Your Guide to DOT-approved Motorcycle Helmets: Indiana Helmet Law

As motorcycle enthusiasts and safety advocates, McGlone Law is committed to keeping Indiana riders informed about helmet laws and safety standards. This guide will walk you through Indiana’s helmet laws, explain what makes a helmet DOT-approved, and provide crucial statistics on motorcycle accidents in our state.

Indiana Helmet Laws: What You Need to Know

Indiana’s motorcycle helmet law is relatively lenient compared to some other states. Here are the key points:

1. Riders aged 18 and older who have a motorcycle license endorsement and a driver’s license are not required by law to wear a helmet.
2. Riders aged 18 and older who only have a motorcycle learner’s permit and a driver’s license are required to wear a helmet until they receive a motorcycle license endorsement.
3. All riders under 18 must wear a helmet, regardless of whether they are operating the motorcycle or riding as a passenger.
4. All riders, regardless of age, must wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or a face shield, unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.

While the law doesn’t mandate helmet use for many adult riders, we at McGlone Law strongly recommend wearing a DOT-approved helmet for every ride, regardless of your age or experience level.

What Makes a Helmet DOT-Approved?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) sets safety standards for motorcycle helmets sold in the United States. A DOT-approved helmet meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Here are the key features of a DOT-approved helmet:

1. Inner Liner: Must be at least 3/4 inch thick of firm polystyrene foam.
2. Outer Shell: Strong enough to distribute impact and resist penetration.
3. Chin Strap: Must be securely fastened and made of sturdy material.
4. Weight: Typically about 3 pounds for a full-face helmet.
5. Design: No protruding objects more than 1/5 inch from the surface.

How to Identify a DOT-Approved Helmet

Look for these indicators to ensure your helmet is DOT-approved:

1. DOT Sticker: A genuine DOT-approved helmet will have a sticker on the back with the letters “DOT.”
2. Manufacturer’s Labeling: Inside the helmet, there should be a label with the manufacturer’s name, model, size, month, and year of manufacture.
3. Snug Fit: The helmet should fit snugly all around your head without any loose spaces.
4. Face Shield: If present, it should be free from any defects that could obstruct vision.

Remember, a novelty helmet or one that feels unusually light is likely not DOT-approved and won’t provide adequate protection in a crash.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Indiana

Understanding the risks associated with motorcycle riding can help emphasize the importance of wearing a DOT-approved helmet. Recent statistics from 2022 provide valuable insights into helmet use and its impact on rider safety in Indiana:

• Among motorcyclists involved in collisions, 37% of those not wearing helmets either died or had incapacitating injuries, compared to 35% of those wearing helmets.
• Helmet use is generally associated with lower injury and fatality rates among motorcyclists in collisions.
• In 2022, 34% of female and 31% of male motorcyclists who sustained fatal or incapacitating injuries were wearing helmets.
• Age plays a role in helmet use:
  • Male motorcyclists aged 45-54 had the lowest rate of helmet use in all collisions at 22%.
  • Female motorcyclists aged 35-44 had the lowest rate of helmet use at 24%.
  • The lowest rates of helmet use among those with fatal or incapacitating injuries were females aged 15-20 and 35-44, and males aged 45-54 and 55-64.
• Location matters: Motorcyclists involved in collisions in rural, suburban, and exurban areas had higher rates of helmet use than those in urban areas.
• However, motorcyclists killed in suburban collisions had a lower rate of helmet use compared to those in urban, exurban, and rural areas.

These statistics underscore the critical role that helmets play in protecting riders. A DOT-approved helmet is estimated to be 37% effective in preventing motorcycle fatalities and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. Remember, no matter how experienced you are, everyone is susceptible to accidents. 

Our Team is Here to Help

While Indiana law doesn’t require all riders to wear helmets, the evidence is clear: wearing a DOT-approved helmet significantly increases your chances of surviving a motorcycle crash and avoiding severe head injuries. At McGlone Law, we encourage all riders to prioritize safety and always wear a properly fitted, DOT-approved helmet.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident or have questions about Indiana’s motorcycle laws, don’t hesitate to contact McGlone Law. Our experienced team is here to provide the legal guidance and support you need.