Idaho requires all motorcyclists under 18 to wear helmets. The Idaho motorcycle helmet laws play a key role in determining liability and potential compensation after a crash. Knowing how this law works can help you navigate a potential legal claim after an injury.
The skilled personal injury lawyers at Feller & Wendt, LLC™ know Idaho’s motorcycle helmet laws well and can provide important information about how wearing a helmet could impact how fault is assigned in your case and how much you may be able to recover.
Do I Need a Motorcycle License in Idaho, and How Do I Get One?
You need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license to ride a motorcycle in Idaho. You must pass a written knowledge test and a motorcycle skills test through the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles to get the endorsement.
You can waive the skills test portion by completing a qualifying Skills Training Advantage for Riders or STAR course. Riders under 21 years old are required to complete a STAR course. After completion, you’ll receive a printed card to present when applying for your motorcycle endorsement.
What Are Idaho’s Current Motorcycle Helmet Requirements?
Idaho does not have a universal helmet law. The state only requires helmets for motorcyclists under 18 years old.
Both passengers and operators under the age limit are required to wear a motorcycle helmet. Helmets for riders under 18 must be DOT compliant.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Motorcycle helmet laws in Idaho don’t apply to moped riders. State law defines a moped as having the following features:
- Engine displacement of 50 cc or less
- Brake horsepower under two
- Maximum speed of 30 mph
How Does Not Wearing a Helmet Affect Your Legal Rights?
Idaho uses a modified comparative negligence system for personal injury claims. Under this system, you and the other parties involved in the accident will be assigned a percentage of fault. You are only eligible for compensation if you’re less than 50 percent at fault for your motorcycle accident. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Not wearing a helmet may increase your percentage of fault, especially if you suffered a head injury. The at-fault party’s insurance company may argue that you could have prevented or lessened your injuries if you had worn a helmet.
This could happen even if you weren’t legally required to wear a helmet under Idaho law, which can significantly reduce your compensation. The insurer may even deny your claim if you weren’t wearing a helmet.
Whether or not a helmet was worn could impact how fault is assigned and how much you can recover in a personal injury claim. It’s worth discussing your situation with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.
What Safety Equipment Should Idaho Motorcyclists Use?
Wearing a motorcycle helmet is just one piece of the safety puzzle. Using other types of gear and performing proper maintenance are also key safety measures.
Choosing a DOT-Certified Helmet & Types of Helmets
Always wear a DOT-certified motorcycle helmet. This type of helmet will have a DOT symbol on the outside back. DOT-certified helmets meet strict safety regulations, and wearing one could save your life.
Use caution when choosing a helmet. Many retailers sell novelty helmets that violate DOT requirements, and some motorcycle helmets have fake DOT labels, so make sure your helmet comes from a reputable retailer.
Choose a helmet that fits the size and shape of your head. Motorcycle helmet shapes typically include round oval, intermediate oval, or long oval to fit various head shapes. Be sure to measure your head and choose the appropriate size based on the manufacturer’s size chart. A well-fitting helmet won’t move when you shake your head, and it may even feel slightly tight, but not uncomfortable.
Consider the helmet’s style as well:
- Full-face helmets cover the entire head and face, including the eyes. This style offers the most protection against head, face, and neck injuries and is recommended for safe motorcycle riding.
- Open-face helmets cover the back and top of the head. They leave the face vulnerable to direct impact.
- Half helmets cover the top of the head, exposing the face, neck, and back of the head to impact with the road or objects.
Additional Recommended Safety Gear
A proper helmet can protect you from head and neck injuries, but it’s also important to wear other safety gear, including:
- Full-fingered gloves
- Sturdy over-the-ankle boots with oil-resistant soles
- A leather or abrasion-resistant jacket with a zippered front, snug cuffs, and a close-fitting collar
- Leather or abrasion-resistant pants that have a close-fitting waist and cover all parts of the leg, including the ankle
When choosing gear, consider visibility. Wear brightly colored gear, a retroreflective vest, or clothing with reflective tape.
Basic Maintenance Requirements
Proper motorcycle helmet maintenance allows it to continue protecting you as it was designed to do. Keep these maintenance tips in mind:
- Clean the visor each time you ride.
- Tighten the straps before every ride in case they loosen in storage.
- Replace the visor if it’s scratched.
- Replace your helmet if it’s been in a crash.
- Replace your helmet every five years, even if it hasn’t been involved in a crash or sustained any damage.
How Can Feller & Wendt, LLC™ Help With Your Idaho Motorcycle Accident Case?
The insurance company will do everything possible to minimize your compensation after a motorcycle accident. It has a stronger case against you if you weren’t wearing a helmet. You’re likely still eligible for compensation if you weren’t wearing one, and it may take some negotiation to get what you deserve.
That’s where we come in. Our personal injury lawyers have a thorough understanding of Idaho motorcycle helmet law and can help you seek maximum compensation for your damages. We can investigate liability, gather strong evidence, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
With case results demonstrating our success with traffic collision cases and countless positive client testimonials, we have what it takes to fight for a favorable outcome. Contact Feller & Wendt, LLC™ to get started with a free consultation.
*This information provided by Feller & Wendt, LLC™ is for informational purposes only and should be in no way construed as legal advice.
