and well-being, and the personal and financial benefits of wearing a helmet.

Understanding the Current Missouri Helmet Law

In Missouri, you do not have to wear a helmet or protective headgear while riding a motorcycle if you meet all the following criteria:

1. You are 26 years or older.
2. You carry liability insurance or an equivalent form of financial responsibility.
3. You carry health insurance or another form of medical benefits insurance that applies to injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle.

Motorcyclists must provide proof of these forms of coverage when asked, but law enforcement officers cannot stop riders solely to check that they are legally able to not be wearing a helmet.

For motorcyclists 25 years or younger and those with an instruction permit, a helmet is required. Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines and points on your driver’s license. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MDOT) outlines what a safe helmet looks like, and qualified helmets will have the MDOT or DOT marking. These are helmets with proper safety and protection to limit the severity of injuries if an accident occurs.

The Importance of Wearing Your Helmet

Most riders are aware of the safety and necessity of protecting themselves on their motorcycle. While Missouri law makes it a rider’s choice to wear or not wear a helmet, it is important for riders of all ages and experience to wear protective gear, including helmets.

Proper head protective gear can limit the severity of certain injuries and even prevent death when motorcyclists are in collisions. According to MDOT, motorcycle helmets limit the risk of a head injury by 69%. They mitigate the risk of death by 42%. Helmets help in several ways:

1. Improved visibility. When riding, a helmet may be able to avoid accidents by giving motorcyclists an easier time operating their bikes by improving their ability to see. The reflective elements on the helmet may also improve the rider’s visibility to others on the road. Motorcycles are often harder for drivers to see, which can lead to accidents.
2. General comfort and protection. Even when a rider is not in an accident, a helmet can help make a ride smoother. Helmets can keep bugs, debris, and harsh weather from hitting a rider’s face at high speeds. This can also make the ride safer.
3. Preventing or mitigating head injury. A well-made and protective helmet can help avoid head trauma by adding protection to the skull, potentially preventing penetrating head injuries, eye injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fractures to the skull.

Helmets are designed to mitigate the harm from an impact. This is especially important for motorcyclists, who may face the impact of the crash and a secondary impact after being thrown from a bike.

Even skilled riders can get into accidents. While you can control your own actions on your motorcycle and take the proper care when riding, you cannot predict or prevent others’ actions. From the two years before the helmet law repeal to the two years after, MDOT reported a 570% increase in motorcyclist deaths while being un-helmeted.

Injury Cases and Helmet Use

Failing to wear a helmet has stark consequences for your health and safety. It can even impact your ability to recover from your losses after an accident that was not your fault. While it is not always fair, some insurance carriers may claim that you were partially at fault or accept some risk by not wearing a helmet. This could reduce the compensation you can recover for treatment of your injuries

Motorcycle Fatalities Have Increased by 47% since 2020

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, there is a correlation between the rise of motorcycle fatalities and the repeal of the universal helmet law in 2020.  Since the repeal, motorcycle fatalities have increased by 47 percent and 2023 was the deadliest year on record in Missouri with 174 deaths according to MoDOT. The results in Missouri are consistent with other states after mandatory helmet laws were repealed.  Further complicating matters, MoDOT reported that 50 percent of those fatally injured in motorcycle crashes were unlicensed or improperly insured.

FAQs

Can You Ride a Motorcycle Without a Helmet in Missouri?

You may be able to legally ride a motorcycle without a helmet in Missouri, if you are 26 or older, have proof of financial responsibility like liability insurance, and are covered by health insurance or similar motorcycle medical benefits.

This applies to operators and passengers of motorcycles. While you are legally able to ride without a helmet if you meet these requirements, it is not in your best interests to do so. Motorcycle helmets can limit the likelihood of death, or severe disability in case of an accident.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Missouri?

Missouri neither prohibits nor allows lane splitting, so motorcyclists are able to lane split but must also be aware that if their actions are unsafe and reckless or otherwise illegal, they could be ticketed for that. Riders should also be aware that if they are in a collision while they are lane splitting, it may be used against them, and they may be held partially liable.

Do You Have to Have Motorcycle Insurance in Missouri?

Yes, you have to have motorcycle insurance in Missouri to legally operate your motorcycle. Any driver of a motor vehicle is required to maintain liability insurance, and Missouri law defines a motor vehicle as any self-propelled vehicle made for use on the highway.

Certain vehicles and modes of transport are exempt, including motorized bicycles. However, motorcycles are not excluded. Liability insurance, self-insurance, or proof of financial responsibility are the options for meeting this liability requirement. There is a stark difference between being “legal” and properly insured.  Liability insurance does not apply to your vehicle repair and medical costs.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, if you are injured in a motorcycle crash, you will need an attorney. In order to recover financially after a collision, investigation and pursuing compensation must happen quickly, but this is hard to do when you are physically recovering.

If you are injured, this also makes it difficult to negotiate with insurance carriers. These insurers want to reduce or deny compensation if they can, regardless of how seriously you are injured. An attorney helps you with all of these aspects, and could secure you more compensation.

Representation After a Motorcycle Accident

Insurance carriers do not typically treat motorcyclists fairly. Whether or not you were wearing a helmet, you may find yourself facing an uphill battle for compensation. Contact The Cagle Law Firm for experienced legal representation.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard.Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death.Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin IslandsEducation: Washington University School of Law.Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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