What's happening
This bill allows motorcyclists aged twenty-one and older to operate or ride without wearing a protective helmet.
Why it matters
Personal freedom vs. public safety. This bill expands individual choice for adults, letting motorcyclists over 21 decide for themselves whether to wear a helmet. However, it may also increase the risk of severe head injuries and fatalities, shifting the balance between personal freedom and collective safety concerns.
Potential impacts on healthcare costs. If more adults choose to ride without helmets, there could be an increase in serious injury crashes, potentially raising medical costs for individuals, insurance providers, and possibly taxpayers due to higher rates of emergency care and long-term rehabilitation.
Insurance and liability implications. The change could affect insurance premiums for motorcyclists, as insurers may adjust rates to account for higher risks. It might also influence liability in accident cases, as not wearing a helmet could be considered contributory negligence.
Economic and social effects. While some may see this as a boost to motorcycle tourism or motorcycle-related businesses, there could be broader social consequences if serious injuries or fatalities rise, impacting families and communities throughout the state.
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Who cares
Headline styles
End Helmet Rule for Adults
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6895
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 25, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. DenDEKKER, LUPARDO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to certain motorcyclists from requirements to wear protective helmets
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 6 of section 381 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 471 of the laws of 1994, is amended to read as follows:
6. It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he or she wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. The commissioner is hereby authorized and directed to adopt regulations for helmets which are consistent with the requirements as specified in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. The police authorities of a city, town or village may issue a permit exempting members of organizations sponsoring or conducting parades or other public exhibitions from the provisions of this subdivision while such members are participating in such parades or other public exhibitions.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the forty-fifth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10934-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.