Who must wear a helmet in Arizona, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Arizona has a partial motorcycle helmet law. Arizona law requires motorcycle operators and passengers who are under 18 to wear a helmet that is safely secured and meets DOT standards.
A rider who is 18 or older is not required by law to wear a helmet. The Arizona Motorcycle Operator Manual nonetheless urges every rider to wear one, noting that one in five motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries and that a securely fastened, quality helmet is the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances of surviving a crash.
You must wear a helmet if you are an operator under 18 or a passenger under 18. The helmet must be DOT-approved and properly fastened.
An operator or passenger who is 18 or older may legally ride without a helmet. Because anyone under 18 must be helmeted, an adult rider who is personally exempt still must ensure any under-18 passenger wears one.
Riding or carrying a passenger without a required helmet - that is, when the operator or passenger is under 18 - is a traffic violation that can bring a fine and other penalties. Confirm current fine amounts with the Arizona MVD or local law enforcement.
Eye protection is required for every motorcycle operator in Arizona, regardless of age. The law requires protective glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield unless the motorcycle is equipped with a protective windshield. Windscreens on sport-style motorcycles are not considered protective windshields.
The manual explains that a face shield protects your whole face from wind, dust, insects and stones, while goggles protect only your eyes - and that a windshield is no substitute for either. Eye protection must be free of scratches, resistant to penetration, and not tinted for night riding.
A legal motorcycle helmet must meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS 218 standard. Look for the "DOT" certification label on the back. Helmets that meet stricter Snell or ECE standards offer additional protection. Avoid novelty helmets — they are not legal head protection.
Source: Sources differ on this state's test details; the most credible consensus is shown. Confirm with the state agency. The Arizona motorcycle knowledge test is 25 questions - 20 correct (80%) to pass. A 30-question test belongs to the standard Class G permit, not the motorcycle test, so confirm the current format with the Arizona MVD.