← Wisconsin driving laws›Motorcycle Helmet Law

Wisconsin Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Conditional: Wisconsin requires a helmet for riders under 18 and for anyone riding on an instructional permit; licensed riders 18 and older are exempt.

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

Vehicle rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Wisconsin requires a helmet for riders under 18 and for anyone riding on an instructional permit; licensed riders 18 and older are exempt. See Wis. Stat. 347.485.

Official source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov →

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

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering Wisconsin

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

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 →
MichiganConditional
Michigan requires a helmet unless the rider is 21 or older, has held a motorcycle endorsement for two years or completed a safety course, and carries $20,000 in first-party medical insurance. See MCL 257.658.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legislature.mi.gov · Full Michigan rule →
MinnesotaConditional
Minnesota requires a helmet only for riders under 18 and for anyone riding on a motorcycle instruction permit. See Minn. Stat. 169.974.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: revisor.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Wisconsin vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.