Louisiana Motorcycle Helmet Law

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  Please e-mail us if you believe our Louisiana motorcycle helmet law information is out of date or otherwise incorrect.

Louisiana has a Mandatory Helmet Laws for all Riders!

STATUTE: 
Title 32. Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation. Chapter 1. Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act. Part IV. Traffic Regulations. Subpart G. Operation of Motorcycles, Motor-driven Cycles and Bicycles. Section 190. Safety Helmets. :

"A.(1) No person shall operate or ride upon any motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized bicycle unless the person is equipped with and is wearing on the head a safety helmet of the type and design manufactured for use by operators of such vehicles, which shall be secured properly with a chin strap while the vehicle is in motion. . . ."

FINE: 
Title 32. Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation. Chapter 1. Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act. Part IV. Traffic Regulations. Subpart G. Operation of Motorcycles, Motor-driven Cycles and Bicycles. Section 190. Safety Helmets. :

"F. Any person who violates any provision of this Section shall upon conviction be fined fifty dollars which shall include all costs of court. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, no other cost or fee shall be assessed against any person for a violation of this Section."

STANDARDS: 
Title 32. Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation. Chapter 1. Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act. Part IV. Traffic Regulations. Subpart G. Operation of Motorcycles, Motor-driven Cycles and Bicycles. Section 190. Safety Helmets. : 
"A. . . . All . . . safety helmets shall consist of lining, padding, visor, and chin strap and shall meet such other specifications as shall be established by the commissioner. 
"B. It shall be unlawful to manufacture, sell, or distribute any protective helmet for use by the operator of a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized bicycle, or for use by the passenger thereon, unless such protective helmet is of a type and specification approved by the commissioner who shall publish a notice of such approval.

MISCELLANEOUS LOUISIANA MOTORCYCLE LAWS

State Funded Rider Education 
Available for all eligible applicants. 
May waive skills test for successful completion of rider ed. 
Eye Protection 
Required unless equipped with wind screen. 
Daytime Use Of Headlight 
Modulating headlight permitted. 
Passenger Seat 
Required if carrying a passenger. 
Passenger Footrests 
Required if carrying a passenger. 
Mirror 
Left mirror required by law. 
Periodic Safety Inspection 
Required by law. 
65 MPH Speed Limit 
In effect on designated rural interstate highways. 

LOUISIANA: DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL

Article I, Section 12 of the Louisiana Constitution, states that "In access to public areas, accommodations, and facilities, every person shall be free from discrimination based on race, religion, or national ancestry and from arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable discrimination based on age, sex, or physical condition. The DECLARATION OF RIGHTS found in the Louisiana Constitution has as its stated purpose the securing of justice for all people and protecting individual rights including equal protection of the law and freedom of association.

The United States Supreme Court in the case of Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971), held that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays writing or designs. The right of an individual to freedom of association has long been recognized and protected by the United States Supreme Court Thus, a person's right to wear the clothing of his choice, as well as his right to belong to any club or organization of his choice is constitutionally protected and persons or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to lawsuit.