3 Important Motorcycle Helmet Regulations in Florida, You Must Know

Riding your motorcycle on open roads with a helmet or windshield is quite an enjoyable experience. It gives an intense feeling of euphoria and freedom. However, this euphoria might come at a cost you might not want to incur and produce consequent actions that you would prefer to avoid.

It does not matter if you are new to riding or a professional biker; you need to use a motorcycle helmet in Florida. Statistics states that motorcycle helmets reduce the possibility of injury to the head by at least 85% and minimizes fatality by 65%. Therefore, we recommended using a motorcycle helmet, especially on busy roads and highways.

In the US, many states have signed laws that mandate that riders must use a helmet while riding to reduce the possibility of fatality and injuries. You must understand the laws your state has passed concerning the use of a motorcycle helmet while riding. Florida’s helmet law found in the Florida Statutes section 316.211 mandates that no individual should ride or operate a motorcycle without wearing proper protective headgear, securely attached, or fastened to the head compliant the federal safety guidelines.

Florida used to have mandatory helmet laws but they revised it in 2010 because of statistical reports that showed helmets might not increase safety for motorcycle accidents.

Here is a quick highlight of Florida’s helmet laws and regulations exceptions of 2021:

If you over the age of 21 and have medical insurance coverage of $10,000 or more, the Florida helmet law allows you to ride a motorcycle without using a helmet legally. The insurance must cover all injuries sustained from accidents.
You must have liability insurance of at least $20,000 in total body coverage for both passengers, $10,000 each.
For motorcyclists under the age of 16, you can decide not to use a helmet if your maximum motorcycle speed cannot exceed 30mph on level ground, if it is powered by a two horsepower’s brake power and has maximum displacement of 50 cubic centimeters (50cc).

Use of helmet and Motorcycle Accident compensation

The choice of a rider using a helmet is a matter of the state decision and personal preference. It should not be a decisive factor in pursuing damages done to the rider by an at-fault driver.

The reason is that rider could deal with severe injuries and long-term traumatic impact on the brain, which might not be determined months or years after the accidents.

Safety Tips to be Considered Before the Choice of Wearing a Helmet

Buy DOT and Snell approved helmets.
Ensure you buy from recommended brands such as AGV, Shoei, Schuberth, HJC, Freedconn, and Torc.
Use a helmet with a clean, clear visor with additional features such as UV protection, Anti-fog, and anti-scratch features.
Use Fit helmet: Ensure the helmet is comfortable and precisely to your size.
Get dual protected face shield helmets for additional safety and higher temperature for the cold season.
Replace your helmet after an accident or three to five years of use.
Accidents without a helmet have a statistical probability of three times more risk of brain and head injuries.
If you want to ride without a helmet, it is advisable to have uninsured motorist coverage to prevent accidental collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

FAQs on Florida Motorcycle Helmet Law

Can you sue an at-fault driver if you weren’t wearing a helmet during an accident?

Florida allows you to ride a motorcycle without a helmet provided some conditions are met but not wearing a helmet during an accident can hamper on your chances of getting appropriate compensation in case of injury. In an auto accident lawsuit, the court listens to both sides’ arguments then determines which party is at fault. The absence of a helmet can apportion a percentage of the blame to the victim.

The court can decide to consider the helmet’s absence as a contributing factor to the sustained injury. If a helmet could have avoided the harm incurred, the court may drastically reduce the compensation terms.

Are the Motorcycle Helmet laws effective?

Most Motorcycle helmet users and health leaders argue that helmet reduces the extent of injury during an accident. The law advocates that fatality, post-traumatic brain injuries, and head injuries are minimized in the presence of a motorcycle helmet. Courts in Florida record cases that antagonize these laws calling it “Excessive Government Control”; however, the legal system has advocated that this protective safety headgear minimizes injuries in motorcycle road accidents.

The legal systems claim that these protective gadgets would reduce the possibility of objects entering riders’ eyes, causing loss of control, damaging other road users.

What are the Motorcycle Laws in Florida?

Helmet use is not mandatory for all riders in Florida, but state regulations must be strictly followed. These regulations include special licensing, equipment, insurance, age restrictions, among a few.

What does Florida Law say about the Helmet?

The Florida law allows that If you over the age of 21 and have medical insurance coverage of $10,000 or more, the Florida helmet law will enable you to ride a motorcycle without using a helmet legally. The insurance must cover all injuries sustained from accidents.

In Washington and Florida, you can follow a specific motorcycle tuning model and wear a helmet if you follow the Helmet law according to a certain model. Same goes for younger motorcyclists.

Why Should you use a Motorcycle Helmet?

In Florida, if you are 21 and above, you have a choice to either use a helmet or not use it. The use of a helmet allows you protection and safety, and better legal claim to compensation in case of an accident, but you can decide not to use a helmet if you deem it not fashionable, necessary, or unsafe.