Helmets

What is Maine's Law on Helmets

Bicycles and roller skis

29-A MRS §2323(1) states, “A person under 16 years of age who is an operator or a passenger on a bicycle or an operator of roller skis on a public roadway or a public bikeway shall wear a helmet of good fit, positioned properly and fastened securely upon the head by helmet straps.” 29-A MRS §2326 states, in part, “A person who violates section 2323, subsection 1 commits a traffic infraction.” 29-A MRS §2063(14)(H)(3) states, “A person under 16 years of age who is an operator or passenger on an electric bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.”

Motorcycles and mopeds

29-A MRS §2083(1) identifies persons who must wear protective headgear: “If under 18 years of age, a passenger on a motorcycle or moped or in an attached side car; if under 18 years of age, an operator of a motorcycle or moped; an operator of a motorcycle or moped, operating under a learner's permit or within one year of successfully completing a driving test; and a passenger of an operator required to wear headgear.” Subsection 5 states, “Violation of this section is a traffic infraction.”

ATVs

According to 12 MRSA §13157-A(13) and (14), respectively, “A person under 18 years of age may not operate an ATV without protective headgear” and “a person may not carry a passenger under 18 years of age on an ATV unless the passenger is wearing protective headgear.” A person who violates these subsections “commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.”

Snowmobiles

12 MRS §13106-A(25) addresses headgear requirements for operators of a snowmobile.

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1/8/2026        A-Z List

 

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