Who must wear a helmet in Massachusetts, the penalties for not wearing one, and the eye-protection rules every rider should know.
Massachusetts has a universal motorcycle helmet law. Every operator and every passenger must wear a helmet that meets the US DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, regardless of age, experience, or insurance status (p.9, 20).
Helmets meeting this standard carry US DOT certification stickers on the interior and exterior. According to NHTSA, helmet use is effective about 67% of the time in preventing brain injury (p.20).
There is no adult exemption in Massachusetts. If you are on a motorcycle — operating it or riding as a passenger — you must wear a DOT-compliant FMVSS 218 helmet.
The same helmet requirement applies to riders and passengers of mopeds (motorized bicycles) and motorized scooters under Massachusetts law (p.4-5).
Riding without a required helmet — or carrying a passenger who is not wearing one — violates Massachusetts law and can bring a fine and other penalties. Because the law also covers passengers, an operator can be held responsible for an unhelmeted passenger. The RMV can also refuse or cancel a road test if you are not properly equipped. Confirm current penalty amounts with the Massachusetts RMV.
Separate from the helmet rule, when operating a motorcycle you must wear eyeglasses, goggles, or a protective face shield — unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen (p.9).
A face shield protects your whole face, while goggles protect only your eyes; a windshield is not a substitute for a face shield or goggles. Never wear tinted eye protection at night or when little light is available (p.13).
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: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. 18 of 25 (72%) to pass, with a 25-minute time limit. Massachusetts has one of the lowest passing thresholds in the country.