West Virginia Motorcycle Helmet Law

This list of West Virginia motorcycle helmet laws is a reference only and you should always refer to the West Virginia D.O.T. for current requirements.  Please e-mail us if you believe our West Virginia motorcycle helmet law information is out of date or otherwise incorrect.

West Virginia has full motorcycle helmet laws for all motorcycle riders!

STATUTE:Chapter 17C. Traffic Regulations and Laws of the Road. Article 15. Equipment. Section 17C-15-44. Safety equipment and requirements for motorcyclists, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and mopeds; motorcycle safety standards and specifications board. : 
"No person shall operate or be a passenger on any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he is wearing securely fastened on his head by either a neck or chin strap a protective helmet designed to deflect blows, resist penetration and spread impact forces. . . ."

STANDARDS: Chapter 17C. Traffic Regulations and Laws of the Road. Article 15. Equipment. Section 17C-15-44. Safety equipment and requirements for motorcyclists, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and mopeds; motorcycle safety standards and specifications board. : 
"Any helmet worn by an operator or passenger shall meet the current performance specifications established by the American National Standards Institute Standard, Z 90.1, the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 or Race Safety Standards for Protective Headgear for Vehicle Users. . . ."

MISCELLANEOUS WEST VIRGINIA MOTORCYCLE LAWS


State Funded Rider Education 

Available for all eligible applicants. 
May waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed. 
May waive knowledge test for successful completion of rider ed. 
Eye Protection 
Required by law. 
Daytime Use Of Headlight 
Required by law. 
Passenger Seat 
Required if carrying a passenger. 
Passenger Footrests 
Required if carrying a passenger. 
Mirror 
Required by law. 
Periodic Safety Inspection 
Required by law. 
65 MPH Speed Limit 
In effect on designated rural interstate highways