Is there a law in Florida that requires motorcyclist, and those on a moped or motor scooter to wear a helmet? The answer is yes and no.
“Florida’s helmet law is unique which causes confusion among riders,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent motorcycle insurance agency.
Florida’s helmet law was repealed in 2000. The current law is as follows: Any rider under 21 years of age must wear a helmet. If you are over 21 and licensed to operate a motorcycle in Florida, you have options. If you choose to wear a helmet, motorcycle insurance is not required. However, if you choose to ride without a helmet, motorcycle insurance is a must. The motorcycle insurance policy must provide at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred because of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.
The helmet law also does not apply to any person 16 or older who operates or rides on a motorcycle powered by a motor with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less or is rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and which is not capable of propelling the motorcycle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
While a helmet is optional for riders over 21, eye protection is obligatory for everyone. All motorcycle drivers and riders, regardless of age must wear eye protection. Anyone who rides in an enclosed side car is not subject to Florida’s helmet or eye protection laws.
Wearing a motorcycle helmet saves lives. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reports, “In 2017 the use of motorcycle helmets saved an estimated 1,872 lives. An additional 749 lives could have been saved in 2017 if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.
There are also economic benefits to wearing a helmet and carrying motorcycle insurance. “While motorcycle insurance is not required, if a motorcyclist is charged in an accident, then they are financially responsible for injuries and property damage.” says Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.
According to The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) “Nearly $3.5 billion in economic costs and $21 billion in comprehensive costs were saved in 2017 by the use of motorcycle helmets.”
GreatFlorida Insurance gives you the true freedom to ride. Motorcycle insurance makes sense. It covers bodily injury, additional medical payments, bike damage and property damage due to accidents, theft or vandalism. Contact us today for more information.
