Find Out the Age and Helmet Rules for Motorcycle Passengers in Every US state.

I fell in love with motorcycles, dirt bikes, and racing when I was in second grade. My parents would put a helmet on me, and I’d cling to whoever was riding.

If you asked me why I loved it, it was a combination of all the experiences. Others looked at us while riding and would comment about the kid who was on the motorcycle. We’d hit country roads at high speeds, which created a big adrenaline rush.

There was also the fact that it was a way to spend time as a family.

As I’ve gotten older, it’s the last point that I’ve emphasized now that I have a family of my own. Although I don’t ride as much as I’d like because life tends to get in the way, we still try to get out there and enjoy the camaraderie of the open road.

If you’re considering taking a passenger with you on your motorcycle, it is essential to know all the laws throughout the United States, including Washington, DC. What are the minimum age requirements? Do you have safety equipment to install?

Is having children riding as motorcycle passengers in some states even legal?

Passenger Laws for Motorcycles in Every US State

This guide provides updated information about what to expect when you’re ready to ride with a passenger sharing your saddle.

This article is lengthy as it covers the laws of every state in the US. However, if you’re short on time and need quick information, refer to the table below. It contains all the essential details, such as the minimum age of passengers, helmet requirements, footrest requirements, and handhold requirements.

The table below contains all the essential details, such as the minimum age of passengers, helmet requirements and footrest requirements.

Alabama Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Passengers in this state must have a permanent seat, footrests, and a handhold or strap to use while riding.

Although there isn’t an age minimum for motorcycle passengers, they must wear helmets and appropriate footwear while on the road.

Helmets are required for all riders and passengers of any age.

Alaska Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Passengers must have a helmet and a permanent seat to ride in Alaska legally. Footpegs are a requirement, but there isn’t a minimum age to consider.

Arizona Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There is no age minimum for Arizona motorcycle passengers. Anyone riding under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.

Both the rider and passenger below 21 must wear helmets.

The operator must have a license or endorsement to carry a passenger. Those with only a permit must ride by themselves.

Arkansas Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

In Arkansas, all motorcycle passengers must be at least 8 years old. It helps to have documents verifying a child’s age while riding in case you’re pulled over and asked if you comply with this rule.

Motorcycle passengers must have access to footrests while riding, sitting astride with both feet placed in the appropriate location.

Handholds are recommended but not required.

California Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There are no laws that set age restrictions for motorcycle passengers. Their seat must be securely fastened behind the operator, which means kids cannot ride in front.

Footrests are required for motorcycle passengers in the state and must be used when the bike is in motion.

With the footrest rule, most kids must have outgrown the need to be in a car seat to ride a motorcycle as a passenger legally. That means they must be at least 4’9″.

California is one of the few states where lane splitting is legal. However, the CVC does not specify whether passengers can be on the motorcycle while riding this way.

Helmets are required at all times.

Here is the guide on how motorcycle permit works in CA.

Colorado Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Passengers in Colorado are required to ride on a seat behind or to the driver’s side in a sidecar. They are not permitted to be in front.

All passengers must use the footrests on the bike for their permanently affixed seat.

Both the motorcycle operator and the passenger must wear a DOT-approved helmet while riding.

Although there is no age requirement, the passengers must be able to utilize the safety equipment and footrests safely.

Connecticut Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

If you’re a newly licensed motorcycle operator in this state, you must wait at least 90 days before you can carry a passenger. Riders who get their license or endorsement before the age of 18 are required to wait for six months.

There is no age restriction for passengers in Connecticut.

All riders and passengers must have eye protection if the motorcycle doesn’t come equipped with a windscreen. The state’s law requires anyone under 18 to wear a helmet.

Regardless of age, anyone with an instructional permit in Connecticut must also wear a helmet while riding.

Motorcycles have decibel restrictions that must be met, which are currently at 80-84 dBa.

Delaware Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

In Delaware, the law required every adult riding as a passenger or operating a motorcycle to have a helmet in their possession. Those who are 19 or younger must wear it.

Although there is no minimum age requirement in the state for motorcycle passengers, they must use an affixed seat with installed footrests.

It is illegal for a passenger to ride in front of the operator or be in any position interfering with the operator’s ability to control the motorcycle.

Starting from September 1, 2023, all newly licensed motorcycle riders in Delaware must wear a helmet and eye protection for the first two years of having their motorcycle endorsement.

