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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

Colombo & Stuhr PLLC law firm represents clients in West Virginia, including Bridgeport, Buckhannon, Clarksburg, Elkins, Fairmont, Grafton, Kingwood, Morgantown, Star City, Wheeling, and all communities of Barbour County, Braxton County, Calhoun County, Doddridge County, Gilmer County, Harrison County, Lewis County, Marion County, Preston County, Randolph County, Taylor County, Tucker County, Upshur County and Wood County.
We handle car accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, and criminal defense.