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West Virginia Motorcycle Helmet Law Laws (2026)

Restricted: West Virginia requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle without a secured helmet, at any age.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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West Virginia requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle without a secured helmet, at any age. See WV Code 17C-15-44.

Official source: code.wvlegislature.gov →

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

Motorcycle Helmet Law in states bordering West Virginia

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

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 →
MarylandRestricted
Maryland requires a helmet for everyone: no one may operate or ride a motorcycle without protective headgear, at any age. See Md. Transp. 21-1306.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
OhioConditional
Ohio requires a helmet only for riders under 18 and for novice riders and permit holders in their first year; riders 18 and older are otherwise exempt. See ORC 4511.53.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
Pennsylvania requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older are exempt if they have been licensed for at least two years or have completed a safety course. See 75 Pa.C.S. 3525.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective helmets. See Va. Code 46.2-910.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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