Motorcyclists
Governors Highway Safety Association
The States' Voice on Highway Safety
Issue Overview
Motorcyclists are overrepresented in crashes and fatalities. 6,335 motorcyclists were killed on U.S. roads in 2023, the most since federal recordkeeping began in 1975 (Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA]). Another 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in crashes.
NHTSA provides the following statistics on motorcycle safety in the United States:
- Helmet Use
In states without universal helmet laws, 54 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2022 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 11 percent in states with universal helmet laws (Motorcycles: Traffic Safety Facts 2022 Data, NHTSA). - Impaired Riding
There were 6,335 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. Of those, 1,668 (26%) were alcohol-impaired, defined as having a BAC of .08 or higher (Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes). - Speeding
In 2022, 35% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding (Motorcycles: Traffic Safety Facts 2022 Data).
States use both national and statewide data to find the right mix of rider education, enforcement and laws to decrease deaths and injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes.
GHSA Policy
State Laws Overview
In 1967, the federal government required states to enact universal motorcycle helmet laws to qualify for certain highway safety funds. By 1975, all but three had complied. In 1976, Congress revoked federal authority to assess penalties for noncompliance, and states began to weaken helmet laws to apply only to young or novice riders.
Currently, about half the states require helmets for all motorcyclists. Most other states require helmets for certain riders, and a few have no helmet law. GHSA urges all states to adopt a universal motorcycle helmet law and vigorously enforce existing laws.
- 47 states, D.C., Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have a helmet law for motorcyclists.
- 17 states, D.C., the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have a universal helmet law, requiring helmets for all riders.
- 29 states and Guam require helmets for specific riders.
- Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire are the only states that do not have motorcycle helmet laws.
NOTE: GHSA does not compile any additional data on helmet laws other than what is presented here. For more information, consult the appropriate State Highway Safety Office (SHSO).
Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and SHSOs.
Last updated in May 2024. Last reviewed by SHSOs in March 2024.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Related Resources
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Federal Research Projects
June 24, 2025
Effects of Pre-hospital Blood Programs and Improved EMS Response Time on the Risk of Motor Vehicle Crash Mortality (BTS-43)
This project will seek to verify the estimate that 40 percent of people killed in motor vehicle crashes were alive at the scene and determine if improvements in pre-hospital care would increase survivability.
News Releases
April 22, 2025
GHSA, Michelin Mobility Intelligence Fund Advanced Roadway Safety Data Analysis
GHSA and Michelin Mobility Intelligence are helping states harness cutting-edge data to gain a robust understanding of what's happening on the road and how to have the biggest safety impact.
Federal Grant Programs
Section 402 State and Community Highway Safety Grant Program
The Section 402 program provides grants to states to improve driver behavior and reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle-related crashes.