Motorcycle crash Helmet Rules

Michigan Department of State Police, Feb 09, 2005

All persons riding a motorcycle, and any person less than 19 years of age operating a moped on a public thoroughfare, are required to wear a crash helmet on his or her head. The Michigan Department of State Police has been given the legislative responsibility to approve crash helmets and to promulgate rules to implement this law.

Section 257.658 of the Michigan Vehicle Code reads as follows:

Sec. 658. (1) A person propelling a bicycle or operating a motorcycle or moped shall not ride other than upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle.

(2) A bicycle or motorcycle shall not be used to carry more persons at 1 time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

(3) A moped shall not be used to carry more than 1 person at a time.

(4) A person operating or riding on a motorcycle, and any person less than 19 years of age operating a moped on a public thoroughfare shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. Crash helmets shall be approved by the department of state police. The department of state police shall promulgate rules for the implementation of this section pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.315. Rules in effect on June 1, 1970, shall apply to helmets required by this act. This subsection does not apply to a person operating or riding in an autocycle if the vehicle is equipped with a roof which meets or exceeds standards for a crash helmet.

(5) A person operating or riding in an autocycle shall wear seat belts when on a public highway in this state.