Scooter riders in Select US States to Remain Helmet-Free in 2025, Despite Safety Concerns
As of 2025, riders in Iowa, Illinois, and New Hampshire will legally be able to operate scooters and motorcycles without a helmet. This surprising exception to the growing global trend towards mandatory helmet laws highlights a continuing debate between personal freedom and road safety. While Italy introduced nationwide helmet requirements in 2000 – drastically reducing fatal motorcycle accidents - certain US states maintain a different approach.
The Italian Highway code currently carries penalties for helmet violations, ranging from fines of €80 to €323, a 5-point license deduction, and potential vehicle impoundment for repeat offenders. Despite these measures, legal challenges sometimes arise where helmet non-use becomes a factor in accident disputes.
However, the situation differs significantly across the Atlantic. Iowa and Illinois have no helmet laws for riders of any age.New Hampshire mandates helmet use for riders under 18, but allows adults to ride without protection.
These exceptions remain in place despite data demonstrating the life-saving benefits of helmets. The introduction of mandatory helmet laws in Italy in 2000 demonstrably reduced the number of fatal motorcycle accidents, proving its effectiveness as a critical safety measure. The continued allowance of helmetless riding in these US states continues to spark debate regarding responsible road use and individual liberties.
