Arizona Motorcycle Helmet Law: What A.R.S. § 28-964 Requires

Arizona does not require every motorcyclist to wear a helmet. Under A.R.S. § 28-964, the helmet requirement applies to operators and passengers under 18; riders 18 and older are not required by this statute to wear one. Protective eyewear, however, is required for operators of any age unless the vehicle has a protective windshield. Here is what the statute actually says, based on the text published by the Arizona Legislature.

Who must wear a helmet

Subsection A requires an operator or passenger under 18 to wear a protective helmet at all times while riding, and the helmet must be safely secured. Police may cite only 16- and 17-year-olds who hold a driver license or permit.

Eye protection applies to every operator

Operators of any age must wear protective eyewear, such as glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield of a type approved by the director, unless the vehicle has a protective windshield.

Vehicles the rules do not cover

The helmet and eyewear requirements do not apply to electric three-wheeled vehicles, enclosed-cab three-wheeled vehicles, farm vehicles used for agricultural work, certain all-terrain vehicles, or vehicles operated on private property.

Required equipment

Subsection B requires that the operator's vehicle have a rearview mirror, a seat and footrests. If a passenger is carried, the vehicle must also have a passenger seat and footrests.

Adult riders can be cited for a minor's helmet

Subsection C allows an operator aged 18 or older to be cited if a passenger under 18 is not wearing a helmet. An adult may also be cited if an operator or passenger under 18 lacks a helmet and is riding in the same group as the adult.

What this means for families and riding groups

Because of subsection C, an adult who rides with a young passenger, or in a group that includes riders under 18, carries responsibility for that passenger's helmet. The practical takeaway is that any rider under 18 should be helmeted and the helmet should be securely fastened, since "safely secured" is part of the statutory wording.

The penalty

Subsection D sets the penalty for a first violation by a 16- or 17-year-old at a $100 civil fine or community service.

Legal minimum is not the same as safest

The statute sets a legal floor, not a safety recommendation. An adult who is not required to wear a helmet under § 28-964 is simply not covered by this particular requirement. Riders who want to understand how crashes happen on Arizona roads can look at where metro Phoenix crashes concentrate, since intersections are where much of the risk sits for every road user. For another Arizona road-safety statute, see Arizona's Move Over law.

What to keep in mind

This article summarizes one statute. Local rules, vehicle type and age all affect what applies to a specific rider. For the exact wording, consult A.R.S. § 28-964 on the Arizona Legislature's website.

This article explains Arizona law in general terms and is not legal advice.