Helmet Laws in Georgia
Motorcycle accidents happen often in Georgia. In an effort to minimize the risk of serious and fatal conditions, the state has several helmet laws you should know. Before helmet laws were put into place, the risk of a fatal motorcycle accident was much higher – the fatality rate was 28 times that of a car accident. A Newnan motorcycle accident attorney can assist with filing a claim.
Georgia’s Helmet Laws Explained
The first helmet laws in Georgia were enacted in 1969. Though those laws have changed somewhat, they still remain an important part of motorcycle law adherence today. Here are some of the most critical components of these laws:
- All bike riders must wear a helmet in Georgia. This includes both operators and passengers.
- This applies to people of all ages (some states limit the requirement to those under a certain age. That is not the case in Georgia).
- The helmet must meet the guidelines established by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
If you are riding a motorcycle, you need a helmet that meets safety standards in most situations. Failure to do so can lead to fines.
Exceptions to Helmet Laws in Georgia
There are some exceptions to helmet laws in Georgia, though very few. For example, if a rider is within an enclosed cab or a motorized cart, they do not need to wear a helmet. In this situation, the rider is not directly exposed to the environment due to the enclosure.
Another exception applies to those who are operating a three-wheeled motorcycle for agricultural purposes. In this situation, neither the operator nor the passengers are required to wear a helmet. However, this only applies to agricultural settings.
Specific Helmet Law Requirements in Georgia
Not just any helmet fits the bill, though. The helmet must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, set by the Department of Transportation. These standards aim to ensure that the helmet a person is wearing is safe enough – that it is built specifically to minimize risks associated with a fast-moving accident. Helmets must meet:
- Energy absorption standards (called impact attenuation)
- Penetration resistance requirements
- System effectiveness standards
When buying a motorcycle helmet, you will see a label on it that should document that it meets these federal guidelines. If you do not see that notification, that means that the helmet may not provide you with enough protection to meet the standards set by the Department of Transportation.
Helmets must also have some type of visual protection. For example, a motorcycle rider must wear approved eyewear that can be fitted as a visor onto the helmet. Alternatively, riders can opt for goggles if their helmet does not provide built-in visual protection. Traditional sunglasses are often insufficient to meet these requirements, and you may still face fines.
Fines Associated with Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Those who operate or ride a motorcycle without the necessary helmet and eye protection will face a fine. That fine may be as much as $1000. In some situations, you may face additional fees and points added to your license. In some situations, jail time can be a factor.
Seek Legal Guidance for Your Accident
If you are in an accident or facing charges, the legal team at Kam, Ebersbach & Lewis can help you. Contact our legal team of Newnan auto accident lawyers for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case, including any violations of helmet laws in Georgia.