The purpose of this law is to decrease the number of motorcycle-related deaths in the state.

This law is applicable to both riders and passengers.

Florida Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Carrying passengers on motorcycles in Florida is considered unlawful unless the bike comes equipped with a designated seat. Additionally, footrests must be established for use by the additional rider.

No age minimum exists for passengers, but anyone under 21 must wear a helmet while riding.

Any listening devices brought while riding cannot interfere with your ability to heart while riding in Florida.

Georgia Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

In Georgia, all passengers must have a seat provided for them on the motorcycle. Riding in such a way that the operator would be inhibited from driving the vehicle is not allowed.

There is no age restriction. All riders and passengers are required to wear helmets.

Hawaii Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

This state requires all motorcycle passengers to be at least 7 years old. You cannot operate your bike at night if you’re on a permit and cannot bring passengers until you receive your full license.

Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet in the state. Operators must carry a minimum motorcycle insurance policy of 20/40/10.

Lane splitting is not permitted, but since 2018, two-wheeled vehicles have been allowed to drive on the shoulder.

Idaho Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

This state requires motorcycles to have permanently attached seats and footrests for passengers. Without them, only solo operations are permitted.

There aren’t any requirements for passenger age in the state.

Drivers and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets while riding motorcycles in Idaho.

Illinois Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Although there is no age requirement, motorcycle passengers are required to wear shatter-resistant eyewear if they are not behind a windshield.

The law requires passengers to sit on a designated seat and to rest a foot on the motorcycle’s footrests. If they cannot reach the pegs, only a sidecar is permitted.

There is no helmet law in Illinois.

Indiana Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

This state permits motorcycle passengers of any age. Anyone younger than 18 on a bike must wear a helmet while seated.

The handlebar height can reach up to 15 inches above the seat, but safety inspections are not mandatory. Compulsory motorcycle insurance is required.

Iowa Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There is no age restriction for motorcycle passengers in Iowa. The passenger must ride on the permanent and regular seat that is behind the operator.

It is illegal for a passenger to ride in front of the operator or be in any position interfering with the operator’s ability to control the motorcycle.

Iowa has no motorcycle helmet laws and no fines for not wearing safety equipment.

Kansas Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Kansas allows a saddle built for two to accommodate a passenger. Otherwise, a separate seat is required.

Passengers must have access to footrests, but there isn’t a minimum age requirement to follow.

The rider and passenger must be at least 18 years old to ride without a helmet.

Kentucky Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There is no age restriction for motorcycle passengers in Kentucky. If someone is under 21, they are required to wear a helmet.

Anyone over 21, including the operator, can decide to go without a helmet if they’ve held a motorcycle license for at least a year.

Mopeds are excluded from motorcycle definitions.

Louisiana Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

This state requires motorcycles to have a “permanent and uniform seat” for passengers. A single seat with the capacity to carry two people is permitted.

Children are only permitted on motorcycles if there is a fitted seat for them. With that option, the minimum age requirement is 5 years old.

Helmets are required for minors when riding as a passenger. All parties must straddle the bike to ride legally.

Maine Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Only one or two individuals are permitted to ride motorcycles in this state. The passenger must have a permanent seat.

All motorcycles must receive safety inspections and display stickers that indicate it has passed on the rear.

There is no minimum age requirement, but anyone on a motorcycle under 18 must wear a helmet.

Maryland Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Although Maryland specifically cautions against having children as motorcycle passengers, the statutes governing motorcycle use don’t have a minimum age requirement.

The bike is required to be designed to carry passengers, including footpegs or floorboards. Grab bars or a strap across the seat must be available to hold.

A specific set of passenger guidelines is available to review, including advice on riding safely while in the second position.

Massachusetts Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Every operator and passenger must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in this state. There is no minimum age requirement, but the passenger should be able to utilize the seat and safety equipment appropriately.

Michigan Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

This state requires passengers to reach the footrests when seated. There is no age restriction, but an exemption exists for those who cannot comply with this rule because of permanent physical disabilities.

Michigan requires motorcycles to be equipped with adequate seats and secure footrests. Anyone under the age of 21 is required to wear a helmet.

If you operate a moped on public roads, helmets are required for those under 19.

Minnesota Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Your motorcycle must have a passenger seat and footrests to carry someone other than the operator. Helmets are required for anyone under 18, but there isn’t a minimum age restriction.

