Maryland Motorcycle Helmet Law

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  Please e-mail us if you believe our Maryland motorcycle helmet law information is out of date or otherwise incorrect.

Maryland has full motorcycle helmet laws for all motorcycle riders!

STATUTE: Title 21. Motor Vehicles -- Rules of the Road. Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles. Section 21-1306. Equipment for Riders. . . . (b) Required headgear. : 
"An individual may not operate or ride on a motorcycle unless the individual is wearing protective headgear that meets the standards established by the Administrator. . . ."

FINE:If you have information about the amount of the fine for violating Maryland's helmet law, please e-mail it to us. Thanks.

STANDARDS: Title 21. Motor Vehicles -- Rules of the Road. Subtitle 13. Operation of Motorcycles. Section 21-1306. Equipment for Riders. . . . (d) Approval of Protective Devices by Administrator. : 
"The Administrator: 
"(1) May approve or disapprove protective headgear and eye-protective devices required by this section;

"(2) May adopt and enforce regulations establishing standards and specifications for the approval of protective headgear and eye-protective devices; and

"(3) Shall publish lists of all protective headgear and eye-protective devices that he approves, by name and type."

MISCELLANEOUS MARYLAND MOTORCYCLE LAWS

State Funded Rider Education 
Available for all eligible applicants. 
Required under age 18. 
Eye Protection 
Required unless equipped with wind screen. 
Passenger Seat 
Required if carrying a passenger. 
Passenger Footrests 
Required if carrying a passenger. 
Helmet Speakers 
Single earphone only. 
Mirror 
Left and right required by law. 
Periodic Safety Inspection 
Required by law upon title transfer. 
65 MPH Speed Limit 
In effect on designated rural interstate highways. 

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

According to the Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 49B, Section 8, titled Discrimination by persons, businesses, etc., licensed or regulated by Department of Licensing and Regulation, "(i) t It is unlawful for any person, business, corporation, partnership, copartnership or association or any other individual, agent, employee or association or any other individual, agent, employee, group or firm which is licensed or regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulation... to refuse, withhold, deny or discriminate against any person the accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, sales, or services because of the race, sex creed, color, national origin, marital status, or physical or mental handicap of any person."

The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971) that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays writing or designs. In addition, 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 could be subject to lawsuit Any person has a right to prosecute a civil action for injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief, including the award of compensatory monetary damages.