New York State does in fact have a helmet law requiring all riders and passengers on a motorcycle to wear a helmet approved under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Section 571.218.
Motorcycle Helmets Are REQUIRED in New York State
New York’s helmet law is found in the Vehicle and Traffic Law at Section 381(6), which states as follows:
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. The commissioner is hereby authorized and directed to adopt regulations for helmets which are consistent with the requirements as specified in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended. The police authorities of a city, town or village may issue a permit exempting members of organizations sponsoring or conducting parades or other public exhibitions from the provisions of this subdivision while such members are participating in such parades or other public exhibitions.
In addition to the requirement that all drivers and passengers wear an approved helmet, operators of a motorcycle are also required to wear goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the Commission of Motor Vehicles. See NY Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 381(7). (more…)