Mississippi Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Passengers in Mississippi must follow all motorcycle laws. No age limit exists for those who can ride with an operator, but a helmet is always required.

If passengers ride without a helmet, they can face a fine of up to $100 and up to ten days in jail for the first offense. The penalties rise after each violation, and parents are responsible for the conduct of minors.

Missouri Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Although there isn’t an age restriction in Missouri, there is a specific requirement that states a child should not ride when seated between two adults.

Only one passenger per motorcycle is permitted.

All motorcycle operators and passengers must wear protective headgear at all times when the vehicle is in use.

Helmets are mandatory for riders and passengers who are 25 years old or younger in MO.

If you have a permit, you’re not allowed to carry passengers and must stay within 50 miles of your residence.

Montana Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

No age requirement exists for motorcycle passengers in Montana. A passenger seat and footrests must be installed.

Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding.

Nebraska Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There are no age restrictions for motorcycle passengers in this state. Helmets are required if the bike is operated on a highway in the state. The fine for violating the safety requirement is $50.

The motorcycle must be designed to carry passengers. Everyone on the bike must face forward while sitting.

The helmet amendment permits motorcyclists and passengers aged 21 and above who have undergone a basic certification course by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to ride without helmets from January 1, 2024.

Nevada Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Nevada has no age restriction, but all passengers must reach the footrests or footpegs on the bike. The state also mandates that each person can hold onto the rider or a designated handhold.

Helmets are required for everyone, even if you’re on a moped or a motorized scooter. If a windshield is unavailable, protective goggles or glasses are mandatory.

The helmet must weigh at least three pounds and meet other DOT requirements.

New Hampshire Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Footrests and a passenger seat are required in New Hampshire for motorcycle passengers. Though no age minimum exists, anyone under 18 must wear a helmet.

FYI, New Hampshire is one of three states, along with Illinois and Iowa, without a motorcycle helmet law.

New Jersey Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

This state has no minimum age requirement. Passengers must reach the footpegs or floorboard when seated to ride legally.

Only motorcycles designed to carry passengers can carry more than one person on public roads.

New Mexico Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Although the state doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, it does ask riders to use their common sense. Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet while the bike is in operation.

Motorcycle insurance requirements are also in place, with the liability minimums set at 25/50/10.

If the bike doesn’t have a fixed windshield, then safety goggles or glasses are required if the helmet doesn’t offer this protection.

New York Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

In 2017, the New York State Senate attempted to pass bill S530, which would require passengers on a motorcycle in New York to be at least six years old unless they’re in a sidecar. It never made it out of the transportation committee, although some advisors suggest the concept should be followed.

The state doesn’t currently have an age restriction for motorcycle passengers.

Motorcycles must be equipped with footrests for riding two-up. Passengers must be able to reach the footrests while seated.

All motorcycle riders, including passengers, are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet. The helmet must be properly fastened and securely fitted.

Passengers must ride behind the motorcycle operator and always straddle the seat with both feet on the footrests. They should avoid making sudden movements that could affect the bike’s stability.

If the motorcycle operator holds an instruction permit, they cannot carry passengers.

North Carolina Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

No rules are set for a minimum age in this state, but the motorcycle cannot carry more people than its designed capacity.

All riders must always have a helmet on while on the road. This rule includes mopeds.

North Dakota Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Even though an age restriction doesn’t exist in ND for motorcycle passengers, the bike must have equipped footrests and a specific seat. Exceptions exist for enclosed cabs and sidecars.

You’re also required to carry passengers safely and in the way they’re meant to be transported.

Ohio Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There is no minimum age requirement for passengers on motorcycles in this state. Everyone on the bike must face forward, with one leg on either side.

Helmets are required in Ohio for anyone under 18 or who has had their driver’s license or motorcycle endorsement for less than a year.

If the operator is required to wear a helmet, so is the passenger, regardless of age.

Oklahoma Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Motorcycle operators in Oklahoma must be at least 16 to carry passengers. The bike must have a 12-inch diameter or larger wheels and a double-seating device installed, including an attached sidecar or a second set of footrests.

There is no minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers to meet in the state.

Oklahoma law mandates that riders and passengers under the age of 18 must wear helmets while riding.

Oregon Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

In Oregon, passengers are only allowed behind the operator or in a sidecar in a designated seat. Although no age or size requirements exist in the state, all passengers must wear a DOT-compliant helmet.

