Motorcycle Helmet Laws
In West Virginia, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a helmet
that is securely fastened to the head by either a neck or chin strap. The helmet
must be designed to deflect blows and resist penetration and spread impact forces.
The law requires helmets to meet current performance specifications established
by federal law, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z 90.1
or Snell Safety Standards (Snell) for Protective Headgear for Vehicle Users.
In addition, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear safety, shatter-resistant
eyeglasses, eye goggles, or a face shield that complies with ANSI Standard Z2.1.
If a motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or a windscreen, it must comply with
the performance specifications established by the Department of Transportation Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 and ANSI Safety Glazing Materials for Glazing
Motor Vehicles on Land Highways, Standard Z26.1.
| Road |
| Safety Helmet |
Required by law-reflectorization required |
| State Funded Rider Ed |
Available for all eligible applicants |
| Eye Protection |
Required by law |
| Daytime Use of Headlight |
Required by law |
| Passenger Seat |
Required if carrying a passenger |
| Passenger Footrest |
Required if carrying a passenger |
| Passenger Age Restriction |
None |
| Helmet Speakers |
No Restrictions |
| Periodic Safety Inspection |
Required by law |
| Mirror Left(L) Right(R) |
One required by law |
| Radar Detector |
No Restriction |
| Turn Signals |
Required by law |
| Muffler |
No acoustical criteria. |
| Maximum Sound Level |
No acoustical criteria. |
| State Insurance Requirements |
Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(20/40/10) |
| Handlebar Height |
Maximum of 15" above seat |
| Rider-Education Waiver |
Skill & Knowledge Test |
| Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States |
Yes |
| Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane |
Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes |
| Lane Splitting |
Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes |
| Lemon Law Coverage |
No;
West Virginia (WV) Code - CHAPTER 46A, ARTICLE 6A |
|
| Off Road |
| Safety Helmet |
Required under the age of 18 |
| Eye Protection |
Not Required |
| Minimum Operator Age |
No Restriction |
| Rider Education Certification |
Required under age 18 |
| Operator License |
Not Required |
| Headlight |
Required after sunset |
| Taillight |
Required after sunset |
| Muffler |
Required by law |
| Maximum Sound Level |
No Limit |
| Spark Arrestor |
Required by law |
| Registration |
Not Required |
| Vehicle Title |
Required by law |
| Trails Program |
Not Available |
|
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