New Jersey Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Motorcycle riders know the importance of safety. With no protection in a crash, most motorcyclists operate their bikes responsibly.

Understanding New Jersey motorcycle helmet laws is critical for every biker on the state’s roads. Following the law helps keep you safe and ensures you will not get a citation. If the worst happens and you get into an accident, contact the skilled motorcycle crash attorneys at our firm for help pursuing compensation.

Helmets Are Mandatory for All Bikers

Some states require helmets only for inexperienced or underage motorcycle riders. Others allow experienced riders to forgo a helmet if they buy insurance that will cover them in the event of an accident.

New Jersey does not make any such distinctions. New Jersey Statutes § 39:3-76.7 requires everyone riding a motorcycle to wear a helmet at all times. The helmet must comply with federal safety regulations, be reflective on both sides, and have a properly fitting chin strap.

Helmets Can Reduce Injuries

Most of the fatalities occur among motorcyclists who are not wearing helmets. Clinical surveys have shown that helmet use can reduce fatal injuries by about 30 percent.

Motorcycle riders who survive crashes can suffer disfiguring facial injuries that can result in blindness, hearing loss, or loss of facial features like an eye, nose, or ear. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries are common among bikers who do not wear helmets. Our accident attorneys in New Jersey always counsel motorcyclists to wear helmets to comply with the law, but also to protect against life-altering injuries.

Helmet Use Can Affect Compensation After a Crash

Motorcycle riders who get into accidents often bring lawsuits to obtain reasonable compensation for their injuries. Whether or not the motorcyclist was following New Jersey helmet laws can sometimes significantly impact their ability to obtain compensation.

State law allows anyone involved in an accident to seek compensation from negligent parties if the person seeking compensation was not primarily responsible for the crash. However, when a motorcycle rider does not wear a helmet and seeks compensation for injuries to their face or head, it can be challenging to obtain compensation. The insurance company for the other involved driver or a jury, if a case goes to trial, might find that the rider is responsible for their injury because they violated the law and did not wear a helmet.

When the injuries are to the torso or limbs, helmet use should not impact a rider’s compensation. Our skilled attorneys can ensure that a negligent motorist pays maximum compensation for injuries other than to the head. However, a biker who was not wearing a helmet may not receive full compensation for injuries to their head or face.

The Need for Reflective Surfaces

One of the requirements for motorcycle helmets in New Jersey involves the use of reflectors. Each helmet should have a minimum of two reflectors, one on each side. These reflectors work alongside the lights or reflective devices attached to the bike to improve your general visibility.

New Jersey law offers some flexibility when it comes to satisfying this requirement. First, helmets meet this qualification if they have a reflectorized surface on either side. Alternatively, they can pass inspection if reflective material is attached to the left and right sides of the helmet. This material should be at least four square inches per side.

The Department of Transportation Helmet Approval Process

When shopping for motorcycle helmets, you will often see the familiar “DOT” sticker prominently displayed on the back. This marking means the helmet meets the minimum safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The purpose of this approval is to ensure that riders are using protective gear capable of withstanding a tremendous impact and providing adequate retention in the event of a crash.

It is important to understand how the DOT approval process actually works. The DOT does not personally inspect or test every single helmet produced by manufacturers. Instead, helmet makers are required to design and manufacture their products to meet the federal standards and then self-certify compliance. This means it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to test their helmets against federal requirements before placing the DOT label on them.

To enforce compliance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which oversees the DOT standard, conducts random testing on helmets pulled from the marketplace. If a helmet fails these tests, the manufacturer can face fines, recalls, and reputational damage. This system allows the DOT to regulate the industry without physically approving each individual unit, while still maintaining accountability through ongoing audits and enforcement actions.

For riders, this process highlights why it is so important to buy helmets from reputable brands that take compliance seriously. A DOT sticker shows that the helmet has been self-certified to meet minimum safety standards, but the true level of protection depends on the manufacturer’s commitment to quality.

How Do I Fit My Motorcycle Helmet?

Fitting your motorcycle helmet appropriately starts long before you actually purchase this important safety device. You should first measure your head to have a better idea of the size you need. Measure the circumference of your head starting at a point roughly one inch above your eye.

Once you own a helmet that is an appropriate size, the next step is to correctly position it. Place the helmet on your head, spreading it apart slightly to fit. If you notice the helmet slides easily onto your head without any resistance, it could be too large. The correctly sized helmet should have a snug fit.

A properly positioned helmet should be worn low on your brow, leaving your eyes roughly at the center of the opening when a full face cover is in place. The goal is a snug fit all around without any pain or overbearing pressure. Once the chin strap is in place, it should not be possible to shift the helmet to the left or the right. Having the right fit is crucial to ensure your safety as a motorcycle rider and to follow New Jersey law.

Consult a New Jersey Attorney About Helmet Laws After a Motorcycle Crash

New Jersey motorcycle helmet laws are intended to reduce death and significant injuries among motorcycle riders. Data is clear that wearing an approved, properly fitting helmet protects riders.

Even if you were not wearing a helmet when you were injured, the litigation attorneys at our firm can help you. Contact us immediately to discuss your situation.