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

This state doesn’t have an age minimum for passengers. Unless in the sidecar, the individual must sit astride the seat, face forward, and not be in front of the operator.

One leg is required to be on each side of the motorcycle.

Helmets are required for anyone under the age of 21. Those choosing not to wear a helmet typically require protective eyewear.

Rhode Island Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Although there isn’t an age restriction in Rhode Island for motorcycle passengers, anyone younger than 12 must be in a seat with a secured backrest. The state also requires all passengers to reach the footrests on the bike.

South Carolina Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Riders younger than 21 need to wear a helmet under SC’s motorcycle laws, but there isn’t an age restriction for passengers.

The motorcycle must have a designated passenger seat and footpegs.

South Dakota Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There is no age restriction for motorcycle passengers in South Dakota. Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Footpegs and a passenger seat are mandatory.

Tennessee Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

This state requires footpegs and a passenger seat, but there isn’t a minimum age for passengers.

All riders must face forward. Crash helmets are required, regardless of age.

Minors on a restricted license or permit are not allowed to carry passengers with them. Those under 18 must have signed permission from their parents to operate a bike.

Texas Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

In Texas, motorcycle passengers must be at least 5 years old before they can ride with a licensed operator. Some exceptions apply, such as in an emergency or for law enforcement requirements.

Kids under five can be motorcycle passengers if there is a sidecar attached.

If you’re over age 21, you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet after you’ve completed a safety course and prove you’re carrying enough medical insurance. Passengers can also follow this rule.

Anyone riding a motorcycle as a passenger must not hold a license or endorsement in the state.

Violating the rules in Texas can result in fines of up to $200 for each misdemeanor offense.

Utah Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

For Utah motorcyclists, passengers are only permitted if the bike is built to carry more than one rider. You’re required to sit in a normal position while driving on public roads.

Passengers cannot interfere with the rider’s ability to maintain visibility or control the vehicle. That means kids cannot be in front of the operator.

Helmets are required for everyone under the age of 21.

Vermont Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

No age requirement for passengers is set in Vermont. Operators and passengers are required to wear helmets and some form of eye protection, like a face shield, goggles, or glasses with lenses made of safety glass or plastic.

Passengers should be seated astride the motorcycle and not interfere with the operator’s bike control.

Virginia Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There are no specific age restrictions for motorcycle passengers. However, it is advisable for passengers to be old enough to reach the footrests and hold onto the motorcycle’s handholds securely. There must be a passenger seat securely mounted to the frame.

Both motorcycle operators and passengers in Virginia must wear a helmet that complies with the standards set by the Department of Transportation. Eye protection is also needed.

Passengers should hold onto the operator or the motorcycle’s handholds, if available.

Washington Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Passengers must legally ride on a motorcycle in Washington at least 5 years old. There is no limit on the number of people a bike can carry, but a permanent and regular seat must be attached to the bike with footrests.

Washington State has a universal helmet law for all riders. Some exceptions apply.

Washington, D.C. Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

The nation’s capital has no specific age limit for motorcycle passenger statutes.

The bike must be equipped with footrests and a passenger seat. All parties require helmet use and must have a DOT-approved sticker or label indicating compliance.

West Virginia Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

There isn’t a minimum age for motorcycle passenger requirement in WV for motorcycle passengers. Your motorcycle must have a passenger seat and footpegs for others to ride with you legally.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Wisconsin allows passengers of any age, but the motorcycle must come equipped with a passenger seat and foot pegs.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Wisconsin state law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a helmet that meets the standards established by the Department of Transportation.

There is no minimum age for motorcycle passengers in Wisconsin.

Both the rider and passenger must wear helmets if they are under 18.

Wyoming Motorcycle Rules for Passengers

Passengers of any age are permitted in this state.

In Wyoming, the motorcycle must be built to accommodate more than one person. It is illegal to carry a passenger with a single saddle. Footrests must be available for an additional rider.

You’re not allowed to carry any person while riding or have a passenger be in a position that interferes with the bike’s safe operations. That includes having a child in the front.

Passengers aren’t permitted for those on a learning permit.

The helmet is only required for riders and passengers aged 17 or younger in Wyoming, except for mopeds.

Note:

Some states may have additional rules and regulations not listed here. It is important to always check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information.

FAQ About Riding as a Motorcycle Passenger

Whether you’re finding information about child motorcycle passenger laws or want to know the current age restrictions, these questions often arise. Here are the answers you need.