Massachusetts Motorcycle Helmet Law

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  Please e-mail us if you believe our Massachusetts motorcycle helmet law information is out of date or otherwise incorrect.

Massachusetts has full motorcycle helmet laws for all motorcycle riders!

STATUTE: Title XIV. Public Ways and Works Chapter 90. Motor Vehicles and Aircraft. Section 7. Brakes, braking systems, mufflers, horns, lights, audible warning systems, and other equipment; compliance with safety standards; stickers and emplems. : 
"Every person operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle shall wear protective head gear conforming with such minimum standards of construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe, and no person operating a motorcycle shall permit any other person to ride as a passenger on such motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to such motorcycle unless such passenger is wearing such protective head gear,. . ."

FINE:The fine is $35.00 under Chapter 90 section 7, for not wearing a helmet in the State of Massachusetts while riding a motorcycle. 

STANDARDS: Title XIV. Public Ways and Works Chapter 90. Motor Vehicles and Aircraft. Section 7. Brakes, braking systems, mufflers, horns, lights, audible warning systems, and other equipment; compliance with safety standards; stickers and emplems. : 
" . . . conforming with such minimum standards of construction and performance as the registrar may prescribe, . . ."

MISCELLANEOUS MASSACHUSETTS MOTORCYCLE LAWS

State Funded Rider Education 
Available for all eligible applicants. 
Eye Protection 
Required for instructional permit holders. 
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 
Required by law. 
Periodic Safety Inspection 
Required by law. 
65 MPH Speed Limit 
In effect on designated rural interstate highways. 

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

The Massachusetts Civil Rights Act General Laws chapter 12, section III, provides that "Any person whose exercise or enjoyment. of rights secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or of rights secured by the United States, or of rights secured by the Constitution or laws of the commonwealth, has been interfered with, may institute and prosecute a civil action for injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief, including the award of compensatory monetary damages." Additionally, General Laws, chapter 272, section 92A makes it illegal for any tavern or restaurant to display any sign or notice which discriminates against persons of any class in the full enjoyment of the accommodations offered to the general public by such taverns or restaurants. In the case of Cohen v. California 403 U.S. 15 (1971), the Supreme Court ruled 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, is protected under the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, and persons or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to lawsuit.