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Missouri Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Conditional: Missouri requires a helmet for riders under 26 and for any permit holder.

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Missouri requires a helmet for riders under 26 and for any permit holder. Riders 26 and older may go without one. See RSMo 302.020.

Official source: revisor.mo.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering Missouri

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArkansasConditional
Arkansas requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 21. See Ark. Code 27-20-104.
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
IllinoisPermitted
Illinois has no motorcycle helmet requirement at any age — only eye protection is required. See 625 ILCS 5/11-1404.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →
IowaPermitted
Iowa has no motorcycle helmet requirement at any age for riding on the road. See Iowa Code 321.275.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legis.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
KansasConditional
Kansas requires a helmet only for operators and passengers under 18. See Kan. Stat. 8-1598.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ksrevisor.gov · Full Kansas rule →
KentuckyConditional
Kentucky requires a helmet for riders under 21, for permit holders, and for anyone licensed less than a year. See KRS 189.285.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
NebraskaConditional
Since a 2024 change (LB1004), Nebraska requires a helmet unless the rider is 21 or older, holds a Class M license, and has completed an approved safety course. See Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,279.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
OklahomaConditional
Oklahoma requires a helmet only for riders under 18; adults are exempt. See 47 O.S. 12-609.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: oscn.net · Full Oklahoma rule →
TennesseeRestricted
In Tennessee, every motorcycle driver and passenger must wear a crash helmet. See TCA 55-9-302.
Verified Aug 2, 2026 · Source: capitol.tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →

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